Embracing the Call: The Journey of a Prophet
Summary
In our Monday Bible study, we delved into the profound topic of "The Making of a Prophet," focusing on Jeremiah chapter 1. This session was a call to return to the roots of Scripture, to understand the divine process of becoming a prophet, not as a fortune teller, but as a mouthpiece for God's heart, purpose, and will. Jeremiah's journey exemplifies the stages and challenges one must endure to be recognized as a true prophet of God.
Jeremiah was called to confront sin, falsehood, and rebellion, a task that required immense courage and reliance on the Holy Spirit. His calling was not about predicting the future but about speaking God's truth, even when it was unpopular or dangerous. This calling is a reminder that God has a plan for each of us, prepared long before we were born. Our realization of this calling is not the beginning of it; God has already equipped us with everything we need to fulfill our purpose.
The essence of being set apart, or sanctification, is crucial. It means living differently, not conforming to societal norms, and being ready to challenge cultural and philosophical mindsets. Jeremiah's life was a testament to this, as he was called to be different, to stand against the tide of compromise and idolatry. This calling is not just for Jeremiah but for all who are chosen by God. It is a call to be bold, to speak the truth, and to stand firm in righteousness, even in the face of adversity.
God's assurance to Jeremiah, "I am with you and will rescue you," is a promise to all who walk in their prophetic calling. It is a reminder that challenges and opposition are not signs of failure but of being on the right path. The prophetic journey is about speaking God's truth, uprooting falsehoods, and establishing His kingdom on earth. It is about being a light in the darkness, a voice of truth in a world of lies.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Calling and Preparation: God has a plan for each of us, prepared before we were born. Our calling is not an accident but a divine appointment, equipped with everything we need to fulfill it. Understanding this gives us confidence and boldness in our journey. [20:48]
- Sanctification and Being Set Apart: Being set apart means living differently, not conforming to societal norms, and being ready to challenge cultural mindsets. It is a call to holiness and a life dedicated to God's purpose. [34:53]
- Courage in the Face of Adversity: The prophetic journey requires courage to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. God's promise to be with us and rescue us is a source of strength and assurance. [26:13]
- The Power of God's Word: God equips us with His word, which has the power to uproot falsehoods and establish His kingdom. Our lips are powerful tools for declaring God's truth and bringing about change. [48:09]
- The Role of Prophetic People: Prophetic people are called to speak truth, challenge falsehoods, and establish God's will on earth. This requires boldness, a deep understanding of God's word, and a commitment to righteousness. [09:36]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:40] - Introduction to Jeremiah
[09:36] - The Call of Jeremiah
[20:48] - God's Predestined Plan
[26:13] - Overcoming Inadequacy
[34:53] - The Role of Prophetic People
[48:09] - The Power of God's Word
[49:33] - Courage and Assurance
[50:00] - Speaking Truth in Darkness
[51:00] - Establishing God's Kingdom
[52:00] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Making of a Prophet
Bible Reading:
- Jeremiah 1:4-10
Observation Questions:
1. What specific tasks was Jeremiah called to do according to Jeremiah 1:4-10?
2. How does God reassure Jeremiah about his calling despite his feelings of inadequacy? [26:13]
3. What does it mean when God says, "I have put my words in your mouth"? How does this relate to Jeremiah's prophetic role? [34:53]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "set apart" or sanctified apply to Jeremiah's life and calling? What implications does this have for believers today? [20:48]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that challenges and opposition are part of the prophetic journey? How should believers interpret these challenges? [49:33]
3. How does the assurance of God's presence and rescue influence the courage of those called to speak God's truth? [26:13]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task God called you to. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Jeremiah's response to his calling? [26:13]
2. In what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to be "set apart"? How can you practically live out this calling in your daily routine? [20:48]
3. Consider a situation where speaking the truth might be unpopular or risky. How can you prepare yourself to stand firm in righteousness like Jeremiah? [34:53]
4. How can you rely on God's promise of presence and rescue when facing opposition in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to remind yourself of this promise? [26:13]
5. Identify a cultural or societal norm that you feel called to challenge. What specific actions can you take to address this issue while staying true to your faith? [20:48]
6. How can you use your words to uproot falsehoods and establish God's kingdom in your community? What practical steps can you take to ensure your speech aligns with God's truth? [48:09]
7. Think of a person or group you feel called to speak truth to. How can you approach this task with both boldness and humility, ensuring you are led by the Holy Spirit? [34:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Appointment and Preparation
God has a plan for each of us, prepared before we were born. Our calling is not an accident but a divine appointment, equipped with everything we need to fulfill it. Understanding this gives us confidence and boldness in our journey. God’s plan for us is not a mere afterthought; it is a carefully crafted purpose that predates our existence. This divine calling is a source of strength and assurance, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey. We are equipped with the necessary tools and gifts to fulfill our purpose, and this realization should embolden us to step forward with confidence. The journey of a prophet, as exemplified by Jeremiah, is not about predicting the future but about being a vessel for God’s truth and will. It is about understanding that our lives are part of a greater narrative, one that God has been writing long before we took our first breath. [20:48]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific gifts or talents do you believe God has equipped you with to fulfill your divine purpose? How can you begin to use them more intentionally in your daily life?
Day 2: Sanctification and Being Set Apart
Being set apart means living differently, not conforming to societal norms, and being ready to challenge cultural mindsets. It is a call to holiness and a life dedicated to God's purpose. Sanctification is not merely about personal piety but about embodying a life that reflects God’s values and truth. Jeremiah’s life was a testament to this, as he was called to stand against the tide of compromise and idolatry. This call to be set apart is not just for prophets but for all who are chosen by God. It requires a willingness to live counter-culturally, to challenge prevailing philosophies, and to uphold God’s standards in a world that often rejects them. This journey of sanctification is about aligning our lives with God’s purpose and being a beacon of His truth in our communities. [34:53]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you currently conforming to societal norms that conflict with your faith? What steps can you take to live a life that is more set apart for God’s purpose?
Day 3: Courage in the Face of Adversity
The prophetic journey requires courage to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. God's promise to be with us and rescue us is a source of strength and assurance. Jeremiah was called to confront sin and falsehood, a task that demanded immense bravery and reliance on the Holy Spirit. This courage is not about the absence of fear but about trusting in God’s presence and promises. The assurance that God is with us, as He was with Jeremiah, empowers us to stand firm in righteousness, even when faced with opposition. Challenges and adversity are not signs of failure but indicators that we are on the right path, fulfilling our divine calling. [26:13]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel called to speak God’s truth but are hesitant due to fear or opposition. How can you draw strength from God’s promise to be with you in this situation?
Day 4: The Power of God's Word
God equips us with His word, which has the power to uproot falsehoods and establish His kingdom. Our lips are powerful tools for declaring God's truth and bringing about change. The Word of God is not just a collection of ancient texts but a living and active force that transforms lives and societies. Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry was rooted in the power of God’s word, which he was called to proclaim boldly. This same power is available to us today, enabling us to challenge falsehoods and establish God’s truth in our spheres of influence. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we become more effective instruments of God’s will, using our words to bring light to darkness and truth to deception. [48:09]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God’s word into your daily routine to better equip yourself for speaking truth and challenging falsehoods in your life?
Day 5: The Role of Prophetic People
Prophetic people are called to speak truth, challenge falsehoods, and establish God's will on earth. This requires boldness, a deep understanding of God's word, and a commitment to righteousness. The role of a prophetic person is not limited to foretelling future events but involves being a mouthpiece for God’s heart and purpose. Jeremiah’s life exemplifies the courage and dedication required to fulfill this calling. Prophetic people are tasked with the responsibility of being truth-bearers, standing firm in righteousness, and challenging the status quo. This role demands a deep relationship with God and a commitment to living out His truth in every aspect of life. As we embrace this calling, we become agents of change, helping to establish God’s kingdom on earth. [09:36]
"And the Lord said to me, 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.'" (Jeremiah 1:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in establishing God’s will in your community? What specific actions can you take this week to speak truth and challenge falsehoods around you?
Quotes
God is the one that appoints, and you have to understand that. And when you have an understanding, he gives you boldness. That's what Paul can say. You know, when he was writing his epistle to the Galatians, he said, Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ, sent by God, called by God, and not by man. [00:24:11] (16 seconds)
It's better to be rejected by man and accepted by God, it's better to be rejected by man and been ordained by God. Because if you're ordained by man and rejected by God, you are, you know, I would say you are almost useless. [00:25:35] (14 seconds)
I will be with you and I will rescue you declare the lord and I believe god will rescue you from any trouble for standing from the for the truth for standing for righteousness for standing for the word of god for standing for the purpose of god. [00:37:14] (12 seconds)
We speak justice to overthrow the injustice. We speak deliverance to overthrow bondage. We speak freedom to overthrow slavery. We speak the light to overthrow the darkness. We speak love to overthrow hatred. [00:48:00] (15 seconds)
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