Where are your gods?

Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Jeremiah 2:26-32 

26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, 
27 Saying to a stock, Thou [art] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. 
28 But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. 
29 Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD. 
30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. 
31 O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? 
32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is Israel's shame like, according to the Lord? (v.26)
2) Why should Israel be ashamed? (v.27)
3) Why was Israel foolish in depending on their other gods (idols)? (v.28)
4) Why was it foolish for Israel to cry out to God? (v.29)
5) What had the Lord done in vain and why? (v.30)
6) What was Israel's ultimate transgression against the Lord? (v.31-32)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever felt that you could handle life on your own terms and forgotten about the Lord? If so, describe one such time.
8) What are the idols (the things you place above God) in your life?
9) Will you forsake your idols and return to your Creator?

PRINCIPLES
10) An idol is any person, place, or thing that is more important to you than God.
11) God expects His children to live in complete dependence upon Him.
12) When Christians live independent of Christ, we forfeit His guidance and blessings.