Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 4, 2023

I Am with You to Deliver You

Jeremiah 1:1-19

1. Background and Introduction to Jeremiah 1-3

• priest from Anathoth to whom the word of the LORD came, 40+ NT allusions to his prophecy
• four decades of ministry in Judah from Josiah to the Babylonian captivity

2. The LORD’S Sovereign Initiative 4-8

• knew, consecrated and appointed
• Jeremiah’s confession of incompetence
• stifle yourself, Jeremiah!
• affirmation of purpose and presence

3. The LORD’S Supernatural Assignment 9-10

• a touched and filled mouth
• ministry of judgment and hope

4. The LORD’S Specific Instructions 11-19

• message of the almond tree: watchfulness
• message of the boiling pot: inevitable judgment of Judah’s idolatrous worship
• appeal for Jeremiah to “gird up his loins”
• no fear of man or alteration of message
• assurance of enabling presence (Rom. 8:31-32; Heb. 13:5-6, 1 Pet. 2:9)

5. So What?

• Because of the LORD’S purpose for you, power behind you and presence with you, serve Him confidently.
• “Every Christian is bound not only to offer himself and what he has, his prayer, thanksgiving, good works, alms, etc., but also industriously to study in the Word of the Lord, with the grace that is given him to teach others, especially those under his own roof, to chastise, exhort, convert and edify them, to observe their life, pray for all, and insofar as possible be concerned about their salvation.” (Spener)
• “When we carry God’s word within our own heart and to a dying world, we can be certain of its ultimate, eternal success.” (Ash)
• “There is no biblical teaching to suggest that between 65-95 saints should play while the world perishes.” (Piper)
• “Be still, my soul; your God will undertake to guide the future as He has the past; your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them when He lived below.” (von Schlegel, “Be Still, My Soul”)