This lesson is for the end of August. The video covers what you will read in the month ahead (September), but the discussion covers what you read in the last month (August):
Discussion questions:
1. Jeremiah’s ministry to the people lasted about 30 years. Virtually no one listened to him or turned toward God as a result of Jeremiah’s obedience. Do you think God thought of Him as successful? Why? How does this inform what successful ministry looks like?
2. Have you ever been frustrated because you have invested in ministry that seemed sparse on fruit? How can we tell when “a long obedience in the same direction” is the right answer, or when we should move on to something where God is more clearly at work?
3. In the OT the people are blessed when they follow God most of the time. But did you notice Jeremiah obeys God and yet nothing goes his way? What are we promised if we follow God? What are we not promised?
4. The exiles were told to settle down and seek the good of the nation where they were placed. Essentially, God told them to bloom where they were planted. They were also expected to keep their love and longing for Jerusalem alive. How can we keep our longing for heaven alive, while seeking the good of our current life?
5. How is God calling you to “bloom where you are planted”?
6. Ezekiel 14:5 says, “I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all my people.” What does God do to capture your mind? What does He do to capture your heart?
7. In Ezekiel 33:11, 17 God says, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness…Your people are saying ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right, but it is they who are not doing what is right.” Do you think the people misunderstood God’s motives? Do you think people today misunderstand God’s motives? Do you think they blame Him for things that are not His fault?
Leaders note: God is sovereign, but He is not the author of sin, betrayal, abuse, and the consequences of those things.
8. Daniel confessed the sins of the people. Ezra did too. They said, “We have sinned”, and “You are righteous, but we are covered with shame.” What does confession look like to you? Who do you confess to? In James 5:16, we are encouraged to confess our sins to each other. Why do you think James encourages this? How can it be helpful?
Leaders note: Hopefully participants will see the link between shame and remaining hidden. Speaking of the things we are ashamed of and seeing God’s grace in the eyes of another believer can be a powerful and healing.
Whole Bible Challenge 