WAFIF WOW magazine Tools For Victory WAFIF WOW Magazine Nov '17 | Page 7

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into prison (chapter 37) and into a cistern (chapter 38), and he was taken to Egypt
against his will (chapter 43). He was rejected by his neighbours (11:19–21), his family
(12:6), the false priests and prophets (20:1, 2; 28:1–17), friends (20:10), his audience
(26:8), and the kings (36:23). Throughout his life, Jeremiah stood alone, declaring
God’s messages of doom, announcing the new covenant, and weeping over the fate of his
beloved country. In the eyes of the world, Jeremiah was not a success. But in God’s
eyes, Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all of history. Success, as
measured by God, involves obedience and faithfulness.
The basic theme of Jeremiah’s message is simple: “Repent and turn to God, or he will
punish.” Because the people rejected this warning, Jeremiah then began predicting the
destruction of Jerusalem. This terrible event is described in chapter 39. Chapters 40—45
describe events following Jerusalem’s fall. The book concludes with prophecies
concerning a variety of nations (chapters 46—52). As you read Jeremiah, feel with him
as he agonizes over the message he must deliver, pray with him for those who refuse to
respond to the truth, and watch his example of faith and courage. Then commit yourself
to being successful in God’s eyes.
KEY VERSE in the book of Jeremiah: “‘Your own wickedness will correct you, and
your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter
thing that you have forsaken the LORD your God, and the fear of Me is not in you,’ says
the Lord GOD of hosts” (2:19).
STUDY VERSES on Sin and Repentance
Jeremiah 3:4, 5 In spite of their great sin, the people of Israel continued to talk like they
were God’s children. The only way they could do this was to minimize their sin. When
we know we’ve done something wrong, we want to downplay the error and relieve some
of the guilt we feel. As we minimize our sinfulness, we naturally shy away from making
changes, and so we keep on sinning. But if we view every wrong attitude and action as a
serious offense against God, we will begin to understand what living for God is all about.
Is there any sin in your life that you’ve written off as too small to worry about? God says
that we must confess and turn away from every sin.
Jeremiah 3:11-13- Israel was not even trying to look as if it were obeying God, but Judah
maintained the appearance of faith without a true heart. Believing the right doctrines
without heartfelt commitment is like offering sacrifices without true repentance. Judah’s
false repentance brought Jeremiah’s words of condemnation. To live without faith is
hopeless; to express sorrow without change is hypocritical. Being sorry for sin is not
enough. Repentance demands a change of mind and heart that results in changed
behaviour.
Reference: Tyndale. Life Application Study Bible NKJV (Kindle Locations 158286-
158290). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Issue 3: Volume 1
November 2017
WAFIF Women’s Ministry