HIGHLIGHTS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE MESSAGE
- God’s discipline is not about punishment but restoration. He lovingly pursues us, even allowing consequences to bring us back to Him (Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19)
- Submission to God’s will leads to peace, fewer regrets, and a better future. Rebellion only brings heartache and brokenness (Jeremiah 38:17-18)
- God’s ways are always best. Even when it feels costly, obedience brings blessings (Romans 8:32).
EXPLORING THE SCRIPTURE
Biblical Summary: Click here for a brief summary on the books of 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, and 2 Kings.
Main Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:11-13; Jeremiah 38:2, 17-18; 2 Kings 25:1-7
The story of Zedekiah is a sad one that could have turned out much different had he submitted himself to the Lord and obeyed the warnings that were given to him. Instead, it shows us what happens when we repeatedly reject the Lord and follow in our own path. The Lord is extremely long-suffering. The recorded events from Jeremiah 21:1-10, Jeremiah 27, Jeremiah 38:2-3, and Jeremiah 38:17-18 show us in great detail every instance where Zedekiah is told exactly what to do and what will happen if he does not listen to God. Despite these warnings, he refuses to submit.
- Are you surprised that after so many specific warnings, Zedekiah still chose to harden his heart to the Lord (2 Chronicles 36:12-13)? How many times have we done the same regarding a particular area of sin in our own lives?
- How is putting off our obedience until another day incredibly dangerous and why is it imperative not to delay? What do Isaiah 55:6, Hebrews 3:13, Acts 3:19, and Acts 17:30-31 tell us to do?
- Read 2 Chronicles 36:15-16. What do these verses teach us about the heart of God? What do they teach us about the limits of His patience?
- Read Jeremiah 24. This was one of the direct prophecies given by God to Jeremiah to relay to Zedekiah. What does God say regarding the differences between those who choose to obey Him and those who choose to reject Him (v.5-10)?
Instead of humbling himself and turning from his evil ways, Zedekiah tries to literally silence Jeremiah by throwing him in a cistern (Jeremiah 38:6). Seeing as Jeremiah speaks directly as the “mouth” of the Lord, Zedekiah is effectively attempting to silence God directly.
- Have you ever attempted to do the same? Why is it a fool’s errand to try to ignore or silence God? Reference Romans 1:18-23 and John 12:48.
- What will always be the results of such an action? Reference Proverbs 1:24-33.
Read the words of Zedekiah written in Jeremiah 38:19.
- What happens when we are more worried or afraid of potential earthly consequences as opposed to following the leading of the Lord?
- Which of these two should always invoke more fear within us? Reference Matthew 10:28 and Hebrews 10:31.
- What does it look like to have an appropriate fear of the Lord and how is this a very positive and effective thing? Reference Psalm 25:14, Proverbs 19:23, and Psalm 145:19.
Read 2 Kings 25:7-11 and Jeremiah 52:8-11.
- How did Zedekiah’s folly and failure to obey affect not only himself, but his own family and his people?
- How does our sin spread and hurt those around us as well as ourselves?
Sometimes we endure painful experiences even when we are closely submitting ourselves to God’s will. Think about Jeremiah himself who was beaten, imprisoned, and put down a cistern solely for being obedient to the Lord’s instructions (Jeremiah 37:15 and Jeremiah 38:6).
- What character traits do you see in Jeremiah as he persisted in delivering his prophetic message to God’s people? Which of these traits mirror the character of God?
- Have you ever questioned God’s care for you in difficult times? Does it mean that God doesn’t love you or that He has forgotten you? Reference Nahum 1:7 and Psalm 9:9-10.
- Have you ever experienced opposition while attempting to be obedient to God? What can we cling to when we feel as if we have been abandoned even when we are doing what is right in the sight of the Lord? Reference John 16:33, 1 Peter 5:10, and James 1:2-4.
GROUP DISCUSSION
Have you ever been in a situation where you believed that God was taking something good and/or desirable from you only to realize that He was actually rescuing you all along? How did your recognition of His protection over this circumstance enhance your trust and faith in Him?
Why do we sometimes think that going about things our own way or indulging in temptation will provide us with fulfillment and freedom? In actuality, how does our sin entrap, enslave, and “attack” us? Reference Romans 6:16 and Ephesians 2:1-3. What does Titus 3:3-7 tell us is the only answer to this problem?
Do you understand the depths of love that God has for you in that He will do anything to bring you back? We are His children and He loves us way too much to allow us to get away with disobedience.
- Who does God discipline, why does He do it, and what response should it invoke? Reference Hebrews 12:5-11, Revelation 3:19-20, and Proverbs 3:11-12.
- Has God ever had to go to great lengths in your life to get your attention or to “bring you back?” What resulted and how did this experience change you?
Oftentimes, we don’t submit because we are afraid it will cost us something. Reflect on your own life. Are there things you are not willing to give up that are keeping you from a relationship with Jesus? If you are a believer, what have you freely given up to follow Jesus? How has this impacted your life and those around you?
We know that God’s way is always the best way… but that doesn’t mean that life is easy without trials, pain, sadness, and hardship. Some of the greatest followers of Jesus carried the heaviest of burdens.
- What is the difference between God blessing our obedience and a prosperity gospel mindset that teaches our obedience will result in earthly blessings? In other words, what are the true blessings that come from being obedient to the Lord? Reference Jeremiah 17:7-8, 2 Corinthians 9:8, and John 14:23.
- How do we differentiate between trials that we face due to the effects of living in a fallen world and the times when we experience Godly discipline as a result of our own sin? Should our response to those trials differ based on which type they are?
- Have you ever gone through a difficult circumstance that caused you to think that God “had it out for you” or that He must be punishing you in some way? How does this thinking contradict the heart of our Lord and why can you always trust Him? Reference Romans 8:32, Isaiah 54:10, and Deuteronomy 7:9.
LIVING IT OUT
- Assess your current situation: Are you attempting to silence the voice of God in any way? Is there a particular “warning” from God that you have been ignoring or suppressing? Are you living with one foot in and one foot out? Do you need to make the decision to finally be all in and forsake anything and everything that isn’t of Him?
- Pray that God might reveal any unaddressed sin in your life or any areas that you can better submit and give over to Him.
- Repent of anything you need to. Don’t wait, but step forward immediately in obedience.
PRAYER
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
— Romans 12:1-2
When God speaks, He reveals His will. Turn these verses into a prayer of commitment to seek and do God’s will. Ask the Lord for divine help to bring you to a place of:
- Personal sacrifice
- Holy living
- Godly service
- Heaven mindedness
- Inner transformation
Interested in praying with and for others. Learn more by reaching out to us through prayer@nwbible.org.