Ask for the Ancient Paths
Based on Jeremiah 6:16

Introduction
In the days leading up to the fall of Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah issued a clear and desperate call from the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it’” (Jeremiah 6:16). These words are a divine plea for God's people to return to His truth. Yet they refused. Today, this message still rings true. Just as Judah was punished for turning from God, we too must examine whether we are seeking His ancient, reliable paths or wandering in spiritual rebellion.

Refusing to Listen to God's Word
Jeremiah warned that the people of Judah had closed their ears to the truth. In Jeremiah 6:10, he describes them as having “uncircumcised ears” and no delight in the word of the Lord. They found God’s truth offensive, not delightful. This pattern of spiritual deafness continues in every generation. Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3–4 that people will turn from sound doctrine and gather teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. This happens when people love their desires more than they love the truth. Without hearing God's word, we cannot have saving faith (Romans 10:17).

Covetousness and Corruption Among Religious Leaders
Jeremiah 6:13 reveals that even the priests and prophets of Judah were consumed by greed. Religious leaders dealt falsely and led the people astray for selfish gain. Micah 3:11 shows that they prophesied and taught for a price, distorting God’s truth to satisfy their own interests. Sadly, similar corruption is seen today when preachers seek money or popularity by preaching what pleases people instead of what convicts. When hard scriptures are ignored and only comforting messages are shared, the truth is compromised.

False Promises of Peace
In Jeremiah 6:14, God condemns the leaders for declaring “peace, peace” when there was no peace. They lulled the people into a false sense of security, even though judgment was coming. This mirrors the behavior of the Corinthian church, which tolerated blatant sin in its midst without mourning (1 Corinthians 5:1–2). Denying the seriousness of sin is a dangerous form of spiritual deception. It prevents repentance and leads to destruction.

A Loss of Shame
Jeremiah 6:15 points out that Judah had reached the point where they were no longer ashamed of their sin. They could not even blush. This is one of the most tragic signs of a hardened conscience. Paul described such people in 1 Timothy 4:2 as having their conscience seared. Without guilt or shame, there is no incentive to turn back to God.

What Are the Ancient Paths Today?
For Jeremiah’s audience, the ancient path meant a return to God’s revealed law. For us today, it means returning to the New Covenant—the gospel of Christ. Jeremiah 31:31–34 foretold of a new covenant where God's law would be written on the heart. This covenant, fulfilled in Christ, replaced the law of Moses (Colossians 2:14). The ancient path for us is not tradition, heritage, or what our parents believed—it is what God has revealed in His word.

How Do We Return?
We must open our ears and become like the Bereans of Acts 17:11, examining the scriptures daily. We must reject the broad way that leads to destruction and choose the narrow path Jesus described in Matthew 7:13–14. We must recognize sin as lawlessness (1 John 3:4) and respond with godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Sin is not to be celebrated or excused—it is to be repented of. We must do what Judah refused: listen, repent, and return.

Conclusion
The people of Judah were given a choice and chose rebellion. The consequences were devastating. Today, we are offered the same choice: walk in the ancient paths or turn away. Only by returning to God's word, obeying His will, and loving His truth can we find rest for our souls.

– Lesson prepared by Bobby Stafford, church of Christ, Granby, MO

Sermon Outline: Ask for the Ancient Paths

Text: Jeremiah 6:16

I. God's Plea to His People

• The command: "Ask for the old paths"

• The promise: "You will find rest for your souls"

• The rejection: “We will not walk in it”

II. Causes of Spiritual Decline

• Closed ears to God’s word (Jeremiah 6:10)

• Covetous and false religious leaders (Jeremiah 6:13; Micah 3:11)

• False security in sin (Jeremiah 6:14; 1 Corinthians 5:1–6)

• Loss of moral shame (Jeremiah 6:15; 1 Timothy 4:2)

III. The Ancient Path Today

• Not tradition or family religion (Matthew 10:34–36)

• The new covenant foretold (Jeremiah 31:31–34)

• The gospel of Christ—God’s final revelation (Hebrews 1:1–2)

IV. Returning to the Ancient Path

• Open ears to God’s truth (Acts 17:11)

• Reject the broad path (Matthew 7:13–14)

• Recognize and mourn over sin (1 John 3:4; 2 Corinthians 7:10)

• Choose obedience over convenience (John 6:66–69)

Conclusion & Call to Action:
God calls us to return to His ancient and eternal truths. Do not ignore His word. Do not be swayed by false peace or soft teaching. Let us be a people who walk the narrow path, who love truth, and who seek the eternal rest only Christ can give. If you’ve wandered from God’s path, now is the time to return.

“Thus says the Lord: Ask for the old paths... and walk in it.”