Bible Reading
Jeremiah 29:4-14 “This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.' Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,' declares the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
[35:37]Daniel 3:16-18 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
[01:12:16]Hebrews 11:32-40 “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”
[55:56]Observation questions
- What actions does God tell the exiles to take while they are living in Babylon, and what do those actions suggest about how long they should expect to be there? [41:31]
- What does God tell the people to do for the city of Babylon, and how is their own well-being connected to the well-being of that city? [58:47]
- What contrast does Jeremiah 29 make between God’s message through Jeremiah and the message of the false prophets and diviners? [52:22]
- In Jeremiah 29:10–14, what promises come after the seventy-year exile is mentioned? Which promise goes beyond a future restoration? [01:06:21]
Interpretation questions
- Why would God command exiles to build, plant, marry, raise families, and seek Babylon’s welfare instead of simply waiting for rescue? What does this show about faithfulness in a difficult season? [54:50]
- Jeremiah 29:11 is spoken to people facing a long exile. How does that context reshape the meaning of “hope and a future” for someone whose circumstances have not improved? [01:04:17]
- Hebrews 11 describes people of faith who experienced rescue as well as people of faith who suffered greatly. Why is it dangerous to measure a person’s faith, or God’s favor, by the outcome of their circumstances? [57:02]
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted that God was able to deliver them, yet they remained faithful even if he did not. What does their response teach about the difference between confident faith and demanding a particular outcome from God? [01:12:32]
Application questions
- Is there a “Babylon” in your life right now—a disappointment, transition, loss, uncertainty, or season you did not choose? What makes it especially difficult to trust that God is present there? [50:35]
- When circumstances become hard, do you tend to assume that God is disappointed with you, distant from you, or asking you to find a quick way out? What truth from these passages speaks against that assumption? [47:24]
- Are you postponing some part of faithful living until life feels more settled—such as serving, encouraging someone, building relationships, praying, or using your gifts? What is one “house to build” or “garden to plant” where you are right now? [01:00:46]
- Who are the people or places God may be asking you to bless even though they are not your preference? What would it look like this week to seek their peace and well-being in a practical way? [59:13]
- What desired outcome have you been tempted to speak of as though God guaranteed it? How can you continue praying boldly for it while also humbly trusting God’s timing and wisdom? [53:24]
- When you want an explanation, an answer, or deliverance, how might you more intentionally seek God himself? What practices could help you remember that his presence matters most? [01:07:01]
