Stubborn Sinner

by John Tilton on August 14, 2023

SCRIPTURE

“But you have behaved more wickedly than your ancestors. See how all of you are following the stubbornness of your evil hearts instead of obeying me.  So, I will throw you out of this land into a land neither you nor your ancestors have known, and there you will serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’ Jeremiah 16:12-13  

 

OBSERVATION

Disasters were to taking place as a result of the people and their ancestors.  Thus, they were reaping what they had sowed in by their sin.  Thus, Jeremiah referenced the judgment on the people and how they would pay the price of their wickedness by being forced out from their land, to a foreign land.  God would show the people no favor.  Thus, it was a dire warning that came to fruition.

 

APPLICATION

Is God’s blessings and favor related to our obedience, stubbornness and heart? Absolutely.  There have been times that I have seen challenges arising in ministry.  We noticed and realized that there was sin in the camp.  Pastor Wayne pointed out that where there is sin in the camp, God may withdraw his anointing.  I recall what immediately did.  People were given the opportunity to acknowledge their sin and repent.  The Holy Spirit led, and people came forth.  Situations and challenges improved.  I can’t help but stand on the fact that it was God’s providence. However, it took our obedience.  If we are to see God’s favor upon and through us, our obedience and relationship with Him is so important, especially in our personal lives as the one’s who are called to serve Him in full time ministry.  In my own life, I know the things He calls me to and the things that I battle with, of which I have to win those battles in my heart and find the gumption to be obedient and diligent.  I cannot be the stubborn sinner that acknowledges God with my reading His word and good intentions, yet fall in my actions to obeying Him.

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord, please give me the gumption and strength to follow you in obedience, repentance when I fall, and fortitude in standing for you your truth, rather than the temptations of the world.

About the Author

John Tilton

Senior Pastor John Tilton has served at New Hope Oahu since it’s launch in 1995, and has been on staff in administration and as executive pastor for the past 14 years. The values and heart behind New Hope run deeply through Pastor John’s veins as he has trained, learned, and was mentored closely by Pastor Wayne.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Pastor John holds his Masters in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College & Capital Seminary. He has served in various leadership, mentorship, and advisory roles in ministry and in the marketplace. He currently serves as Vice President of New Hope International and is on the Board of Directors of both Pacific Rim Christian University and New Hope Christian College. 

Pastor John is married to his amazing wife Lanu, is father to his son Ikaika, daughter Malie, son-in-law Noni, is Papa to his grandchildren Justice, Johanna, and Jordynn, all of whom serve in ministry as a family together at New Hope Oahu.

Pastor John’s heart is to love and shepherd the people of New Hope Oahu––both here on Oahu and globally across the world. He will seek to continue to develop leaders, enable people here to dream with vision and purpose for God’s unique call on their lives, and, most importantly, to seek God as He faithfully guides our church so that we can fully become the church, and the people, He has created and called us to be.

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