1. Exile How to live as an Jeremiah 29:4-9

2. How to live as an EXILE Jeremiah 29:4-9 How would you feel? Psalm 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept, when we remembered Zion. 1Peter 1:1 To God’s elect, exiles, scattered...

3. How to live as an EXILE Jeremiah 29:4-9 How to relate to Stoke as an exile in Stoke? Option 1: Fit in (v6) What the Babylonians wanted. What the Babylonians wanted. Eg Daniel -> Belteshazzar Eg Daniel -> Belteshazzar If self-preservation is your goal, do this! If self-preservation is your goal, do this!...but we are called to be holy....but we are called to be holy. Option 2: Hunker down False prophet lied: 2 years. (ch 28, cf v8-9) False prophet lied: 2 years. (ch 28, cf v8-9) Deeply tempting approach! Deeply tempting approach!...but we are in this for the long-term....but we are in this for the long-term.

4. How to live as an EXILE Jeremiah 29:4-9 How to relate to Stoke as an exile in Stoke? God’s plan: Make a long-term plan (v5) Make a long-term plan (v5) Don’t fit in & fizzle out (v6) Don’t fit in & fizzle out (v6) Seek their peace & prosperity (v7) Seek their peace & prosperity (v7) = “shalom” – flourishing in every dimension Matthew 5:44 love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Luke 10:27 Love your neighbour as yourself Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

5. How to live as an EXILE Jeremiah 29:4-9 How to relate to Stoke as an exile in Stoke? God’s plan: Make a long-term plan (v5) Make a long-term plan (v5) Don’t fit in & fizzle out (v6) Don’t fit in & fizzle out (v6) Seek their peace & prosperity (v7) Seek their peace & prosperity (v7) = “shalom” – flourishing in every dimension 1Peter 2:11-12 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

6. How to live as an EXILE Jeremiah 29:4-9 How to relate to Stoke as an exile in Stoke? God’s plan: Make a long-term plan (v5) Make a long-term plan (v5) Don’t fit in & fizzle out (v6) Don’t fit in & fizzle out (v6) Seek their peace & prosperity (v7) Seek their peace & prosperity (v7) = “shalom” – flourishing in every dimension How? Jesus’ sacrifice for you drew you in...so that you can confidently sacrifice yourself...to draw others to him.