Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword has devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. The spiritual benefits of pain, calamity, etc., are contingent for the most part upon their being received in a right way - as from God, and not by accident. They are intended to discover our sins to us, and to lead us to the love and righteousness of God. Where this result is not effected, "chastisement is not accepted." I. THE POSSIBILITY OF REFUSING CHASTISEMENT. II. MISERY AND PAIN ARE NOT OF THEMSELVES MINISTERS OF GRACE. III. RIGHTLY RECEIVED, OUR GREATEST GRIEFS MAY BECOME OUR GREATEST MERCIES. Parallel Verses KJV: In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. |
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