1. Why do we sit still?
Jeremiah 8:14

2. The Context
Jeremiah was written as Judah faced destruction and captivity
Their judgment was the result of idolatry, immorality, corruption, ungodliness and apathy
Jeremiah exposes their arrogance and false hopes
He calls one last time for them to repent – which they ignore again

3. The Context
Jeremiah 8:4-17, finds the people thinking God would deliver them again.
But they are perpetually backsliding (vs. 5)
Corruption from top to bottom
Prophets and priests lie (8-9, 11)
They were not ashamed (12)
Therefore, total consumption is coming (13)

4. The Context
Jeremiah 8:14, “Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, And let us enter the fortified cities, And let us be silent there. For the Lord our God has put us to silence And given us water of gall to drink, Because we have sinned against the Lord.”
A call to repentance. Don’t sit there and do nothing!

5. Why do we sit still?
Jeremiah 8:14

6. Why do some sit still Because they don’t care –
Many realize there are problems, even within the church, but they are indifferent
Some are concerned, but not enough to do something Matthew 13:15, they close their eyes and stop their ears
WE have to care!

7. Why do some sit still Because they are waiting for directions –
Can be legitimate, but many are not self- starters
Matthew 20:1-16, parable of laborers, idle throughout the day
Matthew 25:24-26, the one talent servant
Leaders DO have responsibilities to give directions, but that is no excuse for idleness
If you see something that needs to be done, DO IT, rather than complain and criticize

8. Why do some sit still Because they think they have done enough
Maybe you have done more than your share (because others are sitting still)
Galatians 6:5, we all have a personal load to carry
Many are tried and think they can stop.
Rest yes, but keep going – Hebrews 10:38-39

9. Why do some sit still Because they are discouraged
Failures and set backs cause many to stop.
Discouragement may be legitimate, but it is no excuse to do nothing
Philippians 3:13-14, forget what is behind and press on.
Actually, the answer to discouragement is to get up and do something productive

10. “Nothing in life is to be feared, only understood” Marie Curie
Why do some sit still
Because they are afraid
Fear often paralyzes
Many fear failure, rejection or mistakes and thus they do nothing
1 John 4:18, perfect love casts out fear
Matthew 10:28, what should we fear?
“Nothing in life is to be feared, only understood” Marie Curie

11. A time to sit still To rest
Rest is good. We need rest on a daily basis – several hours of sleep, etc.
John 4:6, Jesus rested at the well
Mark 6:31, He told His disciples to rest for awhile

12. A time to sit still To pray to God
Mark 1:35, Jesus found a solitary place to pray
Matthew 6:6, go into your closet
Prayer is crucial to spiritual growth. Stop and pray

13. A time to sit still To study God’s word
Philippians 4:8, meditate (think- KJV, dwell – NASB)
Psalm 119:14-15, 97, 1:2 O how I love Your law
1 Timothy 4:13-16 – Timothy was told to mediate
We need to find time for PERSONAL study, in addition to everything else.

14. A time to sit still To plan what to do next God planned
Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Luke 14:28-30, counting the cost involves planning
Good planning involves stopping and thinking

15. A time to sit still To weep or mourn
Mourning often involves pausing and considering – both physical and spiritual
Matthew 5:3-4, Blessed are those who mourn…
Mark 6:31, this occurred after John was beheaded.

16. A time to sit still To examine yourself
2 Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves…
Effective examination requires quiet and serious reflection

17. A time to sit still
Yes, there is a time to sit still, BUT we must get back to work!

18. Why should I NOT sit still?
Because there is work to be done
1 Corinthians 15:58 – always abounding in the work of the Lord
John 9:4, Jesus worked while it is day. John 4:34 – His food – to do the will of the Father and to finish the work
There is always something to be done. To put off usually only builds up the list of tasks. This is NOT God’s desire!

19. Why should I NOT sit still?
God condemns laziness
Matthew 25:26, the one talent servant
Hebrews 6:11-12, do not be sluggish
2 Thessalonians 3:6-11, withdraw from those walking disorderly…not working, etc.

20. Why should I NOT sit still?
Because Satan is working
He is always working. He doesn’t take a day off
2 Corinthians 2:11, 11:3, do not let him take advantage of you
1 Peter 5:8, be sober and watch. He walks about like a roaring lion…

21. Why should I NOT sit still?
Because souls are lost
A reality we must always consider
2 Corinthians 5:10-11
When we have open doors, we need to walk through – 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3, etc.
Open doors typically mean we have limited opportunity. Are we looking?

22. Why should I NOT sit still?
Because others need our help
Brethren, neighbors, even the world.
Galatians 6:10
James 1:27
1 Thessalonians 5:14, warn, comfort, uphold and be patient
We are here for others! Philippians 2:3-4

23. Why should I NOT sit still?
When we are still, we are not moving forward
We are expected to be growing, maturing, pressing on, increasing, abounding, running to win, etc.
Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 9:24-27
Let us go on to perfection – Hebrews 6:1, James 1:4 – be perfect and complete lacking nothing

24. Are you standing still?
2 Corinthians 6:2 – NOW!