How Then Shall We Not Live // How Then Shall We Live
Jeremiah 29:1, 4, 5, 7-14, 24-28, 30-32; Psalm 137:1-6, 8-9; John 1:14
Digging Deeper
Jeremiah, an Old Testament prophet, lived during the late 7th century B.C. and into the early 6th century B.C., a tumultuous period in Israel's history. God called Jeremiah, who shared visions of what would happen to the Jewish nation concerning the siege of Jerusalem and their Babylonian exile. Jeremiah's message was not popular, as he was tasked with pronouncing divine judgment on idolatry, evil kings, kingdoms, and priests. He also confronted the immorality and social injustice of the people and nation of Israel who had strayed from their covenant relationship with God.
Despite the powerful and formidable forces he faced, Jeremiah was reassured by God's promise to strengthen him. This confidence enabled him to stand against false prophets and other opposing forces. Even when things were rough and conditions were terrible for Jeremiah, God was faithful to sustain and remind Jeremiah of his calling as a prophet.
Like Jeremiah, we, too, can be called by God to stand up for what is right and just in the divided democracy in which we live. Our assurance is that we know that all things come from a loving God despite all the evil around us. God promises that ultimately, “the people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.” (Jeremiah 33:9)
WHAT NOT TO MISS
How Then Shall We “Not” Live
God didn’t tell them to mourn the nostalgic days of old. (Psalm 137:1-6)
Sometimes the preferred past can paralyze us in the present and prevent us from positively engaging the future.
If we are busy weeping for the past, we won’t be working in the present for the future.
God didn’t tell them to withdraw from the city. (John 1:14)
How do Christians withdraw from the culture?
Put their head down in isolation.
Become inwardly focused as a church.
Creating Christian sub-cultures.
If we isolate, we will not be able to infiltrate, and if we become hermits, we can’t be missionaries.
God didn’t tell them to retaliate or revolt against the Babylonians. (Psalm 137:8-9)
If we seek calloused vengeance rooted in sin, we will not be able to share Christ’s victory over sin.
The Gospel doesn’t call us to go on the counter-attack, but to give a vision of a counter-culture.
God didn’t tell them to transform Babylon into another Isreal. (Psalm 137: 8-9)
He doesn’t tell them to:
Tear down Babylonian idols.
Build another temple.
Institute nationally the Torah (law).
God’s not calling the church to conquer, transform, and rule the world but to live in it as witnesses to Him and His rule and reign.
God didn’t tell them to assimilate into the culture of Babylon and lose their identity as His people.
God doesn't tell them to lose whose they are, who they are, and what they do.
We must be careful not to become American Christians but Christians who live in America.
How Then Shall We Live
God tells them to live on mission. (Jeremiah 29:1, 4)
God is sovereign over Nebuchadnezzar.
There is a purpose to your existence in exile.
God tells them to get back to the basics of being human. (Jeremiah 29:5)
Build families. (Relate)
Go to work. (Create)
The credibility of our witness in the world is tied to the contrast of our ways from the world.
God tells them to work for the peace of the city. (Jeremiah 29:7)
Faithful Presence
Proclamation Peace/Spiritual Peace
Partnering Peace/Cultural Peace
Preservative Peace/Social Peace
You won’t seek the peace of the city if you don’t have love for the city.
God tells them to pray for the city. (Jeremiah 29:7)
Pray for the shalom and flourishing of America and our city.
God tells them to beware of false preachers in exile. (Jeremiah 29:8-14, 24-28, 30-32)
Listen to the preachers and teachers who are sent by God, not those preachers and teachers who are telling lies.
We can thrive in a foreign land through our faithful presence as we trust our loving Father.
LIFE APPLICATION
Pray about what God is calling you to do as you work for the peace and prosperity of our city and nation. Think about winsome ways to take action for the good of others in our divided democracy. Take one step this week to make an impact on our culture that will bring glory to God and allow others who need to hear the Gospel message to see the positive difference you are making in our city and nation as a believer in Jesus Christ.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Describe a favorite letter or email that you received from someone.
What were the exiles told to do in Jeremiah 29?
In Jeremiah 29, what did God promise the Jewish exiles?
What did God promise the exiles about the enemies of Israel?
What does it mean to work for the peace and prosperity of the city?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Living Life On Mission- Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Matthew 5:14-16
Day 2: Living Life with Purpose - Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5; Philippians 1:27
Day 3: Living Life Loving Others - Romans 13:8; John 13:34; John 15:13
Day 4: Living Life for the Peace of the City - Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 12:14; Psalm 37:37
Day 5: Living Life Prayerfully - Mark 11:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Philippians 4:6-7
PRAYER
Dear Lord, show me ways to love and work for the peace and prosperity of my city and nation. I want to glorify You in all I do as I serve and work for the good of others. Give me wisdom and determination to make a difference in the divided democracy that I live in. I look to take advantage of situations where I have the opportunity to share my faith in Jesus Christ so that those who are lost will realize they need a Savior.
