Prophet Jeremiah's Preaching Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

Prophet Jeremiah’s Preaching

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the second lesson in our series on the theme: “We cannot but speak.” This lesson deals with the challenges of the men of God that speak the word of God in truth. We will see how neither threatenings, beatings; imprisonment or the face of death could silence them. There will be times we will be called upon to speak unto both those desirous to hear our message; and before those that would rebel against: “Thus saith the Lord.” The Lord has not given us: “The spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7. We must be, “bold fearless preachers” because the Lord has sent us to speak His word with confidence and without fear.

2. We will discuss the preaching and prophecies of Jeremiah before the people of Israel. He prophesied during a time of great trial and punishment Jehovah would bring upon His people for their sin of idolatry and rebellion toward His commandments.

3. This would not be an easy task for the prophet. He would be pushed to silence regarding the word of the Lord; because of persecutions; the threatening looks and terror in his life, as a prophet of the Lord. After wrestling with his fear and their threatening, Jeremiah said: “I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (remain silent),” Jeremiah 20:9. With this introduction, let’s consider the: “Prophet Jeremiah’s prophecy.”

BODY OF LESSON

PROPHET JEREMIAH’S PREACHING

A. The prophet’s call. Jeremiah writes: “Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying:”

1. The Lord’s revelation: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Notice:

a. I have formed thee.

b. I knew thee – before thou camest forth out of the womb.

c. I sanctified thee.

d. I ordained thee – a prophet unto the nations.

2. Jeremiah’s excuse: “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.” Sounds a little like Moses:

a. Moses response to Jehovah: “And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither theretofore: ... but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue,” Exodus 4:10. Notice:

1) Stephen spoke of Moses’ skills, in learning, words and deed; during his message of rebuke unto the Jews, moments before being stoned to death.

2) He said: “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds,” Acts 7:22. Fear will make us speak words such as these; until we remember the Lord is with us. God continues with Moses.

b. Jehovah’s rebuke: “And the LORD said unto him, who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say,” Exodus 4:11-12.

c. Moses’ excuse: “And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send,” Exodus 4:13.

d. Anger of the Lord: “And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth:”

1) “And I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth.”

2) “And (I) will teach you what ye shall do.”

3) “And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth.”

4) “And thou shalt be to him instead of God,” Exodus 4:14-16.

3. The Lord’s charge and assurance to Jeremiah: “But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD,” Jeremiah 1:4-8. Note:

a. Be not afraid of their faces.

b. I am with thee to deliver thee.

c. What a great assurance and comfort from God.

B. Jeremiah’s work of prophecy. Jehovah outlines of his work: “Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me:”