The church of Christ
	At Granby, MO

Jeremiah 14-15 – Divine Discipline and Prophet's Perseverance

Introduction: Chapters 14 and 15 of Jeremiah present a somber yet enlightening look into the divine discipline faced by Judah and Jeremiah's personal struggles as a prophet. In these chapters, God, through Jeremiah, delivers stark warnings and disciplines His people through severe drought and impending invasion, while Jeremiah grapples with the burden of delivering an unpopular message. This study will explore themes of divine retribution, the role of prophecy, and the personal resilience required in upholding God's truth.

Objectives:

1. Understand the consequences of Judah's disobedience and the role of divine discipline.

2. Examine the influence of false prophets on Israel's spiritual condition.

3. Reflect on Jeremiah's emotional struggles and God's reassurances to him.

4. Draw lessons on maintaining faith and responsibility in challenging times.

Outline:

1. Divine Discipline Through Drought (Jeremiah 14:1-6)

• Situation: Severe drought affecting both people and animals.

• Purpose: To capture the attention of Judah and to prompt reflection on their actions.

• Discussion Points:

  • How natural events can serve as a form of divine chastening.

  • The intended outcome of such discipline is repentance and change.

2. The Role of False Prophets (Jeremiah 14:7-16)

• Key Figures: False prophets misleading the nation with false assurances.

• Discussion Points:

  • The danger of false prophecy and its implications for the nation.

  • Personal responsibility in discerning truth amid misinformation.

3. The Inevitability of Judgment (Jeremiah 14:17-22)

• Key Passage: The universal impact of the coming devastation.

• Discussion Points:

  • Jeremiah and the remnant's acknowledgement of sin.

  • Trust in God’s sovereignty amidst looming judgment.

4. Reputation of Intercessors (Jeremiah 15:1-4)

• Key Figures: Moses and Samuel as historical intercessors.

• Discussion Points:

  • God’s firmness in executing judgment despite historical examples of intercession.

  • The unyielding nature of justice when a people persist in rebellion.

5. Severity of the Babylonian Threat (Jeremiah 15:5-9)

• Imagery: Descriptions of terror and widespread destruction.

• Discussion Points:

  • Understanding the ferocity of the judgment and its totality.

6. Jeremiah’s Personal Struggle (Jeremiah 15:10-21)

• Emotional Toll: Jeremiah’s lament and feelings of isolation.

• God’s Assurance: Promise of strength and protection; the role of a prophet.

• Discussion Points:

  • The impact of emotional and spiritual burdens on Jeremiah.

  • God's reassurance of Jeremiah's strength and purpose.

7. Lessons for Today:

• Encouragement to discern true teachings and avoid modern "false prophets."

• The importance of repentance and seeking God in times of divine discipline.

• Lessons on resilience, maintaining faith, and continuing one's mission despite opposition or despair.

Conclusion: Jeremiah 14 and 15 provide a stark revelation of the consequences of spiritual negligence and the formidable demands placed on those chosen to declare God's truth. Jeremiah’s journey highlights the personal cost of prophecy while underscoring themes of divine discipline and perseverance. As we reflect on these chapters, we draw vital lessons on the balance of justice, prophecy, and personal faithfulness, urging us to remain steadfast and discerning in our spiritual journey. This narrative encourages faith communities today to uphold truth and integrity, embracing God’s guidance through both trials and renewal.

 

Matt 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

The church of Christ in Granby Missouri

516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

Email: Bobby Stafford
Email: David Hersey