Faithful Investment in God's Promises Amidst Trials
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound message of "buying into the promise" through the story of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 32. Jeremiah, despite being in a dire situation—imprisoned in a dungeon and surrounded by the siege of Jerusalem—received a word from God to buy a seemingly worthless piece of land. This act of faith, buying land that appeared to have no future, symbolized his trust in God's promise that one day, houses, fields, and vineyards would again flourish there. Jeremiah's obedience, even in the lowest circumstances, teaches us that faith often requires us to invest in God's promises when it seems most illogical.
Jeremiah's uncle, Hanamel, whose name means "the grace of God," brought the offer, signifying that grace is always on the way, even in our darkest moments. Grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. It shows up with action and hope, urging us to take steps of faith even when we are still bound by our circumstances. The message encourages us to buy into God's promises, not just when things are good, but especially when they are tough.
We are reminded that our present suffering is not the end. God calls us to build, plant, and increase even in our waiting periods. We are to impact our current situation positively, believing that the same place of our weeping will become a place of rejoicing. The true test of faith is whether we can hold on to God's promises and act on them, even when the outcome is not visible.
Finally, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus is coming back, and we must live every day with the belief that our God is in control. We are called to buy into this truth and live out our faith actively, impacting the world around us while we wait for His return.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in Dire Circumstances: Jeremiah's act of buying land while imprisoned teaches us that faith often requires us to invest in God's promises when it seems most illogical. True faith is demonstrated not when the outcome is clear, but when we trust God in the midst of our darkest moments. [05:10]
2. Grace in Our Lowest Points: The arrival of Jeremiah's uncle, Hanamel, whose name means "the grace of God," signifies that grace is always on the way, even in our darkest moments. Grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own and shows up with action and hope, urging us to take steps of faith even when we are still bound by our circumstances. [08:00]
3. Active Waiting: While waiting for God's promises to manifest, we are called to build, plant, and increase. We should not become complacent but should positively impact our current situation, believing that the same place of our weeping will become a place of rejoicing. [20:25]
4. Endurance Through Suffering: The question is not how long our suffering will last, but how long we will last through our suffering. We must hold on to God's promises and not sell out, even when the pain of our past makes it hard to buy into the future. [16:00]
5. Living with Eternal Perspective: We must live every day with the belief that Jesus is coming back and that our God is in control. This eternal perspective should drive us to buy into God's promises and live out our faith actively, impacting the world around us while we wait for His return. [29:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - Jeremiah's Purchase
[01:48] - Nothing is Too Hard for God
[02:31] - Jeremiah's Imprisonment
[04:01] - The Siege of Jerusalem
[04:34] - The Real Estate Deal
[05:10] - Faith in Low Circumstances
[06:54] - Buying In While Bound
[07:30] - Grace is On the Way
[09:02] - Grace Brings Action
[10:02] - Grace Brings Hope
[11:05] - Buy the Truth
[12:41] - Buying Into the Promise
[14:18] - From Weeping to Rejoicing
[16:00] - Endurance Through Suffering
[18:27] - Paul's Thorn and God's Grace
[19:43] - Active Waiting
[21:15] - Impacting Our Current Situation
[23:34] - Building in Bondage
[25:02] - Keep Building and Believing
[27:12] - Jeremiah's Act of Faith
[28:27] - Jesus is Coming
[30:28] - Invitation to Salvation
[32:34] - Prayer of Salvation
[33:47] - Take Ownership of the Promise
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Jeremiah 32:6-15: "Jeremiah said, The word of the Lord came to me, Hanamel, son of Shalom. Your uncle is going to come to you and say, Buy my field, Anoth, because as the nearest relative it is your right and your duty to buy it. Then, just as the Lord has said it would happen, my uncle, Hanamel, came to me in the courtyard of the prison and said, Buy my field, Anoth, in the territory of Benjamin, since it is your right to redeem it and possess it. Buy it for yourself. And I knew that this was the word of the Lord. So I bought the field of Anoth from my uncle, Hanamel, and weighed out for him 17 shekels of silver. And I signed and sealed the deed and had it witnessed, weighed out the silver on the scales. And verse 12 says, And I gave this deed to Barak, the son of Nera, the son of Massah, in the presence of my uncle, Hanamel. And the witnesses of those who have signed the deed. Verse 15. For this is what the Lord Almighty God of Israel says. Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the specific instruction God gave to Jeremiah while he was in prison? ([01:01])
2. How did Jeremiah respond to his uncle Hanamel's offer, and what did this signify about his faith? ([05:10])
3. What does the name "Hanamel" mean, and how does this relate to the message of grace in the sermon? ([07:30])
4. What did God promise would happen to the land that Jeremiah bought, despite its current condition? ([05:10])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God asked Jeremiah to buy a seemingly worthless piece of land? What does this teach us about faith in God's promises? ([05:10])
2. How does the arrival of Hanamel, whose name means "the grace of God," illustrate the concept of grace in our lowest points? ([07:30])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest we should "buy into" God's promises during difficult times? ([06:17])
4. How does the concept of "active waiting" challenge our usual approach to waiting for God's promises? ([20:25])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were in a difficult situation. How did you respond to God's promises during that time? Did you "buy in" or struggle to trust? ([05:10])
2. The sermon emphasizes that grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. Can you identify a current situation where you need to rely on God's grace? How can you take a step of faith in that area? ([08:00])
3. Jeremiah was called to invest in a promise that seemed illogical. Is there a promise from God that you find hard to believe or invest in right now? What practical steps can you take to "buy in" to that promise? ([05:10])
4. The sermon talks about "active waiting" and making a positive impact even while waiting for God's promises. What are some specific ways you can build, plant, and increase in your current situation? ([20:25])
5. How can you maintain an eternal perspective in your daily life, especially when facing challenges? What are some practical ways to remind yourself that Jesus is coming back and that God is in control? ([29:10])
6. The sermon encourages us to hold on to God's promises and not sell out, even when the pain of our past makes it hard to buy into the future. How can you apply this principle to a specific area of your life where you feel discouraged? ([16:00])
7. Think of a person or situation in your life that tests your faith. How can you actively "buy in" to God's promises concerning that person or situation this week? ([05:10])
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Faith in the Unseen
Description:
Jeremiah's act of buying land while imprisoned teaches us that faith often requires us to invest in God's promises when it seems most illogical. True faith is demonstrated not when the outcome is clear, but when we trust God in the midst of our darkest moments. Jeremiah's situation was dire—imprisoned and surrounded by the siege of Jerusalem—yet he chose to act on God's word and buy a seemingly worthless piece of land. This act of faith symbolized his trust in God's promise that one day, houses, fields, and vineyards would again flourish there.
In our own lives, we may face circumstances that seem hopeless or illogical. However, it is in these moments that our faith is truly tested and refined. We are called to trust in God's promises, even when the outcome is not visible. This kind of faith requires us to look beyond our current situation and believe in the future that God has promised. [05:10]
Bible Passage:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling to see a positive outcome. How can you take a step of faith today, trusting in God's promises despite the uncertainty?
Day 2: Grace in Our Lowest Points
Description:
The arrival of Jeremiah's uncle, Hanamel, whose name means "the grace of God," signifies that grace is always on the way, even in our darkest moments. Grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own and shows up with action and hope, urging us to take steps of faith even when we are still bound by our circumstances. Hanamel's offer to Jeremiah was a divine reminder that God's grace is ever-present, even when we feel trapped or hopeless.
Grace is not just a passive gift; it is active and transformative. It enables us to move forward in faith, even when we feel incapable. In our lowest points, we can rely on God's grace to give us the strength and courage to act according to His will. This grace is a constant reminder that we are not alone and that God is always working on our behalf. [08:00]
Bible Passage:
"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." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a time when you felt completely powerless. How did God's grace show up in that situation? How can you rely on His grace in your current circumstances?
Day 3: Active Waiting
Description:
While waiting for God's promises to manifest, we are called to build, plant, and increase. We should not become complacent but should positively impact our current situation, believing that the same place of our weeping will become a place of rejoicing. Jeremiah's act of buying land was not just a passive waiting but an active investment in the future that God had promised.
In our own lives, waiting on God does not mean inactivity. It means engaging in the work He has set before us, even if we do not see immediate results. This active waiting is a demonstration of our faith and trust in God's timing. It is a call to be productive and fruitful, even in seasons of uncertainty. [20:25]
Bible Passage:
"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce." (Jeremiah 29:4-5, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you have been waiting passively? How can you turn this waiting period into an active investment in God's promises?
Day 4: Endurance Through Suffering
Description:
The question is not how long our suffering will last, but how long we will last through our suffering. We must hold on to God's promises and not sell out, even when the pain of our past makes it hard to buy into the future. Jeremiah's endurance through his imprisonment and the siege of Jerusalem is a powerful example of holding on to faith in the midst of suffering.
Endurance is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. It is easy to lose hope and give up when faced with prolonged suffering, but God calls us to persevere. Our endurance is a testament to our faith and trust in God's ultimate plan. It is through enduring suffering that we grow stronger and more resilient in our faith. [16:00]
Bible Passage:
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a current or past struggle you have faced. How did you endure through it? What promises of God can you hold on to as you continue to face challenges?
Day 5: Living with Eternal Perspective
Description:
We must live every day with the belief that Jesus is coming back and that our God is in control. This eternal perspective should drive us to buy into God's promises and live out our faith actively, impacting the world around us while we wait for His return. Jeremiah's act of faith in buying the land was not just about the immediate future but about the eternal promises of God.
Living with an eternal perspective means that our actions and decisions are influenced by the knowledge that this life is temporary and that our ultimate home is with God. It encourages us to live purposefully and intentionally, making a positive impact on those around us. This perspective helps us to prioritize what truly matters and to invest in things of eternal value. [29:10]
Bible Passage:
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection:
How does the belief in Jesus' return influence your daily life? What changes can you make to live more intentionally with an eternal perspective?
Quotes
1. "So I want to make a declaration today over your life. And I want you to receive this. I want this to be your mindset. Is that the promise is coming. The promise is coming. In this instance, Jeremiah finds himself at a place where he is in prison. Now he's not in a nice jail cell with three meals a day and a roof over his head. He is. He is in the palace dungeon. He is sitting down low." [02:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "See it's really easy to buy in when you know the outcome. And you can see the light. And you're going to see the market tick up. And you know that there's going to be a great return on your investment. But when it's not easy. Is 70 years. When you're on the doorstep of 70 years of captivity of the Babylonians. And that's exactly where they found themselves. Jeremiah was at a place where. He was completely surrounded. The land had no future. And it looked like it had no hope. But he was told. To buy it anyways." [06:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Grace is the ability to do something. That you couldn't do by yourself. And I want to tell somebody. That you're in a pit. In a place you might have even gotten yourself in. But the good news is. Is there's something called the grace of God. And if you hold on to. If you listen to the word of the Lord. I want to tell somebody. That grace is on the way. That no you can't get out yourself. And your gift. Isn't going to get you out of this place. And your wit isn't going to be the answer." [08:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Grace always shows up. With action. Everybody say action. Grace shows up with action. Grace showed up and said. Hey I've got a deal. I've got an opportunity. And now is the time for you to step up. Buy in. And sign the deal. See grace always shows up with hope on the other side. Grace shows up and says. Your present situation. Is not going to be your permanent situation. Grace shows up and says. You know what? There is a future. Grace shows up and says. There is a hope." [10:02] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to tell somebody that God. Wants to do something incredible in your life. And he's got promises. Some of you in this room have promises. That you've forgotten about. Promises that you haven't bought into yet. And we have to be careful. Not to buy into our present time. Don't buy into what we're experiencing. But we've got to buy into. His present time. His promises. And I want to tell somebody. It is not time. We're not called to as a church. To rent his promises. You are not a tenant. That is your inheritance." [11:37] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The true act of having faith in God. Is will you buy into it when things are difficult. When things stink. When there is no hope. Will you buy into it. And as a church. Here's the problem. We have got to buy in. While everybody else is selling out. You've got to buy in. Why it's difficult. Because when you buy in. Not only is grace coming. But victory is on its way." [13:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "See faith says God. I know that right now. I'm weeping over this. This issue. This moment. This land. This territory. This promise. This marriage. This child. This job. I'm weeping now. But I'm buying into the promise. That me and my household will be saved. I'm buying into the promise. That I will live abundantly through the grace of God. I'm going to buy into the promise. That everything's not lining up like I want it to now. But I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living." [14:41] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The question cannot be for us as believers. How long will my suffering last? My question to you is. How long will you last? Through your suffering? How long will you buy in? And not sell out? How long will you hold on to what God has for you? See so many people sell out. Because they say all the time. You have no idea how much pain is in my past. And they give up. You have no idea what I've been through or what I've done. You don't know what my nights look like. You don't know what I've dealt with in my past." [16:00] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I want to tell somebody, build some houses, get to work, do what God's called you to do. Stop shutting your doors and hiding and saying, we're just going to wait this thing out. How about you have some children? I got an amen on that one. I knew I would. Have some children. Amen. Multiply. Don't decrease, but what? Increase. Don't complain about things. Don't complain about the government. Run for office. Come on, somebody. Don't talk about people. How about you go knock on their door and say, can I share you about Jesus?" [22:29] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "No matter what you've been going through, buy into the promise that God has spoken over your life. Everything that you've gone through, it's just part, everybody say part, of the testimony that's going to give God glory. Somebody needs to hear that in the room today. It's part of the testimony. It's a building block to the future and the promised land that God has for you. And no matter how bad things get, no matter what wall you hit, I just pictured Jeremiah in this pit. The only place he can look up to the left wall." [25:02] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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