"The Cost of Discipleship From Baruch to Jesus"

Sermon Title: "The Cost of Discipleship From Baruch to Jesus"

Main Scripture: Jeremiah 45:1–5

1 “This is the word that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah when he wrote these words on a scroll at Jeremiah’s dictation in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:

2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch:

3 ’You have said, “Woe is me, because the Lord has added misery to my pain! I am worn out with groaning and have found no rest.” ’

4 “This is what you are to say to him: ‘This is what the Lord says: “What I have built I am about to demolish, and what I have planted I am about to uproot—the whole land!

5 But as for you, do you pursue great things for yourself? Stop pursuing! For I am about to bring disaster on all humanity”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“but I will grant you your life like the spoils of war wherever you go.” ’ ””

Purpose: Encourage believers to trust in God’s sovereignty despite the trials and tribulations in life.

5 Main Points:

God’s Word Is Present During Trials

God Acknowledges Our Pain

God’s Sovereignty Over All Things

You Have to Deny Yourself!

God is Faithful! Even in the Midst of Judgment

Introduction (5 minutes)

Illustration:

Share the story of how you first found out that your dad was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer back in March 2023.

Share how overwhelmed and heartbroken the entire family was.

Also, share how you tried to stay strong for the family, but you broke down crying about the situation during an Equip-U class.

Then talk about how pastor Curt came and prayed and spoke a word of encouragement to you.

Then speak on how you then began getting encouraging texts from all of the pastors including Pastor Eric Mason.

Talk about how you felt like God saw your pain in that moment and brought encouragement.

Transition: Just like how I felt overwhelmed, Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, felt overwhelmed by the weight of his calling. In Jeremiah 45, God speaks directly to him, addressing his discouragement and reminding him of the bigger picture. Today, we’ll explore what this passage says, what it means, and how it points us to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled God’s will.

Body (35 minutes)

1. God’s Word Is Present During Trials

Text: Jeremiah 45:1-2

1 “This is the word that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah when he wrote these words on a scroll at Jeremiah’s dictation in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:

2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch:”

Explanation (What does the text say?): Baruch (Blessed) receives this word during the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign, a time of rebellion and impending judgment.

Baruch feels the burden of faithfully recording Jeremiah’s messages.

This was Jeremiah's long-time, trusted associate.

Baruch was the ghostwriter to the prophet, having written these words on a scroll at Jeremiah’s dictation.

Later, Jeremiah and Baruch were both taken to Egypt against their will (Jeremiah 43:6).

Interpretation (What does the text mean?): God sees Baruch’s struggles and speaks directly to him, showing His care for His servants.

God knew Baruch since before he formed him in his mother’s womb.

The text says that Baruch was the son of Neriah. He came from a notable family. He was the grandson of Mahseiah (32:12), governor of Jerusalem under King Josiah.

His brother Seraiah, was the administrator of King Zedekiah of Judah. (We’ll come back to that later)

Illustration: As my dad was (and still is) battling prostate cancer, I would watch my mom tirelessly care for my dad. She would have to cook for him because he didn't have the mental capacity to cook a whole meal without burning something at the time. She would have to help bathe him and get him dressed at times. I remember one day, I walked into the kitchen and found her seated at the table, crying from all her stress.

Application (Why does this matter?): God sees us in our trials. Just as He reached out to Baruch, He meets us in our struggles through His Word. Are you listening for His voice in your trials? Maybe you can’t hear him because the situation, the stress, the pain, the loss is too loud in your life. Maybe other pleasures in life have been speaking louder. The temptation of just “getting the bag” or maybe the temptation of getting that attention from that person that you know good and well that you shouldn't be getting attention from has been speaking louder.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

God is saying that he sees you! He sees your struggle. He sees your pain. He sees your effort, and he wants to give you rest.

2. God Acknowledges Our Pain

Text: Jeremiah 45:3

3 ’You have said, “Woe is me, because the Lord has added misery to my pain! I am worn out with groaning and have found no rest.”’

Explanation (What does the text say?): Baruch laments, “Woe is me, because the Lord has added misery to my pain! I am worn out with groaning and have found no rest.”’ His cry reveals his exhaustion, discouragement, and frustration with God’s plan. As a faithful partner with Jeremiah,

Baruch had to endure a lot of opposition and abuse. He certainly suffered much for his faithfulness to God and Jeremiah, and he therefore felt that God could somehow be blamed for his misery and pain.

You have said: The fact that God knew what Baruch said and spoke to him about it was somewhat sobering. God heard and responded to Baruch’s accusation of unbelief against him.

“Woe is me, because the Lord has added misery to my pain: What led Baruch to get to this place with God to where he’s blaming him for his misery and pain? To figure this out, we have to go back a few chapters.

Events Leading Up to Jeremiah 45

1. Jeremiah’s Writings and Baruch’s Role as Scribe

Scripture: Jeremiah 36:1-4

In the fourth year of King Jehoiakim, God commands Jeremiah to write His words on a scroll.

Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, writes down all the words Jeremiah dictates.

2. Public Reading of the Scroll

Scripture: Jeremiah 36:5-10

Baruch reads the scroll publicly at the temple, proclaiming God’s message of judgment and urging repentance.

This act demonstrates Baruch’s courage and faithfulness in assisting Jeremiah.

3. The King’s Rejection of God’s Word

Scripture: Jeremiah 36:20-24

King Jehoiakim hears the scroll's words but responds by cutting it into pieces and burning it in the fire.

This rejection of God’s word highlights the hostility Baruch and Jeremiah face.

4. God Commands Jeremiah to Rewrite the Scroll

Scripture: Jeremiah 36:27-32

After the scroll is destroyed, God instructs Jeremiah to rewrite it with additional words of judgment.

Baruch faithfully records the message again, despite the danger.

5. Jeremiah Imprisoned and Persecuted

Scripture: Jeremiah 37:11-16

Jeremiah is falsely accused of deserting to the Babylonians and is thrown into a dungeon.

Baruch likely witnesses these events, adding to his sense of discouragement.

6. The Fall of Jerusalem Prophesied

Scripture: Jeremiah 38:1-6

Jeremiah warns that Jerusalem will fall to the Babylonians, leading to him being thrown into a cistern to die.

He is later rescued, but the hostility against him continues.

Interpretation (What does the text mean?): Baruch’s lament is an honest expression of his humanity. Baruch was exhausted, probably both physically and spiritually. He believed that God did not grant him the blessings or protection he had hoped for. But This makes sense when we think of what Baruch and Jeremiah had to live through. The world was falling apart around them, and while they had been protected to this point, they still suffered. Their SEASON didn't come. Their TIME didn't arrive! There seemed to be nothing to build on, and the future looked darker rather than brighter. The present and future seemed dark and depressing. And to top it all off, his brother had attained status in government, but his work of writing down the words from Jeremiah the prophet had gone up in smoke! LITERALLY!

WOE IS ME!!!

BUT… God does not rebuke him but listens and responds with compassion.

Illustration: My wife spent this past year wearing multiple hats. She had to be a new mother, a loving wife, a compassionate friend, a business partner and receptionist, a prayer warrior, a data specialist, a teacher, a counselor, and many other things. But one of the biggest hats she had to wear this year was being a caregiver to my father. There were many days when I would come home from work and just see the exhaustion on her face, but she would just tuck it away and greet me with a smile. I would walk with her through a tough season of losing her job and a close friendship at the same time. God didn't rebuke her but listened and responded with compassion.

Application (Why does this matter?): It’s okay to bring your pain and questions to God. He invites us to be honest with Him in prayer, and He meets us in our weakness

(Psalm 34:18) The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.

3. God’s Sovereignty Over All Things

Text: Jeremiah 45:4a

4 “This is what you are to say to him: ‘This is what the Lord says: “What I have built I am about to demolish, and what I have planted I am about to uproot—the whole land!

Explanation (What does the text say?): God reminds Baruch, “What I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land.” God is in control of both creation and destruction.

This is what you are to say to him: Baruch had always been the scribe, penning down the words of God as they were revealed to Jeremiah for the benefit of others, yet he seldom paused to consider what those divine messages meant for his own life. God had a word for His discouraged, exhausted servant.

“What I have built I am about to demolish, and what I have planted I am about to uproot—the whole land! God spoke to Baruch about His great power, and His great power was expressed in judgment. This reminded Baruch of the power and authority of God to do as He pleased, and it also put some of Baruch’s perceived problems into perspective. He was discouraged and exhausted; much worse was coming upon the whole land.

God made it clear to Baruch: His judgment on Jerusalem and Judah is not finished. There is more to come, and it will be executed until it is fully complete.

“Jeremiah had to remind Baruch of God’s own sorrow at what was to happen. …Yahweh had built something and was about to destroy it. He had planted and was about to uproot it.” (Eugene H. Peterson)

Interpretation (What does the text mean?): God’s sovereignty extends over nations and individuals. Baruch’s suffering is not outside God’s plan but part of His greater purpose.

Isaiah 53:3-10

3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. 4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment, and who considered his fate? For he was cut off from the land of the living; he was struck because of my people’s rebellion. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but he was with a rich man at his death, because he had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully. 10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.

Illustration: Several years ago, I had a mentor who helped walk me through the scripture after I had graduated college. He was a retired science teacher at FAMU, and he owned a farm right outside of Tallahassee in a little town called Quincy. I would visit him during the summer for years, and he would teach me how to plant. I never knew about planting, but he showed me. I remember him having this very large orange tree that would give off some of the best oranges. One year he had a really cold winter, destroying the tree. We had to dig up the tree by hand, and I felt the disappointment in his voice. He had to uproot the very thing he spent time planting.

If this story didn't hit home, talk about the time you had to end a relationship after putting all of your time, effort, and energy into it.

Application (Why does this matter?): Trusting God’s sovereignty helps us endure trials. Do you surrender your plans to God, knowing He sees the bigger picture?

4. You Have to Deny Yourself!

Text: Jeremiah 45:4b-5a

5 “But as for you, do you pursue great things for yourself? Stop pursuing! For I am about to bring disaster on all humanity”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“but I will grant you your life like the spoils of war wherever you go.”

Explanation (What does the text say?): God tells Baruch, “Do not seek great things for yourself.” Baruch is called to humility, letting go of personal ambitions to align with God’s purposes.

Do you pursue great things for yourself: Apparently, some of Baruch’s discouragement and exhaustion came from seeking great things for himself. He expected to be at a better, different place in his life than where he found himself at the time. The disappointment of great things sought and unfulfilled weighed heavily on him. He may have held dreams of reaching a prominent position or even being granted the gift of prophecy. It's disheartening that those aspirations were never realized.

Baruch was a well-educated man who had trained to be a secretary. His brother, referenced in Jeremiah 51:59, served in a high-ranking position under Zedekiah. It's understandable that Baruch may have had dreams of achieving some recognition and distinction in his nation. However, in an act of loyalty to Jeremiah, he ultimately sets aside his own ambitions, which speaks to his character and commitment in a challenging time.

Interpretation (What does the text mean?): Serving God often requires self-denial and trust. This echoes Jesus’ call to deny oneself and take up the cross

(Luke 9:23) Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after[d] me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily,[e] and follow me.

Illustration: This summer I got a chance to watch the Olympics. I watched most of the events, but by far my favorite event was the USA Men’s Basketball Team. They had something to prove this year.

Stephen Curry's journey to winning his first gold medal is a powerful example of how setting aside selfish ambition can lead to greater success. Throughout his career, Curry has exemplified humility, teamwork, and a willingness to play his role for the greater good of the team. These qualities align closely with biblical principles, such as Philippians 2:3, which says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

In international basketball, individual talent is crucial, but success hinges on the ability to work as a cohesive unit. Curry's decision to prioritize team goals over personal glory allowed him to integrate seamlessly with other elite players, focusing on their collective mission rather than his own accolades. His unselfish playstyle—characterized by sharp passing, off-ball movement, and sharing the spotlight—creates opportunities for his teammates and fosters a winning culture.

Moreover, Curry's faith and grounded nature likely influenced his approach. By trusting God's plan for his career and placing others before himself, he could rise above the temptation of selfish ambition. This mindset not only helped him secure a gold medal but also reinforced his legacy as a leader who values relationships and shared victories over personal achievements.

Application (Why does this matter?): Are you seeking God’s kingdom or your own ambitions? True fulfillment comes when we align our desires with His purposes.

God made it clear to Baruch that a day of judgment is coming for all humanity. Worldly power, popularity, and prestige will be decisively swept away. We must recognize that this should shift our focus away from chasing fame and social standing, as we need to prioritize our eternity.

Seeking a name for yourself or striving for a prominent position among others is fundamentally misguided. Chasing social media fame or internet notoriety reveals a profound disregard for the divine, who imposes challenges on all humanity. It is essential to recognize and value the greater importance of genuine significance rather than fleeting attention.

Does that mean that we shouldn't be ambitious? No of course not!

Philippians twice describes a bad kind of ambition, implying that there is a good kind of ambition. The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains (Philippians 1:16). Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself (Philippians 2:3).

We could say that Paul was an ambitious man; Peter was an ambitious man; and even Jesus was an ambitious man. Yet they were all ambitious for God’s glory and fame. We may seek great things, but God’s great things, always remembering Luke 14:11: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. We should learn from God’s word to Baruch and instead of exalting self, we should exalt Jesus. We may long to make a big impact on the world but be perfectly satisfied if our name remains unknown in doing so.

5. God is Faithful! Even in the Midst of Judgment

Text: Jeremiah 45:5b

5 “But as for you, do you pursue great things for yourself? Stop pursuing! For I am about to bring disaster on all humanity”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“but I will grant you your life like the spoils of war wherever you go.”

Explanation (What does the text say?): God promises Baruch, “I will give you your life as a prize of war.” While judgment is coming, God assures Baruch of His protection.

but I will grant you your life like the spoils of war wherever you go: God’s assurance to Baruch was strong. He would take care of him. Even when he was later taken to Egypt with Jeremiah, this promise was sure to care for Baruch wherever he may go.

Interpretation (What does the text mean?): God’s faithfulness doesn’t mean an absence of trials but His presence and provision through them. Baruch’s life will be spared, even as others face destruction.

Illustration: During a hurricane, a first responder risks their life to rescue others. Though the storm causes devastation, their efforts save lives, demonstrating hope and faithfulness amidst destruction.

Maybe that didn't get you, How about this!

That relationship that you thought would break you, God preserved you in it.

That devastating news about your health that you thought would destroy you, God’s been keeping you through it!

That loss of a job and you didn't know how God would provide, but he’s been your provider everyday!

Application (Why does this matter?): God’s faithfulness is a source of hope in our darkest moments. Are you trusting His promises, even when life feels chaotic?

Do you trust his word more than his hand? Do you trust that just how he brought you out of that last situation, that he’ll do it again?

Conclusion (10 minutes)

Review Key Points:

God’s Word Is Present During Trials

God Acknowledges Our Pain

God’s Sovereignty Over All Things

You Have to Deny Yourself!

God is Faithful! Even in the Midst of Judgment

How This Text Points to Jesus

Baruch’s story ultimately points to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled God’s will, even when He could have chosen otherwise. Here are seven ways Jesus exemplified choosing God’s will over His own:

In His Incarnation:

John 6:38: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.”

Jesus humbled Himself, leaving the glory of heaven to take on human flesh.

In His Baptism:

Matthew 3:15: Jesus insisted on being baptized to “fulfill all righteousness,” submitting to God’s plan.

In His Temptation:

Matthew 4:10: Jesus resisted Satan’s offer of earthly power, choosing to serve God alone.

In His Ministry:

John 5:30: “I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” Jesus constantly sought to glorify the Father, not Himself.

In the Garden of Gethsemane:

Luke 22:42: “Not my will, but yours, be done.” Jesus surrendered to the Father’s plan, knowing it meant suffering and death.

On the Cross:

Philippians 2:8: Jesus became “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” He chose to endure the cross for our salvation.

In His Resurrection and Ascension:

John 17:4-5: Jesus glorified the Father by completing the work He was sent to do and ascended to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3).

Call to Action: Jesus’ example calls us to trust God’s will over our own. Are you willing to surrender your plans, ambitions, and fears to Him? Just as Baruch was called to humility and trust, we must follow Jesus, who perfectly demonstrated obedience to God.

Close in Prayer:

Thank God for the ultimate example of Jesus’ faithfulness.

Pray for strength to follow His example in trusting God’s will.

Ask for courage to embrace humility, endure trials, and find hope in His promises.