7 The Crisis Continues – Discussion starters
- More challenges. Poor Jeremiah. Since Jeremiah was a godly man, we‘re sure he wasn’t being punished. But he suffered as if he were a lawbreaker or a rebel. Why do trials keep falling on the prophet of God? Do you and I ever get in trouble without doing anything wrong? How do you feel when that happens? What picture would have been painted in history if the people of God in Jeremiah’s day had paid attention to what he told them?
What was God’s goal with them? Does God have similar hopes for us today? - Let Him Who Boasts. . . Why did the 9th chapter of Jeremiah and other writings of the prophet become known as “lamentations”? Did bad luck play any role in the sorrow Jeremiah felt and expressed about God’s people? Why couldn’t the people of God catch on that sin was like a wall that separates them from God? Shouldn’t that have been obvious? Did the tribulations of Jesus and His crucifixion reveal to those who were watching Him that here was a Man whose love for God’s righteousness overwhelmed the pain and suffering He endured?
- Creatures or Creator? How could the people of God become fascinated by the horrible examples around them of worshipping false gods, to the point of copying them by sacrificing their own children for the sense of perverse satisfaction it gave them? How could they derive satisfaction from murdering their own children? Did Jeremiah try to convince the idol worshippers to lay aside such hideous practices? Did the people listen and give up their sinful practices? If not, why not? What practices in our personal lives are we loathe to give up even though they do not lead us closer to the kingdom? And even though they might not seem as gross as destroying the lives of youngsters?
- A Call to Repentance. Did any of the people of Judah deserve God’s pardon and acceptance? If not, what did they deserve? What about us? Are we so close to perfection that we have no need to ask for forgiveness and repentance? Indeed, how far are we from the perfect model of Jesus Christ? What is the difference between forgiveness and repentance? Can we have one without the other? Why or why not? Think of an outstanding Christian leader in your church or community. Does that person deserve God’s condemnation or praise? What does God offer him? What about you and I? Is there no end to God’s willingness to reclaim us and make us His?
- The Call for Death. Why did the leaders of the Jewish people think that Jeremiah deserved to die? Considering the sorrow and anguish Jeremiah suffered for God, why didn’t he run for safety? How would you feel, on coming to church, to learn that your pastor was being sent to prison without a single charge against him? What was Jeremiah’s response to the word from the people that he deserved to die? What germ of hope did he offer his accusers? Did they seize the opportunity and put away their sins?
- Jeremiah’s Escape. Time for Jeremiah to make himself scarce. Instead, what did he do? As people clustered about him, who came to his defense? How did Jeremiah receive an acquittal for receiving the punishment of death? Did the people rejoice over this accomplishment? What was the reaction of those who held power within the court? How does this court scene compare with the arrest and punishment of Jesus, hundreds of years later? Is it too easy to go along with the majority when someone faces accusations? What is a safer plan?
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God always give us the right Sabbath school lessons at the right time. At this time in earths history, witnessing all the calamities taking place it is very fitting that we repent rededicate and refocus on Christ second coming. I pray that this Quarter will be one to draw us closer to our Father in Heaven.
this time is realy short we need prayers always
Am always inspired with Sabbath School Lessons every Sabbath because always focuses on what we are at a particular period or time,in this quarter,the suffering of the prophet gives us courage for the great suffering we are about to suffer