Jeremiah: Part 7

Message: The Plans He Has

· Jeremiah 29:11 is often taken out of context.

· Context: God was sending the Isrealites into exile for 70 years as punishment; however, God has a plan and a promise for them. (Jer 29: 1, 4, 8-10)

· The promise (Jer 29:11) is a multi-generational promise and is from an eternal standpoint.

· We will go into exile, be persecuted, be harmed; however, God promises salvation, deliverance, a glorious eternity on the other side. (Jer 29:12-14)

· Live, lay roots, embrace your circumstances, be obedient, worship, and pray while you wait. (Jer 29:5-7)

· Remember that God is always in charge, no matter where you are today.

Questions

1. Before today, how did you interpret Jeremiah 29:11?
2. Have you ever given up on Jer 29:11 because the promise didn’t match up with your life?
3. Have you ever gone through a period of “exile”? How did you respond to God?
4. Knowing that Jer 29:11 is a multi-generational promise, with a focus on life-eternal, does it alter the way you live? Do you become more or less motivated? Does your focus and/or priorities shift?
5. What are you doing while you wait? Are you always looking to the future? Are you fully embracing each day?
6. Do you find peace and satisfaction in knowing you have a piece of God’s plan? Do you actually live this out?