5/31/26

Marred

Jeremiah 18:1-6

1. Israel was the nation that was marred.

   1. Romans 9:20-21 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? (21) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

   2. Israel cannot be reformed – it must be remade

      1. See Jeremiah's calling – 1:4-10

2. First, we, like Israel, cannot be reformed.

   1. We must be remade. Born again

      1. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

      2. Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

      3. Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

   2. Once the clay hardens its too late. Someday it will be too late for many

      1. Jeremiah 19:11 And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury.

3. Secondly, It is the Lord's good pleasure to make us again another vessel – v.4

4. Thirdly, The vessel does not instantly become what it is intended to be

   1. takes time – all the imperfections are being worked out

   2. Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (21) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

5. Fourthly, the final step is to be hardened... by fire

   1. then it becomes priceless to the Potter