Session 1 | Jeremiah 1:4-19

CREATED (JER. 1:4-10)

God’s words and Jeremiah’s protests.

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.

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.

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, to destroy and demolish,
to build and plant.

LIST:

God’s Call and Jeremiah’s Excuses.

Name the specific things God called Jeremiah to do.

• God chose, set appart, appointed,
• you will go
• speak
• Do not be afraid
• uproot and tear down, to destroy and demolish,
• build and plant.

name Jeremiah’s reasons for why he was not the right person for the job.

• I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.”

GUIDE:

God chose Jeremiah.
understand the significance of God’s choosing Jeremiah.

DISCUSS:

• What excuses have you made not to obey God?
• According to God’s declaration to Jeremiah, why are those excuses irrelevant? (p. 15)

EMPHASIZE:

God often calls people to accomplish tasks
That are beyond their abilities.

when He does,
He also equips and empowers individuals to do what He commands.
God never sets us up for failure when we obey His plans.

DISCUSS:

• How were the limits perceived by Jeremiah an asset from God’s perspective?
• How does God’s presence override any deficiencies we might have? (p. 15)

TRANSITION:

When Jeremiah focused on his youth and inexperience,
God promised His presence and His help.