Bible Study - Person God Uses - Rise above Discouragement - Jeremiah 20 - August 19, 2012

Bible Study – Person God Uses – Rise above Discouragement – August 19, 2012

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “The Person God Uses.”

Our scripture is Jeremiah 20:1-13.

This lesson deals with being honest with GOD. GOD already knows our hearts. Christians often think they can hide their true feelings and questions they have about GOD from HIM. Often, a Christian displays an attitude of everything is okay because GOD is with me, while he/she really may be doubting GOD and his/her relationship with GOD may be crumbling. The Christian’s trust may have been built on false notions or someone else’s Spiritual experiences. Christianity is personal. It is CHRIST in you. It is not riding on someone else’s relationship with CHRIST. Who is CHRIST to you? Do you really know HIM personally as your Savior or just about HIM intellectually? HIS desire is for you to get to really know HIM through a personal relationship with HIM.

When people who are playing Christians or Christians who may only know CHRIST in a superficial way, discover this and they are honest with GOD, this can be the time of hammering out a genuine, dynamic, intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. GOD’S desire is for Christians to be honest with HIM. Reveal your doubts and questions to HIM and let HIM answer you through HIS Word, prayer, fellow Christians, circumstances that surround you each day as you walk with GOD through CHRIST. The ways that HE can reveal truth and Himself to you are endless.

You get to know HIM through relationship, just like we build a relationship with our very best friend. There will be times of disappointment and discouragement but that is when we go to CHRIST and have a heart to heart talk with HIM. When that happens to me, it always results in a learning experience.  It was often a time when I discovered that I had embraced a false notion or assumption about GOD or CHRIST. Once truth was discovered it placed my feet more solidly on Spiritual ground. All Christians are building their relationship with GOD through CHRIST every day. Growing and maturing Spiritually is a never ending process as long as we are living upon earth. We were not made for time but for eternity. Our time upon earth is preparation time for eternity. Our only way to GOD is through CHRIST. CHRIST tells us in John 14:6 - 6 Jesus told him, “I am (k) the way, (l) the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Of all the religions of the world, CHRIST is the only person to be resurrected from the dead proving that HE conquered both sin and death. Christians serve a risen Savior. Because HE lives, so shall all true Christians live eternally with HIM and GOD in heaven. Christians serve a living Savior and not a dead icon.

Some may say, “But only if I really knew that?” We want proof before we take a step of faith. I know I was at that spot in my life many years ago. When a person takes that step of faith, GOD confirms it through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. True Christians know they belong to GOD as the Apostle Paul stated in Romans 8:16-17 - 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit (k) that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs (l)—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that (m) we suffer with Him (n) so that we may also be glorified with Him.

In our lesson today, the prophet Jeremiah hit a Spiritual wall and he became discouraged. Discouragement is one of the more powerful tools Satan uses against Christians. GOD allows Christians to hit Spiritual walls because when they plough through these walls they come out on the other side Spiritually stronger and on a firm Spiritual foundation. It would be nice if such Spiritual growth could be achieved by GOD sprinkling magic dust over us and bingo we have arrived Spiritually mature. But that is not the case. As we journey through this life with HIM, it is all about building an intimate, personal relationship with HIM through CHRIST.

Why through CHRIST? It is because CHRIST was willing to leave HIS glory in heaven as GOD’S only Son and come to earth to live as a human. HE did this of HIS own free will because HE was willing to sacrifice HIS life for all who will believe in HIM as their Savior. CHRIST is GOD with us, yet HE came as 100% human but with the ability to call upon GOD to rescue HIM. Satan tried to get HIM to throw in the towel but HE remained firmly fixed upon paying the sin debt in full for all who will believe.

HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted but HE did not sin. HE gave HIS sinless life to pay in full the penalty for sin, which is eternal death. All who will believe in HIM are redeemed from sin and death and receive the gift of eternal life through the miracle of rebirth. GOD gives to each Christian a guarantee or down payment that these things are true by allowing the Holy Spirit to indwell the lives of all true Christians.

Why do I say, “All true Christians?” People can say they are Christian and be Christian in name only and have never received the joy of salvation through CHRIST. What does your heart tell you? Your heart is your innermost being, your very core. We will see in our study that the people referred to their innermost core as being their kidneys. So we chuckle but the point being, whatever we call our innermost being, it is a place where we know the real truth. In that most inner place we may know that we doubt and that we need to ask CHRIST to forgive us for our sins and for HIM to come into our lives. You can do that now and settle that matter instantly.

In our study, there will be some names of the people which are difficult to pronounce but as the title states, “Rise Above Discouragement.”

Let’s read Jeremiah 20:1-6:

Jeremiah Beaten by Pashhur (PASH uhr)

1 Pashhur the priest, the son of Immera (IM uhr) (1Ch 24:14; Ezr 2:37-38) and chief official in the temple of the Lord, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things.
2 So Pashhur had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put him in the stocks at the Upper Benjamin Gate in the Lord’s temple.
3 The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “The Lord does not call you Pashhur, but Magor-missabib (MAY gahr mih SAY bib), (b = Terror Is on Every Side; Jr 6:25; 20:10; 46:5)
4 for this is what the Lord says, ‘I am about to make you a terror to both yourself and those you love. (c Jr 6:25) They will fall by the sword of their enemies before your very eyes. I will hand Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will deport them to Babylon and put them to the sword.
5 I will give away all the wealth of this city, all its products (d Dt 28:33; Ezk 23:29) and valuables. Indeed, I will hand all the treasures of the kings of Judah over to their enemies. They will plunder them, seize them, and carry them off to Babylon.
6 As for you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house, you will go into captivity. You will go to Babylon. There you will die, and there you will be buried, you and all your friends that you prophesied false lye (Jr 14:14) to.’”

Most often, we think that when we obediently serve GOD everything will go smoothly. Sometimes it does but often it doesn’t. When it doesn’t I have found that it results in GOD teaching me an important Spiritual truth which places me on a more solid Spiritual foundation. GOD has a plan both for those called and for those who are the reason for HIS call. Christians are in a constant state of Spiritual growth and maturing. Let’s see if Jeremiah comes out of his situation weaker or stronger.

The fact that Jeremiah was beaten and placed in stocks near the entrance to the temple labeled him as a false prophet. He was placed in stocks where all could see him and ridicule him as they went to the temple. Being placed in stocks was intended as torture. The word for stocks means twisted or contorted. That was such an insult to a true prophet.

Jeremiah wondered, “Where is GOD in all of this?”

While in the stocks, Jeremiah had a lot of time to question GOD. During these times of questioning, it is not pleasant. But GOD has a purpose. We have to keep in mind that HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts. During such difficult times, those who know HIM must trust HIM. Is it easy? NO!!! But when we do, it leads to something very vital in our Spiritual growth.

Often difficult circumstances in life result in us digging deep inside to bring to the surface matters which need to be revealed to GOD so we can serve HIM honestly in Spirit and truth. GOD’S desire is for us to see what is inside of us and then to let us see how we handle it. HE already knows but we need to see it for ourselves.

I have been having computer problems for the last several days. When an issue was discovered and a fix was available, I would get a message stating that a fix was available but they needed my permission to continue. GOD puts HIS finger on the problems in our lives but since HE does not make us robots, HE needs our permission to fix our problems. HE needs our cooperation. There are times when HE chooses to do the fixing but those times are embodied in HIS sovereignty.

We often need to see HIS hand at work in difficult times in our lives, this in turn results in us having more confidence and trust in HIM as HE leads and guides our lives. Do the challenges of life draw us closer to HIM or drive us away? We must keep in mind that when HIS children ask for a fish, HE does NOT give them a snake.

Jeremiah was called by GOD to serve HIM. GOD spoke through Jeremiah a message of repentance in order for HIS people to avoid destruction.

The religious leaders in Judah heard Jeremiah preaching the need for the people and the religious leaders to repent. Pashhur, the priest and the chief official in the temple heard him preaching and arrested him. Pashhur, being the chief official, was likely the chief of security over the temple. When Pashhur heard Jeremiah preach, truth hurts. Jeremiah was treated as a false prophet and also considered a traitor. They not only arrested him but they beat him and placed him in stocks near the temple for all to see and ridicule. Is that any way to treat a man of GOD preaching GOD’S message? Oh yes, when GOD’S message flies in the faces of those who do not want to hear it. GOD does not promise those who obediently serve HIM smooth sailing but in fact suffering is more likely. But when HIS chosen suffer for HIM, HE is right there with them.

GOD had a message for Pashhur through Jeremiah. When Pashhur released Jeremiah, Jeremiah told him that GOD had changed Pashhur’s name from Pashhur to Magor-missabib which means “terror all around or terror on every side.”

Pashhur would not be the one to punish others for speaking truth but he would become the one who was punished. Not only that but his friends and family would be punished. Pashhur being a priest could have repented and urged his family and friends to repent but he didn’t. Jeremiah delivered GOD’S message of doom, even after being released for the stocks and while confronting the man who beat him and placed him in the stocks. Jeremiah could not hold back because GOD’S message was burning within him. It was GOD’S message of doom but it was also GOD’S message of hope, if those hearing it would respond to HIS message.

Some may think, “Gee, GOD is mean.” GOD takes sin seriously and HE wants everyone to know it, yet HE is full of love and grace. That is why Jeremiah was called to preach to the people of Judah. This is why GOD allowed JESUS to come to earth in order to give HIS life for all who will believe in HIM, so that all who accept HIM as their Savior will be set free from sin and its consequence, which is eternal death.

Jeremiah concluded GOD’S message to Pashhur, as stated in verse 6. Bottom line Pashhur, the priest, would be punished for lying and Jeremiah made it very clear to him. Pashhur had an opportunity to repent and even tell the people to repent but he chose not. The end result was as GOD stated; the destruction of Judah and those who survived were carried off to Babylon. GOD revealed through Jeremiah that Babylon would defeat Judah. Jeremiah stating this was considered treason. Keep in mind that those in Judah, thought that since they were in Judah, GOD would protect them. They did not have to do anything because their security was in their location and not based upon the condition of their hearts toward GOD. Wake up America!!!

Let’s read Jeremiah 20:7-10:

Jeremiah Compelled to Preach

7 You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived. You seized me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all the time; (f Lm 3:14) everyone ridicules me.
8 For whenever I speak, I cry out, I proclaim, “Violence and destruction!”(g Jr 6:7) because the word of the Lord has become for me constant disgrace and derision.
9 If I say, “I won’t mention Him or speak any longer in His name, ”His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, (h Jb 32:18-20; Ps 39:3) shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
10 For I have heard the gossip of many people, “Terror is on every side! i Hb Magor-missabib; (Jr 20:3j Jr 6:25; 46:5) Report him; let’s report him!”Everyone I trusted (k Lit Every man of my peace) watches for my fall. (l Ps 35:15; 41:9; 56:6) “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we might prevail against him and take our vengeance on him.”

Here we see the prophet Jeremiah lashing out at GOD. He used the word “deceived” which is a strong, offensive word especially when used to accuse GOD. It is so important that Christians let it all out when they are upset with GOD because it reveals their true hearts and feelings toward GOD. When we do, that can be the foundation for a new beginning based upon truth. Jeremiah had time to ponder his plight while he was in the stocks. He felt angry, frustrated, hurt, humiliated, betrayed and discouraged. Being discouraged is a major problem to get over.

Sometime in our walk with CHRIST, we will have these same feelings with discouragement being at the top of the list. The important thing is to see what comes out of this honest venting to GOD. I know in my life, when I have revealed my true heart to GOD – questions, doubts, fears – those have been the times of Spiritual growth after we work through them and there have been many. It was because I had false notions about GOD. HE helped me to see Spiritual truth and HE still does. It is like a growing and developing child as he/she grows and develops, he/she can comprehend and understand more and more. At almost 75, I am still amazed as what HE teaches me as we walk together; most often with me kicking, screaming and pouting. But guess what? HE still loves ME and knows that I will grow up one day. GOD loves you and is patient.  HIS desire is to have a loving, intimate relationship with you. Embrace that love now and begin your journey with HIM.

Jeremiah had been preaching without anyone paying him any attention. He felt like, as he stated, a laughingstock. He thought he would just stop preaching GOD’S message but he could not. When GOD calls those to obediently serve HIM, they are compelled to preach the message that HE lays upon their hearts. HIS message is like a burning fire within them. Every true Christian has GOD’S message of salvation through JESUS CHRIST and his/her desire is to share the Good News with others who need HIM.

In verse 10, Jeremiah’s friends called him the same name that Jeremiah had called Pashhur, “Magor-missabib”, which means terror on both sides. Jeremiah’s friends denounced him, as expressed in the words “report him.” It seems that his friends had the misguided notion that if they turned against Jeremiah, they would shut him up and avoid their impending doom. It is the classic example of “kill the messenger” because as long as we remain ignorant of the message, it won’t happen. If they could get Jeremiah to change his message they thought it would turn the tide of coming events. They did not believe it was GOD’S message to them. Jeremiah, even though discouraged, remained the same and continued to preach the message GOD had given him. When a preacher or pastor modifies GOD’S message, those who know the truth, must beware. GOD makes it very clear that judgment day is coming. Do you want to escape being judged? JESUS tells us how in John 5:24 - “I (JESUS) assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal lifec Jn 6:53; 12:25; Ac 13:48; 1Jn 2:25 and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

America is at a cross road. Christians it is time to wake up.

Let’s read Jeremiah 20:11-13:

11 But the Lord is with me like a violent warrior. (m Ex 15:3) Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly shamed, an everlasting humiliation that will never be forgotten.
12 Lord of •Hosts, testing the righteous and seeing the heart (n Lit kidneys) and mind, let me see Your vengeance on them, for I have presented my case to You. (o Jr 11:20)
13 Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord, for He rescues the life of the needy from the hand of evil people.

Jeremiah comes to the conclusion that GOD is really with HIM. HE sees GOD as a violent warrior who will defend him and vindicate him. He acknowledges that GOD drills down to the core of our innermost being. In verse 12, we see the mention, “testing the righteous and seeing the heart or kidneys. It is interesting the Jews, at that time, considered the kidneys as the seat of affections and emotions, whereas the heart was considered the center of thought and the will. When Jeremiah comes to this conclusion he erupts in Praise!

As we look back, we see the mood swings that Jeremiah went through before coming to this conclusion beginning with verse 1 through verse 13 – humiliated, rails against GOD, wants to give up but he cannot give up, his friends make fun of him in hopes that doing so they will change their impending doom, then Jeremiah comes to the conclusion that GOD is really with HIM but when we read verses 14-18, we see that he had a relapse, wishing he had never been born.

Often, as Christians work their way through disappointment and difficult circumstances, HIS strength is renewed within them. Their trust and confidence in GOD is restored. But wham, they may have a relapse of doubt, only to come back to the sovereignty of GOD. It is like dealing with the death of our precious son. We swing from asking why to trusting that GOD is sovereign.

Through these circumstances, I believe Jeremiah saw his true heart and that GOD had tested him to reveal to him, his true heart. When Jeremiah saw his true heart, he also saw the hand of GOD at work through him. Being an obedient Christian is not for wimps but that MUST NOT frighten you because GOD equips you to obediently serve HIM. The key is having the right relationship with HIM and allowing HIM to live through you.

When we try to live the Christian life in our own strength, we find that it is impossible. We can go through the motions but many times we may hide our true doubts and concerns because we live in the flesh and not in the Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit gives each Christian the assurance that he/she is HIS child. If you have never asked CHRIST to forgive you for your sins, ask HIM to do so and invite HIM into your heart. It sounds so simple and it is. The instant you do, you become GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth and NOTHING you will ever do will change the fact that you are GOD’S child. As GOD’S child you are eternally secure.

What a joy it is to know that GOD is working through you in an effort to save others from sure destruction and devastation. JESUS said it best, harvest time is now. Blessings!!!