1. Obedience of the Rechabites Jeremiah 35

2. Background to Jeremiah 35 It is the time of the Babylonian Captivity, c. 605 – 598 B.C. (vv.1,11; 2 K. 24:1-2)It is the time of the Babylonian Captivity, c. 605 – 598 B.C. (vv.1,11; 2 K. 24:1-2) The Rechabites were descendants of the Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law (1 Chron. 2:55; Judges 1:16; 4:11)The Rechabites were descendants of the Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law (1 Chron. 2:55; Judges 1:16; 4:11) The Rechabites’ loyalty is tested (vv.2-11)The Rechabites’ loyalty is tested (vv.2-11)

3. Background to Jeremiah 35 The Rechabites’ loyalty is set forth as an example to disloyal Judah (vv. 12-17)The Rechabites’ loyalty is set forth as an example to disloyal Judah (vv. 12-17) Disloyal Judah will be punished, but the loyal Rechabites will be rewarded (vv. 18-19)Disloyal Judah will be punished, but the loyal Rechabites will be rewarded (vv. 18-19)

4. Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… To an ancient command given about 240 years before (vv.6,14; 2 K. 10:15,23)To an ancient command given about 240 years before (vv.6,14; 2 K. 10:15,23) - God’s commands are ancient but they are still God’s word and must be obeyed (2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16-17) In spite of their cultural circumstancesIn spite of their cultural circumstances - God’s commands must be obeyed in any culture and at any time (Dan. 1, 3, 6)

5. Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… With temperance in the face of temptation (v.5)With temperance in the face of temptation (v.5) - God’s commands must be obeyed in the face of any temptation (Jas. 4:7-8)

6. Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… Because they respected a personal, plain and prohibitive commandBecause they respected a personal, plain and prohibitive command - God’s commands must be respected; they are not optional (1 Thess. 2:13) Because they were committed to all of the command; all of their life; for all of their family (v.8)Because they were committed to all of the command; all of their life; for all of their family (v.8) - God’s commands are for all (Mt. 28:18-20)

7. Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… To their father (vv.6,8,18)To their father (vv.6,8,18) - God’s commands and parental commands must be obeyed (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20) And were rewarded for their obedience (vv.18-19)And were rewarded for their obedience (vv.18-19) - God’s commands carry rewards and punishments (Lk. 12:41-48; Gal. 6:7-8)

8. Obedience of the Rechabites Disloyal Judah did not learn from the example of the loyal RechabitesDisloyal Judah did not learn from the example of the loyal Rechabites Will you learn from their example?Will you learn from their example?