Adult Women Sunday School Class Linda Loyd Study Leader May 16, 2021 “The Consequences of Giving Challenging Advice Devotional Reading: Jeremiah 38: 7-13; 39: 15-18 Background Scriptures: Jeremiah 37-38 Print Passage: Jeremiah 38: 14-23 KEY VERSE: Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I give you an answer, will you not kill me? Even if I did give you counsel, you would not listen to me.” (Jeremiah 38:15) Introduction: Jeremiah’s calling is recorded in Chapter 1 of Jeremiah. He is known as the ‘Weeping Prophet”. During Jeremiah’s Prophetic Ministry there were 5 Kings. Three of the Kings are recorded in Jeremiah 1: 2,3. The message Jeremiah was to bring to Jerusalem’s of their impending fall, made many enemies, and few friends. He was often imprisoned for telling the truth. Jeremiah stood boldly on Gods Word regardless of the consequences.

A Prophet’s Dilemma (Jeremiah 38:14-16) Telling the truth was not popular during the reign of King Zedekiah. Jeremiah had delivered God’s word to King Zedekiah and was cast into prison. On his second visit Jeremiah was thrown into a muddy cistern. Ebed-melech an Ethiopian official appeared to King Zedekiah to release Jeremiah, because he had been treated

unfairly. However, Zedekiah summoned Jeremiah a third time to question him. The King promised in verse 16 “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.” Jeremiah hesitated to respond to the King because of his lack of trust in him. Jeremiah had the promise of God’s presence and protection but is Did not mean he would escape life’s consequences.

Jeremiah had the promise of God’s presence and protection but is did not mean he would escape life’s consequences. Jeremiah’s duty was to deliver God’s word. To choose to accept or reject the message was up to Zedekiah.

A Prophet’s Advice (Jeremiah 38:17-18)

Jeremiah’s third message remained unchanged. If Zedekiah would surrender to the Babylonians, then he would save his life, the city would not be burned, and his family would live. Jeremiah did not compromise the Word of God. This example teaches that preacher and teachers should not compromise the Word of God. It is written in (Proverbs 30: 5,6 NIV )“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” Jeremiah’s relationship with God gave him the strength and courage to bring forth the message, God gave him regardless of the consequence.

A leader’s Folly (Jeremiah 38:19-23) Zedekiah, lack of belief and trust in the message given to him by Jeremiah, caused destruction to come upon Jerusalem, the women and children would be tortured and humiliated and his life would be destroyed. Had he submitted to the Babylonians these tragedies would not happen. Jeremiah pleaded with Zedekiah but, to no avail. His fear of humanity was greater than his fear of God. God still calls His people to repent. Many people lack the courage to turn from their sinful lives. Remember there are no perfect people in this world. We are assured of God’s presence, power, and provision to anyone who dares to take God at His word.

Points to remember: Jeremiah did not compromise Gods Word. Jeremiah suffered consequences for speaking the truth. Jeremiah was given courage to stand boldly on God’s Word.