Doing My Part

Doing My Part (Jer. 32:6-9, 27-30, 37-41) God has a big plan, and individual plans for each of us (Jer. 29:11-12; Eph. 1:11; 2:10) What God has purposed will come to pass (Isa. 14:24) God’s purpose for mankind in general is revealed in His word. (Ps. 8:5-6) God uses both the righteous and the unrighteous to accomplish His will. Like he used the Chaldean army as an instrument of judgment against the Judeans. Like he used Pharaoh (Rom. 9:17) We may not understand the significance of any particular instructions from God For instance, it did not seem to make sense for Jeremiah to purchase land that was about to be overrun by the enemy Likewise using Babylon to punish Judah, did not seem just to Habakkuk He reacted with anger/confusion (Hab. 1:13) But then he looked back at what God has done, how He has demonstrated His power and how He has been faithful, just and merciful. Ultimately he decided to wait on and trust in God (Hab. 2:1), and more than that, to rejoice in God (Hab. 3:18, Ps. 13:5, 31:7, Isa. 25:9). When tests come focus on promises, not explanations (Prov. 3:5, 1 Cor. 2:5) Still, if we want to participate in His plan, we should trust and obey We demonstrate our love for God through our obedience (John 14:15) Jeremiah did this without delay in purchasing the land (Jer. 32:9) Why? Knowledge/Experience of God’s Faithfulness God is faithful/trustworthy (Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13; Heb. 10:23; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Thess. 5:24; Titus 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:13; John 1:9)

Others that said, “Here I am, Lord” Abraham (Gen.22:1 & 11) Jacob (Gen. 46:2) Moses (Ex. 3:4) Samuel (1 Sam. 3:4-10, “Speak for they servant heareth”) Isaiah (Isa. 6:8) Mary (Luke 1:38, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Ananias (Acts 9:10) God will bless our obedience (Rom. 8:28) Sometimes God will confirm His instructions to us through others (Jer. 32:6-8) Nothing is too difficult for God (Jer. 32:27; Gen 18:14; Job 42:2; Matt. 19:26, Luke 1:37, Eph. 3:20)) God has the power to carry out his promises (Rom. 4:17 & 21, Eph. 6:10, Jer. 32:17) God can/does honor promises despite circumstances/appearances as we observe them (Rom. 4:17-18; 2 Cor. 5:7; Heb.11:7; 13 & 33; Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37) We need to be careful not to limit what God can do in our own minds Doubt comes from leaning upon our own understanding (Prov. 3:5) Abraham tried to substitute Ishmael as his heir because he did not believe God could produce a son through he and Sarah in their old age. (Gen. 17:18) How big is your God? Faith is not about ignoring/denying circumstances, it is about believing God anyway, in spite of circumstances! (Rom. 8:24)

We sometimes have illusions of personal control (1 Cor. 10:12) But God alone can provide true security, even in dangerous times and circumstances (Jer. 23:6; 32:37; 33:16; Ezek. 34:25-28; 14:11)

Zech.

Along with judgment comes grace After judgment comes restoration (Jer. 32:37-41) Note that it is God that does the gathering (Jer. 23:3 & 8; 29:14; 30:18; 31:10; 32:37; 33:7; Deut. 30:3-6; Ps. 106:47; Isa. 11:11-16; Ezek. 11:17; 34:12-14; 36:24; 37:21-25; 39:29-35; Hos. 1:11; Amos 9:14-15; Zeph. 3:20) There is only one way that is good (Jer. 32:39; John 14:6) And God plants/writes the knowledge of this in the hearts of believers (Jer. 32:39; Ezek. 11:19-20; John 17:21; Acts 4:32; ) The New Covenant Who is this for? God will: Protect us: watch over us to build and plant (Jer. 31:28, Ps. 91:1-16) Cleanse us: forgive and forget our sins (Jer. 31:34) Transform us: put His law in our minds and hearts (Jer. 31:33) Be our God (Jer. 31:33) We will: be His people (Jer. 31:33) What does that mean? Not be ashamed to be identified with Him Follow His lead