Ask For The Old Paths - Jeremiah 6:16

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Introduction.

1. The Old Testament is filled with many lessons for the Christians

a. It was written for our learning - Romans 15:4

b. It was written for our admonition - I Corinthians 10:11

2. One such lesson is that found in the days of Jeremiah

a. A time of religious and social turmoil

b. The nation of Israel was being pulled in many directions

Body.

I. ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS

A. THE LORD MAKES HIS PLEA

1. Stand in the ways and see - Jeremiah 6:16

a. There is not just one path

b. There are many directions one might follow

2. Ask for the old paths - Jeremiah 6:16

a. The old way is often the best way

b. Such is certainly the case here

3. Where the good way is - Jeremiah 6:16

a. Not all paths lead to the good way

b. In this case, the old paths led back to the Law of Moses - Jeremiah 7:22-24

B. JESUS MAKES A SIMILAR PLEA TODAY

1. To strive to enter the right path - Luke 13:24

a. With a gate that is narrow, and not easily entered

b. Where there is only one way to the Father - John 14:6; Acts 4:12

2. For there are other, broad, ways that one might follow - Matthew 7:13

a. A way that many follow

b. A way that leads to destruction

3. Yet the way Jesus offers is a good way

a. One that likewise offers rest for our souls - Matthew 11:28

b. In this case, the way leads back to words of Jesus - Matthew 11:29

II. THEY WANTED NEW PATHWAYS

A. ISRAEL HAD STUMBLED

1. Why? Because they had forgotten God - Jeremiah 18:15

2. Though God had revealed Himself and His will long before

3. He had established a highway for them to follow

4. Instead, they had turned to many of the side pathways

B. GOD'S PEOPLE FACE SIMILAR DANGERS TODAY

1. Jesus established a highway for us to follow

a. His words, doctrine, commandments - Matthew 11:29

b. Communicated through His apostles - Matthew 28:20

c. Aided by the Holy Spirit - John 16:12-13

d. Which the early disciples were careful to follow - Acts 2:42

e. Which the Christians were commanded to follow - II Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6

2. Yet there are man pathways that would lead us astray

a. Such as doctrines of men - Matthew 15:9

b. Such as philosophies of men - Colossians 2:8

c. Such as a new gospel

III. SET UP SIGNPOSTS, MAKE LANDMARKS

A. THIS WAS THE SOLUTION FOR ISRAEL

1. To set up road marks which would direct them back to the right way - Jeremiah 31:21

2. For them, these signposts and landmarks was the Law of Moses

a. To which they were not to add or take way - Deuteronomy 4:1-2

b. Which they were to teach every generation - Deuteronomy 4:9

B. THIS IS THE SOLUTION FOR US TODAY

1. To set up road marks which lead us to the right way

2. For us, these signposts and landmarks are found in:

a. The apostles' doctrine, received as God's Word - Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 14:37; I Thessalonians 2:13

b. For they contain the doctrine of Christ, without which we cannot have God - II John 9

Conclusion.

1. Do you desire to have rest for your soul?

a. Freedom from sin, freedom from guilt?

b. With inner peace and tranquility in the midst of outward turmoil?

2. The path to such rest is an old path

a. Found only in Him who lived and died for our sins nearly 2000 years ago

b. Whose doctrine has been faithfully preserved by His apostles in the New Testament

3. If you are stumbling around in life, then ask for the old paths that will lead you back to God!

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P.O. Box 307408, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 • Meeting at 7816 Havens Road, Blacklick, Ohio

10/05/2012