Judah would experience consequences for continued rejection of God and his word. Jer. 8:2, 9 They loved and served idols rather than the God who loved them. Religious leaders gave people false hope by comforting them in their sin Jer. 8:11.
Deception leads to destruction. Forsaking God begins by compromising our commitment to him.
1 Pet. 5:8 Don’t compromise with the deceiver, the devourer.
Jer. 8:20, 21 As a perfect Father, God grieves when his sons and daughters go astray.
8:22 Balm from Gilead was a superior quality of soothing, fragrant, medicine. Yes, there is a balm available and a great physician who heals the sin-sick soul.
Jesus forgives and frees us from sin and restores us to close fellowship with our Father in heaven. He paid for the cure and cleansing of our sins by his death on the cross and his victorious resurrection.
Pharaoh’s attempts to get Israel to compromise with him, are pictures of how the devil tries to deceive into compromising with him today.
I. (Don’t leave Ex. 8:25, 26) Believe Rom. 10:9
The devil wants to keep us in his kingdom and under his authority. He doesn’t care if we make religious sacrifices, as long as we don’t leave his domain.
Religion is not enough. We must believe with our heart and call on Jesus as Lord. God frees us from Satan’s kingdom and brings us into his family and kingdom.
II. (Don’t go far Ex. 8:28) All-in Mk. 12:30
The next compromise is to not go all-in for the Lord. Be a half-hearted Christian. Keep your faith to yourself. Don’t try to point others to Jesus or glorify God. That way, people may accept you and not ridicule you.
The Lord was all-in, fully committed, to save us. By his grace, and with deep gratitude, let’s love him and give him our all. This is how to be fruitful now and forever.
III. (Leave your children Ex. 10:8-11) Lead your children Eph. 6:4
The devil wants to fill the hearts and minds of our children with ungodly beliefs, values, and lifestyles. He uses the culture to disciple those in his kingdom.
We are to lead by example and disciple our sons and daughters in the word and ways of God. Let’s fight for the hearts and minds of our children by prayer with faith in God.
IV. (Leave your money Ex. 10:24-26) Maximize God’s resources Mt. 25:20, 21
Satan wants us to fund & promote his values and enslave us with debt. Our heart is linked to what we treasure.
Everything we have belongs to God. Let’s seek to maximize everything he entrusts to our management.
Col. 1:13, 14 Thank God, he rescues us from Satan’s kingdom to live in the light and love of his kingdom.
The great physician has a freeing, healing balm for compromise.
B. A. L. M. Believe. All-in. Lead. Maximize.