Jeremiah: A God-Called Man

By David Woods

Accountability: Have you had an opportunity to speak to someone about Christ recently?

Open: When you reach the end of your life, for what would you like to be remembered?

Read Jeremiah 1:4-8, 11-12

Discussion: What does the fact that God knows us while we are still in womb suggest about the personhood of the fetus?

Discussion: What was the "sanctification" Jeremiah experienced while he was still in the womb? (The word "sanctification" means "to be set apart." In its most general sense, then, sanctification refers to God singling a person out for a special reason or purpose. "Sanctification" here cannot mean Jeremiah came into this world already "saved" or "entirely sanctified." Also, though God "sanctified" him in the womb, Jeremiah did have a choice of whether or not to obey. Though confusing to us, God knew beforehand that Jeremiah would choose to obey.)

Discussion: Does the special call of God on Jeremiah imply that God only has a special purpose for some people? (God does call certain people to special service. However, I believe God has a wonderful purpose in mind for each person.)

Discussion: Why do you think Jeremiah answered God saying that he did not feel qualified?

Discussion: How does Jeremiah's reaction differ from Moses' reaction when God called him?

Someone has said that there are 365 "Fear not"s in the Bible. I have not counted them up myself, but from my reading of scripture have noted that "fear not" is a constant refrain to God's people.

Discussion: Why is fear such a prevalent problem?

Discussion: Why is fear unnecessary for God's child?

In verses 11-12 God gives Jeremiah a vision that is somewhat cryptic to us. Jeremiah says he sees a rod of an almond tree.

Commentators tell us that the word rendered "almond" came from a root word meaning "to be awake." The almond blossoms in January, therefore it appears to be awake while other trees are sleeping.

Therefore, Jeremiah's vision of the rod of an almond tree signifies the quickness with which God will act to judge the nations. As God says in verse twelve, "I will hasten my word to perform it." (Barnes, Clarke)

Discussion: How does God confirm Jeremiah's call to be a prophet in these verses?

Discussion: What are some other ways God confirms His call upon our lives?

Discussion: Why is it important that our call by God is confirmed?

Read Jeremiah 1:9-10, 13-16

Discussion: Why does Jeremiah tell us that God put His words in his mouth?

Discussion: How can we know that a person's message is indeed from God?

Discussion: What general message to the people does God reveal to Jeremiah in verses 13-16?

Discussion: How does a person who feels called to preach a message of condemnation maintain a tender, loving spirit toward people?

Read Jeremiah 1:17-19

Discussion: Can a person be partially obedient to God?

Discussion: What happens when God's servant allows himself/herself to be intimidated by others?

God told Jeremiah he would be a "defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls" to the people whom he was to minister. In other words, he was not going to be a popular preacher.

Discussion: What does Jeremiah's story teach us about God's definition of success for His people?

Discussion: What assurance does the person called by God to service have about succeeding according to God's plan for his/her life?

What we have been studying today leads me to the conclusion that:

Big Idea: God has created you for a wonderful purpose.

I realize that God has called certain people into special service (i.e. pastors, missionaries, etc.). At the same time, I also believe God has a wonderful purpose in mind for each person.

Maybe you do not feel called to any "special" purpose right now. If not, I would encourage you to be open to His leading. But in the meantime, you can know that God has called you to a general purpose.

That purpose includes glorifying God in your lifestyle, serving others in God's name, and participating in reaching the lost for Christ.

Futhermore, you can be assured of God's help in fulfilling this purpose. Jeremiah's story teaches us that 1) God prepares us for His mission. God began preparing Jeremiah while he was still in his mother's womb.

2) God provides us with His message. God put his words in Jeremiah's mouth. 3) God prospers us in His ministry. I am not talking about prospering in the sense of material wealth or fame, but in fulfilling God's mission for your life. God told Jeremiah the people would fight him, yet they would not prevail for God was with him.

Discussion: Has God been speaking to you recently about a way in which you can serve Him? Would you like to share God's call on your life with us?

Whether you have sensed God calling to any particular area of service or not, you can know that God loves you and desires you to experience the joy of serving Him. I will leave you with a challenge to pray.

If God has pointed you to an area of service, pray that God would use you and give you courage to obey Him. If you do not feel God has pointed to a specific area of service, pray that God would reveal an opportunity in which you can serve Him.

Prayer: