Disaster On The Leaders

I. EXORDIUM:

Is your church a disaster? Trace the cause from the leaders.

II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:

Church Pastors

III. OBJECTIVES:

To prove that GOD sends disasters on the shepherds/leaders of the church if that church leader destroyed and scattered the sheep

IV. TEXT:

Jeremiah 23:11-12 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

“Even the priests and prophets are ungodly, wicked men. I have seen their despicable acts right here in my own Temple,” says the Lord.

“Therefore, the paths they take will become slippery. They will be chased through the dark, and there they will fall. For I will bring disaster upon them at the time fixed for their punishment. I, the Lord, have spoken!

V. THESIS:

GOD sends disasters on the shepherds/leaders of the church if that church leader destroyed and scattered the sheep

VI. TITLE:

Disaster on the Leaders

VII. EXPLICATION:

A. Author: Jeremiah

B. Contents: Biography and message of the weeping prophet

C. Period: Dark days in the kingdom of Judah, from 13th year of Josiah (last good king) until several years beyond the captivity.

D. Main Themes: backsliding, bondage and restoration of the Jews

VIII. MAIN BODY:

A. GOD will send disaster on the shepherds/leaders (Jeremiah 23:12,Zephaniah 3:4,Ezekiel 22:25-26)

1. Disaster or evil came from the Hebrew word "rah, raw-aw" meaning "adversity", "calamity", "affliction", "distress", "sorrow" or "trouble"

Jeremiah 23:12 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

“Therefore, the paths they take will become slippery. They will be chased through the dark, and there they will fall. For I will bring disaster upon them at the time fixed for their punishment. I, the Lord, have spoken!

Zephaniah 3:4 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God’s instructions.

Ezekiel 22:25-26 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Your princes plot conspiracies just as lions stalk their prey. They devour innocent people, seizing treasures and extorting wealth. They make many widows in the land. Your priests have violated my instructions and defiled my holy things. They make no distinction between what is holy and what is not. And they do not teach my people the difference between what is ceremonially clean and unclean. They disregard my Sabbath days so that I am dishonored among them.

B. Reason: the leaders and destroyed and scattered the sheep. (Ezekiel 22:25-26,Zephaniah 3:4)

Ezekiel 22:25-26 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Your princes plot conspiracies just as lions stalk their prey. They devour innocent people, seizing treasures and extorting wealth. They make many widows in the land. Your priests have violated my instructions and defiled my holy things. They make no distinction between what is holy and what is not. And they do not teach my people the difference between what is ceremonially clean and unclean. They disregard my Sabbath days so that I am dishonored among them.

Zephaniah 3:4 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God’s instructions.

1. According to Ezekiel 22:25-26,Zephaniah 3:4, the corruptions of leaders and workers/members of the church are:

a. They plot conspiracies.

b. They devour innocent people

c. They seize treasures and extorts wealth

d. They make many widows in the land

e. They have violated GOD's instructions and defiled holy things

f. They make no distinction between holy and not

g. They don't teach the workers/members what is ceremonially clean and unclean

h. They disregard Sabbath days dishonoring the LORD

i. They are arrogant liars seeking their own gain.

j. They defile the temple by disobeying GOD's instructions

a. Both leaders and workers/members are corrupt, defile and profane according to the Hebrew word "khaw-nafe"of profane

C. What disasters?

1. Their paths will be become slippery. Prayer request of King David have been answered by GOD fulfilled on Jeremiah 23:12

Psalms 73:17-18 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.

Psalms 35:1-6 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me.

Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid.

Lift up your spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Let me hear you say, “I will give you victory!”

Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me; turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me.

Blow them away like chaff in the wind— a wind sent by the angel of the Lord.

Make their path dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

2. They will be chased thru the dark. (Jude 1:13)

Jude 1:13 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)