Letter to the Captives

Recap

Where does your hope reside?

Philippians 3:1–3 “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—”

Background

Jeremiah was written between 585-570 BC by the prophet of the same name. Jeremiah is one of the few prophets who warned Israel of impending disaster and was around to witness the prophecies as they happen. He warned the nation for over 40 year, and they refused to change resulting in receiving God’s judgement.

God’s plans

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

-What the plan?

1. Do what God has put you in position to do - Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

2. Nurture relationships - Ephesians 4:2–3 “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

3. Seek God - Matthew 7:7 ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Jeremiah 29:12 “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”