What does Jeremiah 11:6 teach about the importance of obeying God's covenant? Setting the Scene Jeremiah stands in a covenant lawsuit setting. Judah has drifted from the commitments made at Sinai, and God sends Jeremiah to call the people back to literal, wholehearted obedience. Key Verse (Jeremiah 11:6) “Then the LORD said to me, ‘Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem: “Hear the words of this covenant and carry them out.”’ ” Core Truths About Obeying God’s Covenant • God’s covenant commands are meant to be heard and heeded, not merely admired. • Obedience is public: the message is proclaimed “in the cities… and in the streets,” underscoring community accountability. • The imperative “carry them out” shows that covenant faithfulness is measured in action, not intention. • God Himself initiates the call; obedience is a response to His revealed word, highlighting His authority. Why This Matters Today • Covenant obedience is still the marker of genuine relationship with God (John 14:15). • Public faithfulness witnesses to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). • Disregarding God’s terms invites discipline just as surely now as then (Hebrews 12:6). Practical Takeaways – Regularly expose yourself to Scripture so you can “hear” the covenant afresh. – Translate what you learn into concrete steps—ask, “How will I carry this out today?” – Encourage community obedience; talk about the Word openly in your home, church, and marketplace. – Remember that blessing is tied to obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1–2; James 1:25). Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 28:1—“If you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commandments… the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” • Joshua 1:8—“This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night… For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.” • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Summary Jeremiah 11:6 plainly underscores that God expects His covenant people to listen and live out His commands. Hearing without doing is disobedience; obedience is both personal and public, and it remains the pathway to blessing and authentic fellowship with the Lord. |
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