Faithful Action Amidst Adversity: Embracing God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into Jeremiah 32, focusing on the theme of "buy-in" to God's promises, even in the most challenging circumstances. Jeremiah found himself in a dire situation, imprisoned and surrounded by the enemy, yet God instructed him to buy a field in the very land under siege. This act of faith, buying into God's promise despite the bleak circumstances, serves as a powerful lesson for us. Jeremiah's obedience and faith in God's word, even when it seemed illogical, demonstrated his unwavering trust in God's plan.
We explored how faith requires us to believe in God's promises even when we haven't seen them fulfilled yet. Jeremiah's act of purchasing the land was a declaration of his faith in God's future restoration of Israel. Similarly, we are called to buy into God's promises and grace, even when our current situation seems hopeless. The name of Jeremiah's uncle, Hanamel, which means "the grace of God," symbolizes that grace is always on the way, bringing answers and hope.
We also discussed the importance of not just waiting passively for God's promises but actively engaging in life, building, planting, and prospering even in difficult times. This proactive faith is crucial for personal growth and for being a testimony to others. The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to buy into God's promises wholeheartedly and to live out their faith daily, impacting their communities and preparing for Jesus' return.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in Adversity: Jeremiah's decision to buy land while imprisoned and surrounded by enemies teaches us that faith means trusting God's promises even in the darkest times. This act of faith is a declaration that we believe in God's future restoration and blessings, regardless of our current circumstances. [47:14]
2. Grace is Always on the Way: The name Hanamel, meaning "the grace of God," reminds us that God's grace is always coming to our aid. Even when we are in the pit, up to our necks in difficulties, God's grace brings hope and answers to our problems. [52:00]
3. Active Faith: God instructed the Israelites to build houses, plant gardens, and prosper even during their exile. This teaches us that we should not wait passively for God's promises but actively engage in life, demonstrating our faith through our actions and preparations for the future. [01:04:56]
4. Buying into God's Promises: We are called to buy into God's promises fully, not just rent or lease them. This means committing to God's word and His plans for our lives, even when we haven't seen the fulfillment yet. Our faith should be evident in our daily lives and decisions. [55:30]
5. Impacting the Present: While waiting for God's promises, we are called to make an impact where we are right now. This involves being proactive in our faith, influencing our communities, and living out God's word daily. Our present actions should reflect our belief in God's future promises. [01:07:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:00] - Introduction to Jeremiah 32
[44:34] - Jeremiah's Imprisonment
[45:59] - The Word of the Lord in Difficult Times
[47:14] - Faith in Adversity
[48:57] - The Promise is Coming
[50:36] - Buying into God's Promises
[52:00] - Grace is Always on the Way
[53:46] - Grace Brings Answers
[55:30] - Fully Committing to God's Word
[57:09] - The Future is Bright
[58:30] - Lasting Through Difficult Circumstances
[01:00:00] - Believing Without Seeing
[01:01:48] - Paul's Thorn and God's Grace
[01:03:33] - Building and Prospering in Exile
[01:04:56] - Active Faith in Tough Times
[01:07:16] - Making an Impact Now
[01:09:18] - Jesus is Coming
[01:13:43] - Call to Salvation
[01:15:24] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Jeremiah 32:6-16 (NIV)
> "Jeremiah said, 'The word of the Lord came to me: Hanamel son of Shallum your uncle is going to come to you and say, "Buy my field at Anathoth, because as nearest relative it is your right and duty to buy it." Then, just as the Lord had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and said, "Buy my field at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. Since it is your right to redeem it and possess it, buy it for yourself." I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver. I signed and sealed the deed, had it witnessed, and weighed out the silver on the scales. I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy containing the terms and conditions, as well as the unsealed copy—and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. In their presence I gave Baruch these instructions: "This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Take these documents, both the sealed and unsealed copies of the deed of purchase, and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time. For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land."'
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Jeremiah regarding the field at Anathoth? ([43:00])
2. How did Jeremiah respond to God's command to buy the field, and what actions did he take to complete the purchase? ([48:57])
3. What was the significance of the name "Hanamel" and how did it relate to the message of the sermon? ([52:00])
4. What did God promise would happen in the future concerning the land of Israel? ([43:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God asked Jeremiah to buy a field while he was imprisoned and the land was under siege? What does this teach us about faith in difficult circumstances? ([47:14])
2. How does the meaning of Hanamel's name ("the grace of God") provide hope in the context of Jeremiah's situation? ([52:00])
3. What does Jeremiah's act of buying the field symbolize about his trust in God's promises, and how can this be applied to our own lives? ([50:36])
4. How does the instruction to build houses, plant gardens, and prosper during exile reflect a proactive approach to faith? ([01:04:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "pit" or difficult situation. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Jeremiah's example of faith? ([45:59])
2. In what ways can you actively "buy into" God's promises in your current life circumstances, even if they seem bleak or challenging? ([50:36])
3. How can you remind yourself that "grace is always on the way" when facing tough times? What practical steps can you take to hold onto this truth? ([52:00])
4. What are some specific actions you can take to build, plant, and prosper in your life right now, even if you are waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled? ([01:04:56])
5. How can you make an impact in your community and live out your faith daily, as Jeremiah did, despite any current challenges you face? ([01:07:16])
6. Think of a promise from God that you are still waiting to see fulfilled. How can you demonstrate your trust in that promise through your actions and decisions this week? ([50:36])
7. How can you encourage others around you to "buy into" God's promises and live out their faith, especially those who may be struggling? ([01:06:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Promises in Dark Times
Jeremiah's decision to buy land while imprisoned and surrounded by enemies teaches us that faith means trusting God's promises even in the darkest times. This act of faith is a declaration that we believe in God's future restoration and blessings, regardless of our current circumstances. Jeremiah's obedience and faith in God's word, even when it seemed illogical, demonstrated his unwavering trust in God's plan. This teaches us that faith requires us to believe in God's promises even when we haven't seen them fulfilled yet. Jeremiah's act of purchasing the land was a declaration of his faith in God's future restoration of Israel. Similarly, we are called to buy into God's promises and grace, even when our current situation seems hopeless. [47:14]
Jeremiah 32:6-9 (ESV): "Jeremiah said, 'The word of the Lord came to me: Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you and say, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours." Then Hanamel my cousin came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said to me, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself." Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems hopeless. How can you demonstrate your trust in God's promises in this situation today?
Day 2: Grace is Always on the Way
The name Hanamel, meaning "the grace of God," reminds us that God's grace is always coming to our aid. Even when we are in the pit, up to our necks in difficulties, God's grace brings hope and answers to our problems. This teaches us that no matter how dire our circumstances, we can always rely on God's grace to bring us through. Hanamel's name symbolizes that grace is always on the way, bringing answers and hope. This is a powerful reminder that God's grace is sufficient for us, and it is always available, even in our darkest moments. [52:00]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you see God's grace at work in that situation? How can you be more aware of His grace in your current struggles?
Day 3: Active Faith in Tough Times
God instructed the Israelites to build houses, plant gardens, and prosper even during their exile. This teaches us that we should not wait passively for God's promises but actively engage in life, demonstrating our faith through our actions and preparations for the future. This proactive faith is crucial for personal growth and for being a testimony to others. We are called to live out our faith daily, impacting our communities and preparing for Jesus' return. [01:04:56]
Jeremiah 29:5-7 (ESV): "Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to actively live out your faith in your current circumstances? How can you be a testimony to others through this action?
Day 4: Fully Committing to God's Word
We are called to buy into God's promises fully, not just rent or lease them. This means committing to God's word and His plans for our lives, even when we haven't seen the fulfillment yet. Our faith should be evident in our daily lives and decisions. This commitment requires us to trust in God's timing and His plans, even when they don't align with our own. By fully committing to God's word, we demonstrate our faith and trust in His promises. [55:30]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you hesitant to fully commit to God's promises? What steps can you take today to demonstrate your full commitment to His word?
Day 5: Making an Impact Now
While waiting for God's promises, we are called to make an impact where we are right now. This involves being proactive in our faith, influencing our communities, and living out God's word daily. Our present actions should reflect our belief in God's future promises. By making an impact now, we prepare ourselves and others for the fulfillment of God's promises and the return of Jesus. [01:07:16]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a light in your community today? What specific actions can you take to make a positive impact on those around you?
Quotes
1. "You ever felt like you've been over your head before? You ever felt like that you're in a bad spot? You ever felt like you've done what God told you to do, but you found yourself in a bad spot? I know it's so easy to look at it. I know today and see where you may be, be hearing the Lord and, and, and hearing what God has says and doing what he has called you to do. But it looks like the wrong people are in the palace and you're in the wrong people are in the pit." [45:59] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith believes in God no matter your circumstances. Faith is having hope even when I hadn't seen it yet. It's a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things I ain't seen yet. He was in a bad spot. He said your uncle's gonna come, he's gonna offer you some land he's gonna and I want you to purchase it then the hope comes knocking the uncle comes to the prison offers him some land and what does jeremiah do next he says i don't know about this no that's not what he does he takes the deal." [48:57] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Some of us need to learn how to buy into the fact that God's word is true even though we hadn't seen it happen yet. He didn't he didn't buy in he didn't sign it after he got out of prison he didn't buy in and sign it after the Babylonians had left and then the captivity had ended he bought into it while he was still in captivity while Nebuchadnezzar was still knocking on their door he bought into it while he was still in change." [50:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "See, grace shows up and here's what happened is when grace shows up grace doesn't show up and look at you and say he's still on the way I don't care what what's happening is it through the house or is it just my monitor just everywhere that's all right God's everywhere too so we'll take that see grace doesn't show up and say you know what yeah you're right you should be really upset right now Jeremiah grace doesn't show up and tell you to give up come on somebody grace doesn't show up and say you know what you need to just accept that where you are is where you're going to finish." [53:46] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Don't buy into your present situation, but buy into the hope that is on the way. Don't buy in to this is the way it's going to be. Buy into the fact that if God is telling me, if God gave me a promise, then he's going to give me the promise in his time. And I want to tell somebody that your present situation isn't your permanent situation. Grace is on the way." [55:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Too many times we don't buy in. We rent it. We lease it. We return it. And I always want somebody to know today that if you'll buy in to what God has told you to me, listen, we're in a world today where everybody is selling out on the wrong things. No one's buying into his word anymore. They're returning it. They're renting it. They're leasing it for Sundays only. They leave it in portions of their life, but they don't live in it." [57:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I came to tell somebody that the promises of God is coming. Grace is coming. And it's time for you to buy into what God is selling. It's time for you to buy into what God is selling because the future is bright. Future is bright. Too many times where we look at maybe the way, the way that the world is in or the present situation that our family's in or, or how, relationships are. And we just, we, we take ownership of the moment instead of taking ownership of his promise." [58:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "What if when things are difficult we believe the promise and praise them anyway what if we believe the promise and teach our children how to do it also jeremiah sat right in the prison in the midst of bondage in the midst of his people and in a tough spot in a tough time signed the decoration of commitment and promise to the lord in front of everybody what if there are people around you waiting to see if you're going to buy in what if your neighbors and and and the revival that you want to hit your family what if your children parents are waiting to see if you buy in in this time." [01:04:56] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Stop waiting for his promise to have an impact. You're supposed to have an impact where you are right now. And as I was studying this this week, this weekend, that's what I was holding on to. That the promise is on the way. The return on my investment is on the way. But while I'm waiting for the promise to show up, while you're still waiting for everything to work out, you're supposed to have an impact where you are right now." [01:08:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I want to tell this church today that grace is coming your way. Grace is coming. The promise is coming. But I I have even better news than that. How about this? That Jesus is coming to come on church. He's coming. Jesus is coming to the Bible says we don't know the day nor the hour. And that tomorrow is promised. No one." [01:09:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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