Preparing for Sunday - Jeremiah 1-52

July 4, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

The following suggestions are to help you get a glimpse of the book as a whole.
Read Jeremiah 1:1-19. This chapter is a good overview of many of the themes in the book. What themes do you see emphasized?
What do you learn about Jeremiah in this chapter?
What do you learn about God in this chapter?
What do you learn about Judah in this chapter?
What was Judah's cheif problem (2:4, 11-13)?
How deeply affected was Judah in their sin (5:1-6)?
In what was Judah falsely trusting (7:1-4)?
How did Jeremiah's life serve as an illustration for Judah to see their sin and God's judgment (16:1-9)?
How did Judah respond to Jeremiah (26:7-19; 37:11-15; 38:1-6)?
Read 30-33 - what are these chapters about?
Look through the headings in your Bible for chapters 41-51 - what are they about?

Before reading through any of the above suggestions, how has the book of Jeremiah impacted you in the past?
What is the relevance for us studying this prophecy written to ancient Judah?
What sins do you see in your heart that could parallel the sin's Jeremiah confronts in Judah?
How do you/we tend to forsake the Lord in our modern day - as individuals - a church - a nation?
What hope does this book provide for God's people?

What characteristics of God portrayed in this book would be helpful in you worshiping God through prayer? Spend time in such worship now.
Prepare your heart by confessing known sin in your heart.
Pray for our church, that we would find our greatest satisfaction together in God and not in the religious trappings of our traditions.
Pray for those who will be leading us in our worship gathering this week, that they will edify the body: Brian Edwards, music; Mark Krystyniak, Elders' Prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will be singing and listen to them through the weekend in preparation of singing together with the church on Sunday morning.