4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$

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1 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ DISCOVERY ADult StuDY GuIDE Summer 2011 Jeremiah, Lamentations Anchored in Faith

2 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ The Writer Dan Kassis lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and is a percussionist in the worship band at his church, Thompson Station Baptist Church. He also serves as an assistant adult Sunday School teacher. Dan is married to Beverly and they have two sons and a daughter. Dan received Christ as his Savior at the age of 18 during his freshman year of college. He graduated from California State University with degrees in Radio, TV & Film, and Technical Information Development studies. Dan serves as an Internet Producer for Sunday School at LifeWay. Explore the Bible: Discovery Adult Study Guide (ISSN ; Item ) is published quarterly by Life- Way Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. Copyright 2011 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, order-entry@ lifeway.com, fax , or write to the above address. We believe that 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 from 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. The suggestions in this resource for pronouncing Bible names are from 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. Printed in the United States of America DISCOVERY ADULT STUDY GUIDE This periodical is designed for all adults using the Explore the Bible Series. Volume 4, No. 4 Summer 2011 PRODUCTION & MINISTRY TEAM Brenda Harris Content Editor Pat Phillips 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 Send questions/comments to Content Editor, ETB Discovery Study Guide One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN Or make comments on the Web at MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Bret Robbe, Director Leadership and Adult Publishing Ken Braddy, 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

3 TABLE OF Contents How to Use DISCOVERY Study Guide Overview of Jeremiah, Lamentations: Anchored in Faith... 7 UNIT 1: Navigating Life s Storms (Jeremiah 1:1 25:38) June 5 Accept Your Commission (Jeremiah 1:1 19) June 12 Get Back on Track (Jeremiah 2:1 6:30) June 19 Live Above Board (Jeremiah 7:1 10:25) June 26 Rise Above the Tide (Jeremiah 11:1 15:21) July 3 Never Say It s Hopeless (Jeremiah 16:1 18:23) July 10 Submit to Divine Discipline (Jeremiah 19:1 21:14) July 17 Keep Your Behavior in Line(Jeremiah 22:1 25:38) UNIT 2: Staying on Course (Jeremiah 26:1 45:5) July 24 Settle Down (Jeremiah 26:1 29:32) July 31 Check Your Direction* (Jeremiah 30:1 33:26) August 7 Stay True (Jeremiah 34:1 39:18) August 14 Follow Orders (Jeremiah 40:1 45:5) UNIT 3: Serving the Commander (Jeremiah 46:1 52:34; Lamentations 1:1 5:22) August 21 Recognize the Lord s Authority (Jeremiah 46:1 52:34) August 28 Rely on the Lord s Love (Lamentations 1:1 5:22) BONUS Map: Jeremiah s World * Evangelistic Lesson COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Photography by Paul Hart, 2010 istockphoto, LP 5

4 June 5 Background Passage: Jeremiah 1:1 19 Lesson Passages: Jeremiah 1:4 14,17 19 Accept Your commission istock Photo, LC How can I confidently accept the assignments the Lord gives me? 8

5 J UNE 5, For many readers, J.R.R. Tolkien s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a beloved fantasy novel series. Since its first publication in the 1950s, the trilogy has delighted and enthralled generations of readers. The movies based on these books have generated over $1 billion in revenue in the United States alone. In contrast to its sweeping scenes of epic battles, perilous journeys, and romantic interludes, The Lord of the Rings has at its core a simple, unassuming hero a Hobbit named Frodo Baggins. This diminutive figure is tasked with returning the menace-laden One Ring of Power to its place of origin so it can be destroyed, thereby freeing all of Middle Earth from the tyranny of its maker, Lord Sauron. When the wise Gandalf explains to Frodo that he must be the one to complete this task, the bewildered young Hobbit reacts as you might expect: Who? Me? How could such a small, insignificant character save the world from enslavement to unspeakable evil? The triumph of good and the commitment of an unlikely champion combine to make a compelling story. One of the most pivotal prophets in Israel s history also began as a young, unassuming character. He doubted his ability to carry out the Lord s assignment, even after God Himself spoke the marching orders directly into his life. Young Jeremiah had to learn that God s people can accomplish any assignment He gives, as long as they trust in His presence and power along the way. THE JOURNEY BEGINS Jeremiah was the son of a priest, descended from a line of God s servants. Following God s orders, codified in the Books of the Law, would have been natural to him. Yet the assignment he was about to receive was unlike any he could have expected. HCSB Jeremiah 1:4 6 4 The word of the LORD came to me: 5 I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a 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 youth. After a few verses that introduce Jeremiah and his family heritage, the prophet s bold assertion leaps out at us: The word of the Lord came to me. What an incredible experience! Whether this was an audible voice or the Holy Spirit s overwhelming impression, there s no doubt Jeremiah had an appointment with destiny.

6 10 A CCEPT YOUR COMMISSION A CLOSER LOOK Jeremiah the prophet There was no doubt that God had special work for His servant Jeremiah. God s unique design for Jeremiah began long before his birth God chose him, formed him, set him apart, and appointed him. Jeremiah was selected, consecrated, and called for a particular task to serve God as a prophet to the nations. Holman Old Testament Commentary What is the significance that God had Jeremiah in mind to be His prophet even before he was conceived? How far back does your relationship with God go? Describe when and how you first sensed God s presence and participation in your life. Describe the hope verse 5 gives you as you consider God s call on your life. Jeremiah reacted with shock, disbelief, and a claim of inability to heed the Lord s call. Why are you prone to doubt when you face seemingly insurmountable challenges? What assignment has God given you? How are you responding? Are you currently failing to recognize God s instructions in any way? Jot down a few excuses you ve given God in the past for avoiding His assignments. HCSB Jeremiah 1: 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.

7 J UNE 5, How did the Lord react to Jeremiah s doubts and excuses? Did He become angry? Did He reject Jeremiah and move on to a more compliant, less hesitant priest? Our loving, patient God reassured and encouraged Jeremiah. The young prophet had no need to worry; God Himself would empower and strengthen Jeremiah in this assignment. Describe a time when you experienced God s power and assurance. God s words were the driving force behind Jeremiah s challenging ministry. The prophet did not have to worry about what to say. The declarations of the Lord would be more than sufficient. What is your reaction to the knowledge that God has appointed you for a particular task? When we re out in the world trying to share the love and hope we have in Christ, it can be tempting to embellish our testimonies with clever stories and witty anecdotes. We can be fooled into thinking that the gospel needs help to sound current or relevant. But it s the pure, unadulterated Word of God that transforms lives not some gimmick or technique of ours. How much do you rely on God s power as you follow His instructions? Rate yourself on a scale from I m not plugged in to I m overflowing with power! NOT PLUGGeD IN OveRFLOWING WITH POWeR!

8 12 A CCEPT YOUR COMMISSION HCSB Jeremiah 1: Then the word of the LORD came to me, asking, What do you see, Jeremiah? I replied, I see a branch of an almond tree. 12 The LORD said to me, You have seen correctly, for I 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 boiling pot, its mouth tilted from the north to the south. 14 Then the LORD said to me, Disaster will be poured out from the north on all who live in the land. June 6, 1944, was a decisive day for the U.S. Armed Forces: D-Day the beginning of the Allied offensive assault against Nazi Germany. Late on that spring day, General Dwight Eisenhower drafted a message of reassurance to his troops. He concluded the letter with these words: I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. 1 No doubt the troops stormed the beaches of Normandy with those words ringing in their ears. Our loving Father God never sends TRUTH TO LIVE BY His children into battle without the full No one will be able to stand reassurance of His watchful protection against you as long as you live. I and provision. Using allegorical language, God explained to Jeremiah that will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you. the rebellious nation of Israel. Jeremiah He already knew what was in store for Joshua 1:5 could trust the Lord because He knew the end of the story. What reassurance from God would help you move forward in faith toward that to which He has called you? Write out a prayer asking God for this reassurance. 1 General Eisenhower s Message Sent Just Prior to the Invasion, June 6, 1944 [online] [Cited 14 September 2010]. Available on the Internet at

9 J UNE 5, e XPANDING YOUR v I e W As you study the Book of Jeremiah throughout this quarter, notice how often the prophet included these words: This is the LORD s declaration. What do these words convey to you? HCSB Jeremiah 1: Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them. 18 Today, I am the One who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land against the 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 rescue you. This is the LORD s declaration. All the reassurance in the world will do no good unless we move forward in faith. Notice that God concluded His instructions to Jeremiah with the words, Now, get ready. Stand up... Israel and her estranged sister nation, Judah, had long trusted in strong, walled cities as a protection from enemies. How fitting, then, that God told Jeremiah he would be like a fortified stronghold against his fellow Jews intimidation and rejection. What forces of this world intimidate you? How can you learn to trust God in these situations? A CLOSER LOOK God doesn t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. What is God preparing you to do? Will you follow Him in total obedience? Unknown In truth, Jeremiah had no armor, no weapons, and no other accoutrements of war. What he had instead were the Lord s blessings, His instructions, His consecration, His reassurance, and His provision. What nation can stand against that?

10 14 A CCEPT YOUR COMMISSION PARTING THOUGHTS Americans are a resourceful people. Our ruggedly individualistic nature thrives on knowing we can be anything we want to be and do whatever we set out to accomplish. But deep down, we know that s a lie. Maybe that s why so many in our nation live their lives unfulfilled and unsatisfied, reduced to the mundane routine of good enough. God created you for more. [You] are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time... (Eph. 2:10). Look the verse up in your Bible. How does it end? What does that mean? Move forward in full assurance that God has empowered you to accept His commission. No matter how difficult the assignment, God expects nothing less than full victory. Personal Discovery: How can I confidently accept the assignments the Lord gives me? God has equpped you with everything you need to accomplish His work on earth. In the space below, ask Him to empower you to accept His assignments.