Saturday July 25, 2015

Read Jeremiah 45

 We’ve said over and over again throughout this sermon series that the prophesy of Jeremiah given to us by God is not chronological. Chronologically, this chapter belongs with chapter 36, but it was placed here to perform several functions.

Firstly, this chapter introduces the prophecies against the nations in chapters 46–51. Most of the nations dealt with in chapters 46–51 are named in Jeremiah 25:15–26.

Secondly, this chapter gives us insight into type of man Baruch really was. He had a brother on the king’s official staff who could have secured a good job for him in the palace. Instead, Baruch chose to identify with Jeremiah and to do the will of God. Moses had his seventy elders; David had his mighty men; Jesus had His disciples; Paul had his helpers, such as Timothy, Titus, and Silas; and Jeremiah had Baruch his faithful secretary.

Thirdly even the most devoted servants occasionally get discouraged. Baruch came to a point in his life where he was so depressed that he wanted to quit. Jeremiah. In vs 3 he cried out, ‘Woe is me! For the Lord has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’ (ESV). Within Baruch’s lament are five first person pronouns (me, my, I my, I). The use of these pronouns highlights both the source and the power of discouragement. Discouragement comes when we focus on ourselves and our situation. When we zero in on our pain, our suffering or our lot, discouragement sets in and begins to fester.

The Lord had a word of encouragement for His servant. He cautioned him not to build his hopes on the future of Judah, because everything would be destroyed in the Babylonian siege. Then God gave him a word of assurance: his life would be spared. Baruch didn’t have to fear the enemy. This word of promise to Baruch echoes the same perspective as that of the apostle Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). Baruch’s woe, his failure, his seemingly unfulfilled life would absolutely shrivel when the final glory is revealed. That which was causing Baruch to be discouraged would not even be worthy of a moment’s attention from the vantage point of eternal glory.

Only in the light of eternal glory with Christ can we say that God is preparing us for something better. Only when we are in glory with Christ will we be all that we were created to be and receive all that we were created to receive. Until then, there is no promise that things will be comfy, cushy or rosy.

Prayer:

Using today’s Bible passage and notes write down points for

Adoration:

Confession

Thanks

Supplication:

· Pray that tomorrow’s service would be a great encouragement to believers and a great challenge for non-believers to place their faith/trust in Jesus Christ.

· Pray that the evangelism/ outreach services in Warwick, Westbrook and ChristLife would bear much fruit, bringing many to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus.

 Discussion Questions

1. How can a Christian deal with discouragement?

2. According to 2 Cor 1:3-5 what role can suffering and trouble play in the lives of believers?

3. Another believer says to you that he has no need to share his burdens and discouragements. He says that he feels that each one should carry their own burdens and not dump on others. What is a biblical response to this view of discouragement?