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1 For by grace you are saved through faith, and 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ this is not yourselves; it is God s gift Quicksource Leader not works, so Summer that no one can boast. Jeremiah, Lamentations Anchored in Faith

2 July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 August 7 Object lessons FOR THIS QUARTER Dictionary Scales Detour Sign Roller Coaster Yard Sale Sign Sheet Music Newspapter obituaries Quarter Road maps Mood ring August 14 Rabbit s foot, 4-leaf clover August 21 Gavel, badge, and Bible August 28 Family photo FEATURES 2 How to Become a Christian 3 Using QuickSource Reflections 9 Map: Jeremiah s World 60 Expanded Key Words 66 Writers/Coming Next Quarter QUICKSOURCE LEADER WORKSHOP 62 It Just Makes Sense 64 High Hopes JUNE JULY AUGUST AT A G L A N C E Study Theme: Navigating Life s Storms Get Back on Track Jeremiah 2:1 6: Live Above Board Jeremiah 7:1 10: Rise Above the Tide Jeremiah 11:1 1: Never Say It s Hopeless Jeremiah 16:1 18: Submit to Divine Discipline Jeremiah 19:1 21: Keep Your Behavior in Line Jeremiah 22:1 2:38 31 Study Theme: Staying on Course 24 Settle Down Jeremiah 26:1 29: Check Your Direction (evangelistic lesson) Jeremiah 30:1 33: Stay True Jeremiah 34:1 39: Follow Orders Jeremiah 40:1 4: 47 Study Theme: Serving the Commander 21 Recognize the Lord s Authority Jeremiah 46:1 2: Rely on the Lord s Love Lamentations 1:1 :22 4 / QuickSource

3 Explore The Bible: QuickSource The Ease and Effectiveness with Which Jesus Taught Volume 7, No. 1 Summer PRODUCTION AND MINISTRY TEAM BRENDA HARRIS Content Editor WANDA KING Production Editor dawn rodgers wyse Graphic Designer BRENT BRUCE Graphic Design Specialist ALAN RAUGHTON Lead Adult Ministry Specialist DAVID APPLE Adult Ministry Specialist DWAYNE McCRARY Editorial Project Leader MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL BRET ROBBE Director, Leadership and Adult Publishing ken braddy and RON KECK Managing Directors, Leadership and Adult Publishing DAVID FRANCIS Director, Sunday School BILL CRAIG Director, Leadership and Adult Ministry GARY H. HAUK Director, Publishing LifeWay Church Resources Send questions/comments to Editor, ETB QuickSource One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN Or make comments on the Web at Printed in the United States of America EXPLORE THE BIBLE: QuickSource (ISSN ) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President, 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries VISIT or WRITE LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN For subscriptions or subscription address changes subscribe@lifeway.com, FAX , or WRITE to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, orderentry@ lifeway.com, FAX or WRITE to the above address. We believe the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken the Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are That s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names, by W. Murray Severance, copyright 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. KJV King James Version. Message The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 199, 1996, 2000, 2001, Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Reflections Welcome to summer! What comes to mind when you think of summertime? Sleeping late, cookouts in the backyard, family vacation, summer camp, warm temperatures, and a glass of ice-cold lemonade. Maybe more time for golf or visits to your favorite fishing spot. And don t forget Vacation Bible School! Instead of lowering your expectations for attendance and participation during the summer, focus on the unique opportunities summer brings for engaging adults in a deeper study of God s Word. Some adults will have more leisure time and a less rigid schedule than they do during the school year. Challenge them to spend extra time examining the Scriptures and preparing for Bible study with other adults. Enlist learners ahead of time to delve into key portions of the lesson and unearth nuggets of truth or explanation to make the Bible study time on Sunday more interesting. Ask class members to teach occasionally. Look for potential leadership characteristics that you can share with the church s nominating committee. Use the longer days of summer to do more outreach and fellowship. Don t settle for a summer slump when you can have a summer surge! I encourage you to read the two articles in this quarter s QuickSource Leader Workshop (pp and 64-6). It Just Makes Sense provides some simple ways to incorporate all five senses into your Bible studies. High Hopes examines one minister of education s hopes and expectations for the adult Sunday School classes in his church. Both articles will challenge you to examine what takes place each week in your Bible study ministry and offer ways to improve your class time. I ll be praying for you as you guide the study of Jeremiah and Lamentations. In spite of the tragic choices made by the people of Judah and the difficult consequences of those choices, God remained faithful to His people. Celebrate His promise Lamentations 3:22-23: Because of the Lord s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! NASB Scripture taken the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 197, 1977, 199 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission ( NLT Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL USA. All rights reserved. Blessings, Photo credits: Photography by Paul Hart, 2010 istockphoto, LP. QuickSource /

4 Use Key Words to unlock the truths of God s Word and prepare for a rich Bible study experience The word of the LORD came to me: I a chose you before I b formed you in the womb; I c set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a d prophet to the nations. 6 But I protested, Oh no, LORD, GOD! Look, I don t know how to speak since I am only a e youth Then the LORD said to me: Do not say, I am only a youth, for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you. 8 Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you. This is the LORD s declaration. 9 Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and told me: I have now filled your mouth with My words. 10 See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and demolish, to build and plant Then the word of the LORD came to me, asking, What do you see, f Jeremiah? I replied, I see a branch of an g almond tree. 12 The LORD said to me, You have seen correctly, for I h watch over My word to accomplish it. 13 Again the word of the LORD came to me inquiring, What do you see? And I replied, I see a i boiling pot, its lip tilted the north to the south. 14 Then the LORD said to me, j Disaster will be poured out the north on all who live in the land Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be k intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them. 18 Today, I am the One who has made you a l fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land against the m kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population. 19 They will fight against you but never prevail over you, since I am with you to n rescue you. This is the LORD s declaration. D Whenever you see this icon, look for expanded details for this word or phrase on pages For more detailed Commentary, See Your Leader Guide, Adult Commentary or Discovery 7 Exploring Key Words a Hebrew word literally meaning know b used of God s creation of man (Gen. 2:7) and related to the word for potter later used by Jeremiah (18:2-4) c consecrated (NASB), had holy plans (Message) d Only used once in the Bible. Jeremiah would not literally go to all nations but his message would be universally valid. e probably a young man under 20 D f God s prophet, called in 627 B.C. during King Josiah reign; often referred to as the weeping prophet because of his compassion g large, nut-bearing tree; known as the first tree to bloom each year h protective care such as a shepherd guarding his flock (Jer. 31:10) or a watchman guarding a house (Ezek. 3:17) i pot over an open flame where people boiled water D j reference to destruction that awaited Judah at the hands of the Babylonians k literally to be broken, including destruction, demoralization, and terror l a town with strong defenses, usually including a massive wall structure with inner citadels or strongholds m Jeremiah faced opposition all levels of society, including governmental officials, priests, and the general populace. n literally to strip off or tear away ; used to describe God s deliverance of His people (Ps. 39:8; 1:14; 69:14)

5 Discussions & Points INTRODUCTION What s one of the most difficult assignments you ve had in your professional or personal life? How did you find the strength to cope with that assignment? The same God who made us calls us to serve Him. Methods are different, based upon our abilities, temperaments, and especially God s calling in our lives. We may feel inadequate at times but the One who made us equips us for service. Jeremiah felt inadequate for his task. But God prepared him for service because he had a compassionate, courageous spirit. JEREMIAH 1: How did Jeremiah recognize God s calling or commission to a specific service? Introduce Jeremiah using insight your personal study and Key Words (p. 7, 61). Jeremiah heard the word of the Lord that not only confirmed what God called him to do but also answered his objections. God continues to speak through His Word and His Spirit who interprets that Word (John 16:12-1). (For additional commentary about this phrase, see Dig Deeper on page 9.) Jeremiah did not ignore the objections he had to God s calling, but he faced them and listened to how God s Word answered those objections. Refer to questions on page 10 of Discovery Study Guide for further discussion. 2. What commission has God given you? What objections did you or will you need to overcome to move forward? CLUE: Some class members have already heard God s call in their lives and are actively involved in service. However, others are trying to discover that calling. Still others have heard God s calling but have not embraced it. å For more Teaching Helps, See your Leader Guide or Discovery 8 Use these probing questions and content points to facilitate an in-depth discussion of God s Word. JEREMIAH 1: What provisions did God make for Jeremiah despite his youth? What excuses do we make today about serving the Lord? God would specifically send Jeremiah to the people that he needed to confront (1:7) and He promised His presence even though it was a fearful thing to do (1:8). God also touched his mouth and gave him the words to say (1:9) and assured him of his calling (1:10). 4. What are some specific ways that God provides power to His people today to accomplish the tasks to which He calls them? God has provided His Word, His Spirit, and sometimes the strength of fellow Christians to empower His people to overcome their inadequacies for service. JEREMIAH 1: How did the two object lessons that Jeremiah saw reassure him that the Lord would fulfill His promise to bring judgment (which was the content of Jeremiah s message)? The almond tree was the first to bloom in January, meaning that the seasons were changing and promising a change to come. Though the conditions may have felt like winter, the almond tree promised spring was on the way. The boiling pot promised that the disaster the north (Babylonian empire) was building and one day Judah s sin would reach the boiling point where God would send judgment. 6. What signs of reassurance have you experienced that God is completing the work that He started in you? Philippians 1:6 promises that God will bring His work to completion in our lives. He will not call us to a task and leave that task unfinished. Ask learners to look for signs that God has continued to help them with the specific calling to which He has called them. JEREMIAH 1: What happens when we become too focused on results instead of obedience? What did God promise Jeremiah in verse 19? God called Jeremiah to remain faithful in proclaiming His Word and to entrust the results to Him. Success is obedience to the Word. Even though Judah did not repent and avert the judgment, Jeremiah s ministry was still a success. CONCLUSION What has God called you to do for His kingdom? How have you overcome your excuses to fulfill that plan? Ask for volunteers to share their responses to the Personal Discovery question on page 14 of Discovery. God s presence and power gives God s people confidence to fulfill the commission that God has given them. Consider how our service is different when we lack that confidence. Personal Challenge: Evaluate your service for the Lord to determine the level of confidence you are displaying in fulfilling God s plan for your life.

6 Make the connection between God s Word and the lives of the learners by using one or both of these ideas. OBJECT LESSON: DICTIONARY Display a dictionary. Ask: How do students and adults use a dictionary? Invite a class member to find a random word in the dictionary that most people would not know. Allow other class members to share what they think the meaning of the word is. Ask the class member who chose the word to read its true meaning aloud. If time allows, let other volunteers search for unknown words, giving adults the opportunity to guess the meanings. Explain that all the words in the dictionary can be used in conversation and for communication. However, if we fail to understand the meaning of the word, it is worthless. Words do us no good if they we are unable to receive their meaning. Say: Jeremiah was called to share the word of the Lord ; however, if the people failed to understand or ignored his prophetic warnings about the judgment of God, they would suffer the consequences. If they did not understand the message, they could not heed the warnings. Jeremiah depended upon the Lord s instruction, His word, to guide him as he spoke for God to the people. Jeremiah knew the message needed to be clear and it was his responsibility to deliver it. He was called by God to speak to the people no matter how difficult the message. Making Connections Make the connection between the dictionary and today s study by saying: Just as a dictionary helps people learn words for communication, God s Word helps us learn His ways, His commands, and His purposes for life. We look up a word in the dictionary when we don t know its meaning. In the same way, we search the scriptures for God s word to us today. As learners dig deeper into God s Word, the Bible, they will understand what the Lord is calling them to do. They can act with assurance of that calling, trusting the Lord s presence and power to help them fulfill any assignment He gives them. Dig Deeper THE WORD OF THE LORD The prophet Jeremiah is credited as the author of the book that bears his name. However, it is clear that the words are the Lord. The phrase the word of the Lord is used in Jeremiah 1 in verses 2, 4, 11, and 13. This prophetic word was directed to men and women with an expectation that they would respond to God. Considering the task Jeremiah was given, we can be sure that the calling on his life was not easy. Jeremiah delivered a hard message. He continually proclaimed God s judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. Jeremiah seemed to live in constant friction with the authorities of his people and the people themselves. He spoke the word of the Lord to priests (20:1-6); prophets (28:1); and kings and political figures (chaps ; 36-38). However, sometimes even Jeremiah did not want to speak the word of the Lord that he was called and commanded to speak to the people. He was honest about his unhappiness with the situation and expressed his frustration to God (20:7). How do we know when the Lord is speaking to us? And how do we respond when it is something we don t want to hear? Sometimes in our culture people will refer to hearing a word the Lord. Adults need to evaluate where that word is coming and if it is truly the Lord. Learners need to be aware of false teachers and use discernment when listening to someone who makes claims of speaking a word the Lord. The supreme test for prophecy is loyalty to Christ (1 Cor. 12:3; Rev. 19:10). Jesus said prophets could be known and recognized by their fruit (Matt. 7:1-20). A true prophetic word the Lord will line up with and not threaten Scripture s special authority (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). For more Teaching Helps See Your Leader Guide, Leader Pack or Discovery 9

7 Target Audience FUTURE PLANS Today s young adults usually seek to have vision and goals to map out the years of life ahead. To supplement your study of 11, allow learners to share some of their dreams, goals, and visions for the future. Point out that in verse 11 and 13, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. Each time the Lord asked What do you see? Jeremiah understood what the Lord wanted Him to do and was reassured that he was obeying the Lord. Ask: How do adults today know where the Lord is leading? How can you be sure it is the Lord speaking and leading? How can you know that God is directing your future? Encourage learners that they can know what the Lord is calling them to do as they walk with Him day by day. The more young adults spend time in God s Word and follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit which always line up with Scripture, they can be reassured that God is directing and guiding their way. Discuss the difficult decisions young adults are currently making in their lives. Remind them that the choices they make today do impact their future. Also remind young adults that God will provide the power, strength, and reassurance they need when making those tough decisions. Young adults will have different goals, dreams, and visions for the future. God does not intend for everyone to follow the same path in life. However, our goals and dreams need to line up with the Lord s plans and purposes. Challenge learners to look for the Lord s reassurance as they move forward with plans and listen for the Lord s voice every step of the way. o For more Teaching Helps, See your Leader Guide or Discovery Personalize Bible study and target specific ages and interests by using one or more oof these ideas. EXPECTANT PARENTS To supplement your study of, acknowledge any couples who are expecting a child or waiting for an adoption. (Be sensitive to those who are dealing with infertility or have lost a child to death.) Ask: What are your hopes and expectations for your child or children? Do you want them to have a better life than you ve had? Why or why not? Call attention to. Comment how this verse reassures us that God has a plan for each life. Just as He had a plan and purpose for Jeremiah s life, He also has a plan and purpose for every unborn child and young life that is placed into our homes. He has appointed parents to love and nurture each child and, as parents, we can trust God s plans for our child s life. Many times parents may feel inadequate for the role of raising a child. God assures us that He will provide the strength and wisdom needed if we as parents obey Him and follow His ways in raising children. FINANCIAL STRUGGLES To supplement your study of 18, point out that the economy continues to have its ups and downs. At any moment individuals and families may face a crisis that can wipe out their savings, finances, and resources. In recent years many have struggled as they face job losses, cut backs on hours or wages earned, and an increase in the cost of living. Call for a volunteer to read aloud 18. Discuss the significance of a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls. Remind learners that all of these illustrations symbolized strength, resources, and power. Also, this verse was a reminder that God is the source of strength, resources, and power. God measures people s success in terms of their faithfulness to Him, not anything they do by their own power or abilities, and certainly not by their financial situation or resources. Jeremiah s success and victory lay in faithfully delivering the Lord s message. In the same way the Lord is the One who assures our success. God desires that we rely on and obey Him regardless of our financial situation or material gain or loss. 10