July 26, 2026
Where Are You Looking?
Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 146:3
Pastor Doug Swafford addresses the disturbing trend of moral failures among church leaders, specifically referencing recent news of a local pastor's misconduct. He argues that while such events are saddening and damaging to the church's reputation, they should not surprise believers who understand that 'not all preachers are of God.' Using Jeremiah 17, he warns that placing ultimate trust in human beings leads to a spiritual curse and inevitable disappointment.
The message outlines a three-fold response to spiritual scandals: praying for all involved, calling sin what it is, and keeping one's eyes on the Lord. Pastor Swafford emphasizes that sin should never be swept under the rug or dismissed as a simple 'mistake' when it involves gross public misconduct. He highlights that certain actions disqualify men from the pulpit, asserting that the church must maintain high standards of leadership rather than rushing to restore those who have forfeited their right to lead.
Ultimately, the sermon is a call to refocus on Jesus Christ as the only infallible foundation for faith. Because the human heart is 'deceitful above all things,' believers must be vigilant and rooted in the Word of God rather than charismatic personalities. By fixing our gaze on Christ, our spiritual stability remains intact even when those around us fall, allowing the church to stay the course during the 'last of the last days.'
Key takeaways
- Trusting in man brings a spiritual curse and leads to disappointment.
- Not everyone who stands in a pulpit is sent by God; Satan has his own 'ministers of righteousness.'
- Our first reaction to sin in the church should be grief and prayer, not gossip.
- There is a vital distinction between a 'fault' and a disqualifying 'gross sin.'
- Leaders who commit certain public sins are disqualified from the ministry and should not be hastily restored to the pulpit.
- A lack of discernment and 'backbone' in leadership contributes to the weakness of modern churches.
- The human heart is inherently deceitful; only God truly knows a person's motives.
- Popularity is rarely a sign of a true prophet; throughout history, God's men have often been despised.
- Fixing your eyes on Christ prevents your 'boat from being rocked' when others fail.
- The church must stand firmly on the Word of God, regardless of cultural trends or celebrity influence.
- Day 1Jeremiah 17:5-8
The Danger of the Pedestal
In Jeremiah 17, the prophet warns against trusting in the 'arm of flesh.' When we place our ultimate confidence in human leaders—even spiritual ones—we are setting ourselves up for heartache. People are fallible; the best of men are men at best. Today, examine where your security lies. Are you following a personality or the Prince of Peace? If your faith is shaken when a leader falls, it may be a sign that your eyes were on the servant rather than the Master.
- Reflect
- In what ways have I relied on human wisdom or charisma rather than God's Word?
- Prayer
- Lord, forgive me for the times I have elevated human leaders to a place only You should occupy. Help me to respect those in authority without making them my source of hope.
- Day 2Galatians 6:1-2
A Heart for the Hurting
Pastor Swafford emphasized that when sin occurs in the church, we shouldn't gloat or gossip; we should hurt. Sin is a reproach to the name of Christ and damaging to the family of God. Our first response to news of a fall should be prayer—prayer for the victims, the families, and the integrity of the Gospel. Compassion doesn't mean compromising on the truth, but it does mean recognizing the gravity of the spiritual battle we are in.
- Reflect
- Is my first reaction to bad news gossip or intercession?
- Prayer
- Father, give me a heart that breaks for what breaks Yours. Help me to pray fervently for those wounded by the sins of others.
- Day 31 Timothy 3:1-7
Truth Over Reputation
There is a difference between a 'fault' and a 'gross public sin.' The Pastor reminds us that we must call sin what it is without sweeping it under the rug. In a culture of 'cheap grace,' we must remember that biblical restoration requires genuine repentance and, in some cases, life-altering consequences. Loving someone doesn't mean ignoring their disqualification from leadership; it means valuing God's holiness and the safety of His flock above human reputation.
- Reflect
- Am I more concerned with being 'nice' or being biblically faithful?
- Prayer
- Lord, grant me the discernment to see clearly and the courage to stand for truth, even when it is uncomfortable.
- Day 4Jeremiah 17:9-10
The Deceitful Heart
Jeremiah describes the heart as 'deceitful above all things.' This isn't just true of 'those people' out there; it's a warning for all of us. No one is above the reach of temptation. This reality should drive us to a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit. If we don't think we are capable of falling, we are already in danger. Recognizing the deceitfulness of the heart keeps us humble and keeps us clinging to the Lord.
- Reflect
- What safeguards am I taking to guard my own heart from deceit?
- Prayer
- Search me, O God, and know my heart. See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
- Day 5Psalm 118:8-9
Stay the Course
The goal of the Christian life is to be like a tree planted by the waters. Such a tree isn't moved by the heat of scandal or the drought of difficult times because its roots are deep in the Lord. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the failures of men do not 'rock our boat.' We can stay the course because our Foundation is unshakable. Keep looking up; the Lord will never fail you, even when everyone else does.
- Reflect
- Are my roots deep enough in Christ to withstand the storms of life?
- Prayer
- Jesus, be my vision. Let nothing distract me from following You. Thank You for being the only One who is perfectly faithful.
Open together
- 1.Have you ever felt disillusioned by someone you respected? How did you handle it?
- 2.Why do you think we are so prone to putting people on pedestals?
- 3.What do you think is the biggest challenge for the church when a leader fails?
Observation
- 1.According to Jeremiah 17:5, what is the spiritual status of a man who trusts in man?
- 2.What happens to the 'heath in the desert' when good comes?
- 3.Who is the only one capable of searching and knowing the human heart (v. 10)?
- 4.What does Psalm 146:3 say about trusting in 'princes'?
Interpretation
- 1.What does Jeremiah mean by 'making flesh his arm' in verse 5?
- 2.In Jeremiah 17:9, why is the heart described as 'desperately wicked'? How does this contrast with modern views of human nature?
- 3.What are the biblical qualifications for a pastor, and why do certain sins disqualify a man from the office?
- 4.What is the significance of the 'tree planted by the waters' imagery in verse 8?
Application
- 1.How can we hold leaders accountable while still showing them biblical respect?
- 2.What practical steps can you take to ensure your faith is rooted in Christ and not a human personality?
- 3.How should we respond to those who have been victims of misconduct within the church?
- 4.What does it look like to 'call sin what it is' in your personal life and local congregation?
Memory verse
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”
Jeremiah 17:7
Trust God Not Man: Your Path to True Success
0:32Jeremiah 17:5-8 — why trusting the arm of flesh brings a curse.
Eyes on Christ: Stay Focused, Avoid Distractions
0:48Keeping your gaze fixed on Jesus when leaders fall.
Stop Trusting Men: The Bible's Warning!
0:57Psalm 146:3 — put not your confidence in princes.
Satan's Ministers: True Righteousness vs. Deception
0:44Not everyone in a pulpit is sent by God.