Before God would fix a broken people, He would fill a broken person.

Jeremiah 1:4-5
Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

God is more than pro-life; God is pre-life.

God made us on purpose for a purpose.

God will not prescribe you work to do unless He first prepares you to do that work.

Jeremiah 1:6-8
Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.

God is not looking for our eloquence or experience but our obedience.

Jeremiah 1:9-10
Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.”

Do not separate the work of God from God’s work.

The God who is pre-life is the same God who we will meet post-life.

Discussion Questions

1. How are retribution and redemption different sides of the same coin?(See Jeremiah 18:7-10)

2. Before God would fix a broken people, He would fill a broken person. How is this quote true in the life and calling of Jeremiah? What are some ways God uses brokenness in our lives to minister to others?

3. Jeremiah 1:4-5 are specific to Jeremiah, but how can such theological truths be applied in our lives? What do these verses say about life in the womb?(See also Psalm 139:13-16)

4. How does God prepare us for the work He has prepared for us? What
did God use in David’s upbringing and experiences to prepare him for Goliath and kingship?(See Ephesians 2:10)

5. Why are we often hesitant to be used by God or to speak on His behalf? How can we overcome this fear?(See Jeremiah 1:6-8)