NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passages: Jeremiah 50:11-20, 33-34
Discussion Questions:
- As a kid, when did you think you got away with something, only to find out you didn’t?
- How should verses 11-16 prompt Christians to pray?
- What can we learn about God and His nature from this passage?
Food for thought:
History is full of notorious criminals who fled justice and were fugitives for many years before being apprehended. Many thought they could get away with their crimes, but the law caught up with them.
There are also fugitives who never were apprehended and appear to have escaped justice. Even though a criminal may escape judgment in an earthly courtroom, no one who defies God is able to escape His judgment. This truth is evident in today’s study of Jeremiah 50.
Jeremiah was tasked with delivering God’s oracles of judgment on numerous nations. In today’s study, Jeremiah spoke God’s simple message to the people of Judah about the nation of Babylon. Since Babylon rejoiced over its defeat of God’s people, Babylon would be disgraced and become the least of all nations.
God called for the enemies of Babylon to assemble and begin to encircle her. They were to completely defeat Babylon as the Lord exacted vengeance on the ones who had abused His people. Jeremiah reminded the people that God would punish Babylon just as He had punished Assyria. God would also lead His faithful people to return to the promised land. The sins of His people would be wiped clean, never to be found.
Finally, Jeremiah reminded the people that God was stronger than any earthly kingdom. God would be a champion for His people and redeem them, bringing lasting peace. He will also bring suffering and chaos to those who have mistreated His people.
Christians can take comfort in a few truths found in this passage:
- We can rejoice that God’s justice includes forgiveness, not just discipline.
- Believers can be confident that God is capable of redeeming His people.
These truths hold just as much power today as they did in Jeremiah’s time.
In what areas of life do you need to experience God’s freedom today? “Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Armies is his name” (Jeremiah 50:34).
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible.
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