Focal Passage: Jeremiah 42:7-22 

Introduction: Today, we explore Jeremiah 42:7-22, a passage that addresses the dangers of insincere inquiries when seeking God’s will. Through this text, we will uncover what it says, what it means and how it applies to our lives as believers.

What does the text say? Jeremiah 42:7-22 recounts a pivotal moment after the fall of Jerusalem when the remnant of Judah seeks guidance from the prophet Jeremiah. They ask him to inquire of the Lord on their behalf, promising to obey whatever God reveals. Jeremiah agrees to seek the Lord’s counsel and assures them of God’s faithfulness in His response.

After 10 days, Jeremiah receives a message from the Lord. Unfortunately, the people’s insincere hearts are exposed as they reject God’s guidance and display their intentions to disobey. God warns them of dire consequences, including destruction and captivity, if they persist in their unfaithfulness. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 36:19-31 

Introduction: In Jeremiah 36:19-31 we encounter a powerful message from the prophet Jeremiah during a time of great national distress in Judah. 

The nation repeatedly rejected Jeremiah’s messages for 23 years.  God commanded Jeremiah to write down his messages in order that God’s instruction would be preserved and accurate. 

What does the text say? Jeremiah 36:19-31 recounts a significant event during the reign of King Jehoiakim. In obedience to God’s command, Jeremiah dictates the Lord’s message onto a scroll. The scroll is read aloud in the temple, stirring concern among the people. Word reaches the royal court, and the king’s officials summon Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, to read the scroll before them. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 35:5-19 

Introduction: We observe the Rechabites who in Jeremiah’s day were descendants or followers of Jonadab. Jeremiah 34 shows us Jerusalem shortly before it is destroyed in 586 B.C. Jeremiah’s people and us need the lesson on the difference between an obedient and disobedient heart. 

What does the text say? The text introduces us to the Rechabites. They were descendants/followers of Jonadab, son of Rechab from Jeremiah 35:6. Jonadab helped destroy the house of Ahab about 250 years prior in II Kings 10:15-28. He also restored the worship of the Lord God in the Northern Kingdom. Jeremiah’s interaction with the Rechabites tells us they had adopted a faithfulness to Yahweh with certain restrictions, choosing a lifestyle more akin to the period of wilderness wandering.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 31:23-34

Introduction: In times of distress and uncertainty, we long for hope and restoration. The prophet Jeremiah brings us a message of God’s faithfulness and the promise of a new covenant.

In Jeremiah 31:23-34 , we discover a powerful vision of redemption and transformation. This passage reveals the depth of God’s love and the hope we have through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

What does the text say? Jeremiah 31:23-34 contains a proclamation from the Lord, assuring His people of future restoration and the establishment of a new covenant. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 29:4-14 

Introduction: Throughout history, there have been times when God’s people faced great challenges and wondered if God could be trusted. In the midst of uncertainty, we turn to the timeless wisdom of Jeremiah 29:4-14. This passage offers us a glimpse into God’s heart and His faithfulness even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Let us explore the message of this text and discover its relevance for our lives today.

What does the text say? Jeremiah 29:4-14 contains a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the Israelite exiles in Babylon. It addresses their predicament of being far from their homeland and facing an uncertain future. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 23:1-12 

Introduction: Picture a land where shepherds abandon their flocks, causing chaos and despair. Today, we delve into Jeremiah 23:1-12, a powerful passage that denounces false shepherds and offers hope through the promise of a righteous Shepherd. Let’s us explore the depths of this message and uncover its relevance for our lives today.

Jeremiah 23:1-12 presents a divine message of condemnation, promise, and judgment.

The text reveals the indictment of false shepherds who scatter and destroy God’s flock. These leaders, both political and religious, neglect their responsibilities, causing the people to wander aimlessly. However, God promises to gather His scattered sheep and raise up faithful shepherds to care for His people. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 18:1-12 

Introduction: In today’s Sunday School lesson, we will explore Jeremiah 18:1-12, a passage that calls us to repentance, faithfulness, and obedience to God’s tasks. It is essential for us, Christ’s followers, to address the pressing issue of declining churches in the United States.

We must understand the urgency of repentance and revival before it is too late. As Ed Stetzer writes in his book Comeback Churches, ‘Revival is not just for churches; it’s for church members.”

What does the text say? Jeremiah receives a message from the Lord while observing a potter at work. The potter shapes the clay as he desires, but if the vessel is marred, he reshapes it into a new form. Through this illustration, God emphasizes His sovereignty over nations and individuals. He warns of judgment upon an unrepentant nation but also offers the hope of restoration if they turn back to Him. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 12:1-13 

Introduction: Today, we dive into Jeremiah 12:1-13 and explore the theme of entering into an exclusive covenant with God. In this passage, Jeremiah grapples with the prosperity of the wicked and his own challenges as a faithful servant. Let us discover what the text says, understand its meaning, and apply its principles to our lives.

What does the text say? In Jeremiah 12:1-13, Jeremiah questions the prosperity of the wicked while he, as a righteous servant of God, faces trials and tribulations. He cries out to the Lord, seeking understanding and justice. God responds by affirming His sovereignty and justice, assuring Jeremiah of His righteous judgment upon the unfaithful. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 7:1-15 

What does the text say? Jeremiah 7:1-15 warns from God to the people of Judah about their idolatrous ways. The people were going through the motions of religion, but their hearts were far from God. They trusted in the false security of the temple, rather than in the Lord. The Lord warns them that He will not tolerate their hypocrisy, and that they will face severe consequences for their sin.

What does the text mean? The passage reveals the destructive nature of idolatry. The people of Judah were not only disobeying the first commandment by worshiping false gods, but they were also trusting in their own abilities and works, rather than relying on God’s grace and mercy. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 2:1-13 

Introduction: Jeremiah 2:1-13 delivers a powerful message from God to His people, calling them to repentance. The passage describes the sinful behavior of the Israelites, who have turned away from the true God and pursued idols instead. As we examine this passage, we will learn about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God.

What does the text say?  Jeremiah 2:1-13 is a warning from God to Israel for their idolatry and disobedience. The passage begins with God reminding Israel of their early devotion to Him, but quickly shifts to their unfaithfulness and idolatry. God accuses Israel of rejecting Him and turning to idols, which are nothing but worthless objects made by human hands. The passage ends with God’s declaration of judgment on Israel for their idolatry. [Read more…]