Key Thought : Jeremiah’s message addressed a crisis that had been in the making through extended grace and increased apostasy that eventually led to exile.

The Last Five Kings of Judah, October 10-16, 2015

1. Have a volunteer read 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.

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a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What steps did Josiah take for change that would be central to any reformation?
c. Personal Application : What influence do your words and actions have on other people, positive and negative? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “Josiah was the king, so whatever he said was it. You can’t have a church like that today. How does a person of influence have any ability to make changes in a corrupt or backslidden church or society today?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 22:9-19

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What were some of the causes of the Lord’s rebuke on Jehoiachim?
c. Personal Application : How do we plead the cause of the poor and needy (verse 16) today? How does that help us come to the Lord? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Are we supposed to be involved with radical social injustice groups that are rising up everywhere? Are we to clasp hands with the Pope’s call for helping the poor and needy? How do we discern between what God’s call is and the spurious calls for reformation?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 29:7-14.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Even though Babylon captured Jerusalem and took the people captive, what promise of love and hope does God give them through Jeremiah?
c. Personal Application: What promises can you claim right now for a future and a hope regardless of your circumstances? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “How do you react when things go from bad to worse in your life? That’s your real character and expression of your faith or lack of it. Most of Israel didn’t listen and accept their faith patiently and humbly, and most people today wouldn’t either.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 38:14-18.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What did the king ask Jeremiah and why?
c. Personal Application: Knowing what is going to happen, should we continue to share these truths with others even if they make fun of you or turn against you and hate you? 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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