Key Thought : Sin pervades every aspect of human existence. Jeremiah experienced this when his life was threatened because of the message he preached..

Rebuke and Retribution, October 17-23, 2015

1. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 17:1-5.

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a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What is the purpose of God’s prophetic description of Judah’s sin being tattooed on their heart?
c. Personal Application : Are there some sins that are so part of our nature that they are nearly impossible to remove or even recognize as flaws in our characters? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “If sin is so difficult to remove, how come Jesus told us to come to Him and He would forgive and cleanse us? What else is necessary?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 12:10,11.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. Jeremiah was spiritually discouraged. Why should he, and we, take our faith struggles to God?
c. Personal Application : How can we learn to trust in the Lord despite all the evil and injustice that happens that doesn’t make sense to us? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Why is your church critical of the Catholic Church and also of other Protestant denominations? Aren’t you in favor of a unified church? They preach Christ, what are they doing wrong?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 14:10-14.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why are those who have God on their lips but not in their hearts, who have th form of worship, and claim to speak for God in their churches so much more detestable than those who don’t know God?
c. Personal Application: How do you react when people close to you disappoint you or lie to you? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “When draught and fire and starvation come upon people because of their evil ways and rejection of the Lord just like Sodom, are we still to pray for them, or just let others know that this is the result of their wickedness and rebellion?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 11:19-23.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why is it harder for a man to preach and speak the truth in his own home town for people to listen and accept it?
c. Personal Application: When was the last time you heard something that you knew was right, but you didn’t want to hear it? What was your initial reaction? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” Ministry of Healing, p. 148)

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