Bible Study - Created for a Purpose (special) - Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Jamuary 17, 2021

 Bible Study – Created for a Purpose (Special) – January 17, 2021

This is a special one study lesson. We will begin next week SIX-WEEK study entitled: “Spiritual Disciplines: Becoming More Like JESUS.”

GOD values each of us and created us for a purpose.

Our focus scripture is Jeremiah 1:4-10.

Every person upon earth is unique. Think about our DNA is unique to the individual. GOD has created each of us to be unique and HE has a plan for each of us. GOD calls us to carry out HIS will and purpose upon earth, just as it is in Heaven. GOD calls each person first to salvation and then to serve HIM in a host of ways. GOD did not make us robots but persons who have the freedom to choose. The question is when HE calls us to serve HIM, do we choose to serve HIM or rebel?

One of my favorite verses is recorded in Ephesians 1:4: ³ Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. ⁴ For he (GOD) chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Christians in Ephesus. Step one is to accept JESUS as your Savior. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian, not the institution of which you may become a member. Step two is to make HIM the LORD of your life. GOD chose you before the foundation of the world. GOD chose you but do you choose HIM through faith in JESUS? Once you become a Spirit-born Christian, HE can call you to be in the military, fireman or woman, business person, medical, mechanic, plumber, pastor, youth leader and the list goes on. Christians can serve JESUS wherever HE calls you to serve.

Our Bible Study focuses on the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. He wept over the sins of the people and the priests of HIS day. He addressed a vital question which we deal with in today’s world. When does life begin? Let’s explore!

Jeremiah wrote this book of prophecy about 580 BC shortly before the fall of Judah and Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians. The temple was destroyed in 587 BC.

This study deals with the sanctity of life. I will deal with the question many females may have regarding this question. When does life begin? It clearly begins at the instant of conception according to GOD’S Word. Ouch! Yes, I know many have been told that life does not begin until after the baby is born and takes its first breath or you can hear its heart beat.

Now, I will be quick to let you know that our One True GOD/Yahweh, The Father of The LORD JESUS CHRIST, forgives all for all their sins when they ask JESUS to forgive them and invite JESUS into their hearts. That includes abortion, which is murder. Yes, there are medical reasons the fetus has to be aborted. Some may think who are contemplating abortion, “I will have an abortion and then ask for GOD to forgive me.” Consider the alternative of going through a loving, caring, legal group and offering your baby up for adoption. Or in our area there is a wonderful, caring organization, Carolina Pregnancy Center, in Spartanburg that offers counsel to you regarding options.

Okay, let’s move into our study, which is magnificent.

We get to see behind the scenes of life as GOD reveals to Jeremiah HIS workings in life. GOD was personally involved in the formation of each of us in our mother’s womb! Let’s explore!

Let’s read Jeremiah 1:4-5:

The Call of Jeremiah

⁴ The word of the Lord came to me:

⁵ I chose you before I formed you in the womb;
I set you apart before you were born.
I appointed you a prophet to the nations,

to destroy and demolish,
to build and plant.

The revelation we are reading about came to the Prophet directly from the LORD, The GOD of the Covenant/Yahweh.

We read that at the appointed time upon earth, Jeremiah’s mother conceived him because GOD had chosen him. GOD then formed him in his mother’s womb for HIS purpose. GOD called him to be HIS prophet to the nations. Notice the wording “to the nations”, is plural – “to destroy and demolish, to build and plant”.

GOD is the architect behind nation building and HE can rebuild America! Why are we, as Christians, alive at this moment and time upon earth? Are we the reminant that results in GOD sparing America? Are we still here for that purpose?

2 Chronicles 7:14

and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Do you think this scripture was placed in the Bible by mistake? No! It is there on purpose to warn GOD’S Children of their responsibility to look to HIM for deliverance.

Look around, are we living in such a time when, we who know the truth need to apply what we have learned in the light to practice in these dark times? There are a lot of disturbing things going on in the world today.

What was Jeremiah’s reaction?

Let’s read Jeremiah 1:6-8:

⁶ But I protested, “Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.”

⁷ Then the Lord said to me:

Do not say, “I am only a youth,”
for you will go to everyone I send you to
and speak whatever I tell you.
⁸ Do not be afraid of anyone,
for I will be with you to rescue you.
This is the Lord’s declaration.

The Prophet discussed his calling with GOD. Jeremiah felt like he was not prepared to serve The One True Covenant GOD. Most Christians who are called feel inadequate to serve GOD. When we accept GOD’S call, HE equips. HE does not equip until a person accepts HIS call. We must trust and take that first step of faith.

GOD assures Jeremiah that HE will be his strength, leader and protector. This is true today when GOD calls HIS Children to serve HIM.

GOD assures, guarantees and certifies HIS presence with the person who accepts HIS call.

Salvation, as well as, the call into service requires a step of faith.

I know, I wanted to test drive being a Christian before accepting JESUS as my SAVIOR. It does not work that way. Dear JESUS, here I am, like I am, please take me as I am and make me into the Christian YOU desire for me to be. Hang onto your britches because HE will take you up on your offer in the twinkling of your eye.

Let’s read Jeremiah 1:9-10:

⁹ Then the Lord reached out his hand, touched my mouth, and told me:

I have now filled your mouth with my words.
¹⁰ See, I have appointed you today
over nations and kingdoms
to uproot and tear down,

Wham-O/Jam-O – GOD promised that HE would be with Jeremiah. He was the person GOD had called for the task ahead. GOD commissioned him. GOD reached out and touched Jeremiah’s mouth and told him:

I have now filled your mouth with my words.
¹⁰ See, I have appointed you today
over nations and kingdoms
to uproot and tear down,

GOD anointed Jeremiah with HIS message and HIS power to fulfill GOD’S calling.

When GOD calls, HE also equips and empowers. Will it be easy? No! But as we respond, we will know that we are doing the will and purpose of GOD. Those HE calls, HE equips with the indwelling Holy Spirit to accomplish HIS will and purpose.

Is GOD calling you? Then stop fighting. It is time for you to step up and serve. Keep in mind that a cup of cold water may be your calling, a kind word, call a friend or whatever GOD desires for you to do.

Blessings!!!