Jeremiah 17:5-8 Thus said the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD.… I. MAN, AS A GROUND OF TRUST. 1. In what consists this dependence upon man for the salvation of the soul? (1) In being led by the example of others to the commission of sin and neglect of God. (2) In looking for that rest in the creature which is only to be found in God. (3) In depending on our own good works, in part, for our justification before God. (4) In taking our religion from the opinions of men, instead of the Word of God. (5) In resting in the means of grace. 2. See the consequences of trusting in man. "Cursed," etc. He that does so shall be — (1) Useless "as the heath in the desert."(2) Miserable. "Shall not see when good cometh."(3) Solitary, or forsaken of God. "Shall inhabit a salt land not inhabited."(4) Cursed by Jehovah Himself. "Lord, is it I?" II. JEHOVAH, AS A GROUND OF TRUST. 1. What is meant by trusting Jehovah? With the light of this dispensation, we may safely say it embraces dependence on the atonement of Christ; and implies — (1) Knowledge of it, as a fact and doctrine of Scripture. (2) Approval of it, as adapted to our circumstances. (3) Personal reliance on it for salvation; — a "confident venture" of our souls upon it. 2. The blessedness of trusting in Jehovah. (1) Nourishment. "Planted by the waters." A Christian's source of strength is out of himself. (2) Stability. "Spreadeth out his roots."(3) Comfort. "Shall not see when heat cometh." "Shall not be careful in the year of drought."(4) Adornment. "His leaf shall be green." Beauty of the woods in early spring. "A Christian is the highest style of man" (Titus 2:10; 1 Peter 3:4). (5) Fruitfulness. "Neither shall cease from yielding fruit." (Edward Thompson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. |
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