June 16 - Present - Jeremiah 29:4-14
OVERVIEW OF JEREMIAH
The overview will be uploaded shortly.
VIDEO LESSON
Listen to the Audio of the Lesson
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Intro - Focus Attention
- Q. What’s the longest trip you’ve been on? Did you pack too much? Not enough?
- Give time to discuss.
- Now think about moving for 70 years. That’s a completely different situation. Today we are looking at Jeremiah 29:4-14 and how the exiles in Babylon were being told by the false prophets they would be going home soon. Jeremiah, however, informed them of God’s plan to restore them after seventy years.
- Context:
- Leading up to our passage today we see that Jeremiah continued to faithfully proclaim the Lord’s message to the people, even though it angered them and drove them to want to kill Jeremiah. The message was clear, submit to Babylon or be destroyed. God’s judgement was coming and no one could escape it, but God promised they would survive if they listened.
- One of the major issues in Judah was the presence of false prophets and leaders who led the people away from the Lord and to believe in lies. Jeremiah faced one of these false prophets and made it clear that God would judge him for leading the people astray.
- In Jer 24:1 we learned that Nebuchadnezzar had already come and deported many officials and craftsmen from Jerusalem. Today we will also learn how some of the false prophets that where taken to Babylon convinced the people that the exile would be short. When Jeremiah heard this he sent a letter correcting this false teaching and exhorting them to settle down, build homes, and plant gardens because they were going to be there for seventy years.
- Ultimately, however, Jeremiah’s letter contained a message of hope and encouragement. God hadn’t forgotten them and promised to hear them when they call out in repentance and to restore them.
Truth - Explore the Text
What does this passage tell me about God?
- God is merciful and gracious. Even in the midst of the exile and judgement of Judah God wanted them to thrive (Jer 29:4-7).
- God gives instructions to His people. The exiles in Babylon received specific instructions for their situation, but all believers can apply biblical truths to their lives (Jer 29:5-7). The following are imperatives in the verses:
- Build and live (Jer 29:5a).
- Plant and eat (Jer 29:5b).
- Marry (find wives) and multiply (Jer 29:6).
- Pursue and pray (Jer 29:7).
- God doesn’t contradict Himself. His message is clear and consistent, even if it is a message of judgment on the people for their sin (Jer 29:8-9).
- God is faithful to keep His promises (Jer 29:10).
- God’s plan is best and trustworthy (Jer 29:11).
- God listens to the prayers of those who seek Him with their heart (Jer 29:12-13).
- God promises restoration for those who turn to Him (Jer 29:14).
What does this passage tell me about man?
- Man’s obedience to God involves every aspect of our lives. Our daily activities can and should glorify God (Jer 29:4-7).
- Man can be deceived. Man sometimes wants to be deceived. The people wanted to go home so they wanted to hear that message even if it wasn’t true (Jer 29:8-9).
- Man must listen carefully for the Lord’s declaration (Jer 29:9).
- Man can trust that God is in control and has a plan for our ultimate good even when we don’t understand (Jer 29:11, cf Rom 8:28).
- Man must seek the Lord whole heartedly (Jer 29:13).
- Man has a hope for the future (Jer 29:11, 14).
How do I apply this passage in my life?
- Q. Even though this passage was written to the exiles in Babylon, what principles from these verses and commands apply to believers today? How do we apply this passage to our lives?
- Even in the midst of my difficulties and challenges I need to trust God and obey His word. He is not bound by physical boundaries or circumstances. God is in control and He is trustworthy.
- I need to check everything with God’s word. He is always consistent and never contradicts His word.
- I need to confess my sin and return to God. He is faithful and promises to restore His wayward people when the turn to Him.
Personal Challenge
- Q. Identify a situation that is currently requiring you to put your hope in God. Knowing that God can bring something good out of bad situations, how should you respond to this situation?
LIFEWAY RESOURCES
Quicksource
Lifeway’s Quicksource is a quick and simple tool that dives directly into the biblical text. Furthermore, it provides a simple outline of the lesson with “Talking Points” and discussion questions for each section. This resource is extremely helpful for facilitating a discussion.
Explore The Bible Podcast
Lifeway provides a podcast for teachers as they prepare to teach each lesson. These podcasts are available on the Leaders Helps webpage (look below), Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Leader Helps
Lifeway has a blog where they post Leader Helps for teachers. These range from articles on leading online groups to Extra Ideas for introducing and concluding the lesson with a current news story. You can check it out using the link below
QUOTES / ARTICLES / MEDIA
In Philippians 2:6-11 Paul quoted an early Christian hymn that testified of the work of Christ. The following article was produced by Lifeway and discusses how early believers used songs.