Introduction
Q. What is more important: the way we begin in life or the way we end it?
ILLUSTRATION: The words of Solomon.
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PROPHET JEREMIAH
- God has lessons to teach us (e.g. the ANT).
- The potter's work described.
- The damaged pot - remade.
- The damaged life - repaired.
ILLUSTRATION: The child's question, "What is God doing?"
DOCTRINE: God can mend the things that go wrong in this life.
PEOPLE CAN TURN OUT DIFFERENTLY FROM WHAT WE THOUGHT
- People's lives can go badly wrong - they may start out well...and then live badly for a time:
- A man who was very kind - later unkind.
- A preacher of promise->alcohol.
- A converted person->strange behaviour.
- A fine young man ->disappointing.
- How are we to explain these changes?
- Satan catches them: alcoholism.
- Sin can lie dormant and then awake, eg. secret sins come to light.
- Temptation fascinates them and they "play with fire".
ILLUSTRATION: a fly in the window.
GOD CAN IN THIS LIFE MEND OUR SOUL
- This is the lesson which God draws: v.6.
- We are all clay in God's hand
- God shows what happens when people change - two ways it can happen:
- v. 7-8: The sinner may repent.
- v. 9-10: The religious may backslide.
APPLICATION: See what God says of these two. Has this not got a message for you at this time?
GOD'S WAY OF MENDING THE SOUL IS THE GOSPEL
- The Saviour lifted up: John 3:14-15
ILLUSTRATION: Zinzendorf.
APPLICATION: The Centurion is your example.
- Christ is the City of Refuge: Explain.
APPLICATION: Justice is chasing every sinner.
ILLUSTRATION: The police-car driven by a friend.
- The Holy Spirit purifies the heart: see case of Naaman and his cleansing.
APPLICATION: Has God mended your soul?
ENCOURAGEMENTS TO COME TO THE POTTER
- He can mend nations (v. 7-10).
- He has mended millions of souls already.
- Your soul is very precious.
CONCLUSIONS
Look again in the potter's house. Ask the heavenly Potter for a new heart.