Unit 3-3

Rise Above Discouragement

Rhema Bible StudyLife Lesson 3-3

Jeremiah 20:1-13

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Lesson Purpose

• To understand what do I believe about my faith?

• To answer how do I know the will of God?

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Lesson Impact

This lesson can help you maintain a proper focus on God during the times of discouragement or weariness as you serve the Lord.

Rise Above DiscourgementLesson Titles

1. Expect Discouragement

2. Confess Frustration

3. Remember Who’s in Control

Remember Who’s In Control

Lesson 3

Jeremiah 20:11-13

Remember Who’s In Control

Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 20:11-13

Conduct an inductive study on these verses.

11 But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior;

therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not

overcome me. They will be greatly shamed,

for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor

will never be forgotten.

Jeremiah 20:11

12 O Lord of hosts, who tests the righteous, who

sees the heart and the mind, let me see your

vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed

my cause.

Jeremiah 20:12

13 Sing to the Lord;

praise the Lord!

For he has delivered the life of the needy

from the hand of evildoers.

Jeremiah 20:13

Inductive Study: What to Look For

Verse 11• Who is talking? Who is he talking to?• What is his tone in these verses? Is the tone the same as in previous

verses or different?• What do you think the difference is?• What is the tense of this verse?

Verse 12• What does the phrase “Lord of Host” mean?• Who is the “them” that Jeremiah is referring to?

Verse 13What is Jeremiah doing in verse 13?

ExplanationWhat did it say?

Topic 1

Explanation

Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 20:11-13

What does it say?

Topic 1

Explanation

1. A “violent H1368 warrior H6184”

2. Jeremiah’s persecutors will stumble and not prevail

3. Jeremiah’s revenge; truth of God’s word

• They have not succeeded

• They will be ashamed

• Everlasting humiliation not forgotten

Topic 1

Explanation

1. Lord H3068 of Host H6635

• God as the sovereign Lord over the nations and all the angels and demons.

• As Lord over all of the powerful celestial beings.

2. Sing Praises and worship no matter what

Discussion

Topic 2

Discussion

1. How would you describe Jeremiah’s mood in these verses? How do you account for the dramatic shift in Jeremiah’s attitude here compared to verses 7-10?

2. What was Jeremiah confident would happen to his persecutors? What was the basis of his confidence?

3. What reasons did Jeremiah find to praise the Lord while still facing the same opposition in his ministry?

Topic 2

Discussion

4. Why is praise a fitting response in situations like Jeremiah faced? For what can we praise God, even in discouragement?

5. Do you think Jeremiah’s song of praise came after God raised him out of discouragement, or did praising the Lord lift Jeremiah—or was it both? Explain.

6. In verse 12, Jeremiah noted that the Lord sees the heart and mind. Do you find that comforting or frightening? Explain.

Topic 2

Discussion

7. Is it appropriate to ask the Lord to execute His vengeance on those who oppose us? Why or why not?

8. How do we stop fretting about our situation and turn the outcome of the case over to God? How successful are you at trusting the Lord to resolve frustrating situations?

Application

Topic 3

Topic 3

Application

1. Those who serve God faithfully can expect opposition from God’s enemies, even to the point of torture and imprisonment.

2. God calls on us to be faithful in proclaiming His Word regardless of the possible consequences.

3. God’s Word is sometimes hard to proclaim, especially if it says something people we love and want to help are offended by—but we must do so anyway.

Topic 3

Application

4. Feeling frustrated or discouraged while serving the Lord is not uncommon. At such times, we should be honest with God about those feelings.

5. God’s people need to remain confident in Him as the Sovereign of the universe who will accomplish His purpose and vindicate them at the proper time.

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