Sermon

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What are things you think were better in our country 30-40 years ago? How did Jeremiah see his world change between the start of his ministry in ~627 BC and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC?
2. While we may never openly admit we believe the prosperity gospel, what are ways we functionally live as if it were true (e.g., God is transactional, and since I have obeyed Him, He owes me this blessing)?
3. Read Jeremiah’s prayer in Jeremiah 20:7-18 after he was beaten and put in the stocks for obeying and preaching God’s Word. What emotions do you see in Jeremiah? What does he know is true about God? Have you ever been able to relate to Jeremiah and this level of pain and frustration?
4. Read Jeremiah’s prayer in Jeremiah 32:16-25 after he obeyed God and bought a field that would look foolish to everyone. What is Jeremiah trusting about God and His character?
5. Pastor Aaron pulled four truths from Jeremiah when facing the messes of this world: 1) Recognize life is hard, 2) God can handle our emotions, 3) Our emotions do not justify disobedience, 4) Just keep obeying. Which of these stuck out to you most? Why?
6. What do you think it looks like to bring our emotions to the Lord in a healthy way? Do you agree with Pastor Aaron’s statement that if we don’t take our emotions to the Lord in a healthy way they will have a negative impact on those closest to us? Where have you seen this in your life?
7. What are ways people use their poor emotions to justify their disobedience?
8. While God hasn’t commanded you to buy a field like He did to Jeremiah, what are clear commands of Scripture where you need to grow in your obedience? How does meditating on God’s character and promises help us obey?