Jeremiah

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Age Group

Youth

Brief Description

Intersection includes complete resources for teaching both younger and older youth, including learner’s materials, teaching guides, and handouts. The teaching guide is options-based, so teachers can customize sessions to match their favorite approach.

“Jeremiah”

Session 1: What was Jeremiah called to do? What might God be calling me to do?
As a result of their rebellion, the nation of Judah was to come under judgment. Jeremiah’s role as God’s prophet was certainly an unpleasant task, and youth are bound to think him unfortunate to have been called to such difficulty. After all, the notion of following God’s will is more acceptable when it involves something we would enjoy doing. It is helpful to remember that the Lord promised presence and deliverance for Jeremiah, assuring him that even though he would face opposition, his foes would not prevail.

Session 2: How have I placed my trust in what represents God, rather than in God? What gets in the way of my following God?
Numerous factors may potentially interfere with a believer’s relationship with God, and many people immediately specify these obstacles as “things of the world.” Less often, however, do we reflect inwardly to examine our personal religious beliefs and practices, so that we can determine whether they are making their own contribution to hinder rather than further our relationship with God. Jeremiah 7:1-15 challenges us to test the meaning and value of our beliefs and practices.

Session 3: What can I do when I disagree with God?
This session focuses on Jeremiah’s inner struggle and private pain. Help teens think about what they can do when they disagree with God. By “disagree,” we are not referring to the lifestyle and mindset of those who, having decided not to follow God, therefore disagree with God and choose instead to do whatever they want. Rather, our definition of “disagreeing” with God is placed in context by Jeremiah’s call and relationship with God. He was attempting to be faithful, yet wondered if his fulfilling God’s wishes really was best.

Session 4: How can I determine the truthfulness in opposing views?
When Jeremiah and Hananiah delivered opposing messages, both claiming to speak for God, the people of Judah faced a tough decision. It isn’t always easy to know what is true at a given moment, and yet, when we are attuned to God and to our own good sense, that which is true, right, and good becomes more accessible. Our teenagers need help figuring out how to recognize the truth in what they see and hear. Hold forth patience and common sense as good companions in seeking the truth of God’s way in the world.

Session 5: How does God’s discipline also have its advantages?
Use this session to help your group consider the intent of God’s discipline. Emphasize that discipline is not an end in itself, but a means intended to bring about a more noble result: reconciliation with each other and with God. If we understand discipline as a path to reconciliation, the harshness of the treatment is perceived not as punishment, but as love. How so? God has our best interests at heart, and divine discipline is an expression of God’s love and hope for us.

by Mike McBrayer

User License
The purchaser of this file has permission to print twenty copies of this Learners Study Guide. Neither the file nor the printed contents may be sold copied or transferred to another person or church. The purchaser may make a backup copy of the file.

The purchaser of this file has permission to print one copy of this Teaching Guide. Neither the file nor the printed contents may be sold, copied or transferred to another person or church. The purchaser may make a backup copy of the file.