The sermon titled "This Is Not Home" by John Chapman focuses on the theological concept of spiritual longing and the trials that arise from sin. The key argument centers around the idea that the Israelites were in Babylonian captivity due to their disobedience, as discussed in 2 Chronicles 36, underscoring the belief that much of human suffering stems from personal sin. Chapman references Psalm 137 to illustrate the sorrow experienced by God's people in a foreign land, expressing that their lamentation signifies a deeper spiritual estrangement from God. The practical significance lies in the encouragement for believers to recognize their identity in Christ and resist the allure of worldly pleasures, remembering that they are citizens of heaven, not of this world.
Key Quotes
“Can we not say that most of our trouble comes from our own sinfulness?”
“To forget this is to forget Christ. This is the body of Christ.”
“Our one pleasure is the Lord Jesus Christ. The world has many rivers, many pleasures.”
“If seeing the praises of God with His people is not my chief joy, then don't let me enjoy anything else.”
The Bible teaches that our sins lead to suffering and separation from God, as seen in the captivity of God's people in Babylon.
In examining the reason for God's people's captivity in Babylon, we find that their sins were the root cause. In 2 Chronicles 36, we see that King Zedekiah and the people transgressed against God, which led to their exile. The inhabitants of Jerusalem brought worldly abominations into God’s house, which provoked the Lord’s anger and resulted in their being carried away. This pattern illustrates a key aspect of God’s dealings with His people: often, our trials stem from our own sinfulness. The realization that many of our life’s troubles are consequences of our unfaithfulness should motivate us toward repentance and renewed faithfulness to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 36, Psalm 30:5
Jerusalem represents the body of Christ, and remembering it helps Christians maintain their joy and commitment to God's community.
In the context of Psalm 137, the weeping of God's people while in Babylon underscores the significance of Jerusalem, which symbolizes the church and the presence of God. The psalmist's lament, 'How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?' highlights that worship and fellowship within the body of Christ are central to their identity and joy. Forgetting Jerusalem means a loss of appreciation for God's dwelling place and the fellowship of believers. Consequently, remembering Jerusalem is crucial for sustaining our spiritual vitality and joy in the Lord, as it calls us to value the corporate worship and love that we share as members of the body of Christ.
Psalm 137, 1 Corinthians 12:27
God disciplines His people through chastening, which reveals His love and aims to bring them back to Himself.
Hebrews 12:11 explains that no chastening seems joyful at the time, but it ultimately yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it. Discipline is a vital aspect of God's relationship with His people, reflecting His deep love and concern for their spiritual well-being. As seen in the captivity of the Israelites, God's chastening often serves to remind His people of the serious consequences of sin. It is not for punishment alone but for correction, driving believers to repent and return to a closer walk with Him. Thus, chastening should lead us to appreciate God’s love and the seriousness of our sinfulness, acknowledging it as part of His sovereign grace.
Hebrews 12:11, Psalm 30:5
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