Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

  One of my passions is small group ministry. I am writing material for our groups and have decided to post some lessons from time to time. Perhaps they can be adapted and useful to others.

As I was doing my daily Bible reading, I ran across an idea that made me think. In light of the “Purpose-Driven” ideas it occurs to me that God acts in different ways to different people. Some people (as in Jeremiah 1:5) are given specific tasks. Other people, like Baruch in Jeremiah 45 are given the lee way to do a number of things. Each has the promise of the presence of God. Each has the potential for God’s glory.

I hope the following can be useful to you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Baruch, De-Scribed

Jeremiah 45

Open

Please share your response to one of the following:

1. If you had to choose one of the following to be with 24/7 for a month, who would it be and why?

• journalist
• TV personality
• missionary
• park ranger
• Olympic Gold Medalist
• salesman
• policeman
• therapist

2. If you could go anywhere and do anything, where would you go, what would you do?

Study

Please read Jeremiah 45 and discuss the following:

1. Jeremiah prophesied and saw the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah by the Babylonians. Baruch was his “secretary” or “scribe.” He wrote only what Jeremiah spoke. What do you think this says about the character of Baruch, especially in light of the coming devastation?

2. What do you think caused Baruch to be so discouraged?

3. In your opinion, what caused God to “uproot” his people?

4. Jeremiah had a God-given mission (see Jeremiah 1.5). It appears that Baruch does not, but God assures him of his presence and protection.

• What are the advantages of each situation?
• What are the disadvantages?
• Do you think God has a specific mission for each and every one of us (like Jeremiah) or do you think he allows some of us to make our own way as Baruch?

5. Why do you think Baruch is told not to seek “great things for himself”?

6. When do you think we need to seek “great things” and when do we need not to?

7. What do you think God means by his promise to Baruch in v. 5C?

Apply

Please share your responses to the following:

1. What things wear you out? How does this affect your relationship to God?

2. When you feel fatigue, what promises of God do you hold to? How have these made a difference for you?

3. Are you ambitious to seek great things or content to walk with God without the limelight? (See Philippians 4.11-13). Why?