RE Series -wk. 2- REpurpose

Icebreaker: In your opinion, what is a book, movie, or TV show that is so popular you think everyone knows about it? 

Today we’re looking at one of the most popular Bible verses of all time. Even non-Christians have heard this one before!

*Background Info: Jeremiah 29 is part of a letter written to the Israelite people from God after they had been conquered and taken as exiles to Babylon. It is written in response to false prophets who were telling the people that this exile would be easy and only last a few years*  

READ Jeremiah 29:7-9 

1- Who sent the Israelites into exile in verse 7? Something that was seen as bad, was actually brought on God’s people by God. How can this encourage you with the season of life you are currently in? 

2- “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…” How can you apply this command from God to the Israelite people to your life today? 

3- “Pray to the Lord on its behalf…(v.7)”  Now, read 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Do you ever consider praying for the good of the city/state/country that you live in? Why or why not? What about the leaders of the city/state/country, how can we pray for them? 

READ Jeremiah 29:10-11

4- Now that you have read some of the context of Jeremiah 29:11, what are your thoughts on the meaning of this verse? 

5- Looking at verse 7 after reading verse 10, we see that God sent the Israelites into exile for 70 years! Yet, 29:11 says that His plans are good, not evil, and will give them hope and a future. How do you reconcile these two truths in your faith? 

6- Now, think about 2020 in light of these verses. How can seeing the good and the bad mixed together in the story of the Israelites apply to our lives in 2020? Does that application encourage you or discourage you? Why? 

READ Jeremiah 29:12-13 and Matthew 7:7-8

7- God promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him. How have you seen this to be true in your life in the past?

8- As you think about the near future, what are some things that you are seeking God for and asking Him for? 

• Leaders: writing these down and praying over them as a group might be a great way to end this rGroup session!