1. I Know the Plans—Do You Know the Obligations Jeremiah 29:1-14

4. Background Jeremiah served in late 7 th -early 6 th century BC His job was to announce the coming destruction of the southern kingdom This was during the time of the Babylonians destroying Jerusalem, and all of Judah and taking many prisoners/captives (e.g. Daniel and the Hebrew boys)

5. Background A letter is sent to these people in exile through emissaries It counters the message of false prophets who said the exile would be short in duration It gives them direction regarding God’s will over the coming decades of being prisoners

6. A Hopeful Word This is written to people in duress They would not want to hear this news Think of young boys being thrown in fires and young men into lion’s dens Not a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” moment

8. A Hopeful Word Jeremiah’s message is not meant to discourage He reminds them that they have not been forgotten by the Lord He reminds them the Lord is in control and will deliver in His time and way

9. A Hopeful Word This passage reminds us of that great word: COVENANT Deuteronomy 7:6-9 God will remain faithful, no matter what to those who are His

10. A Hopeful Word John 10:27-29—Safe in His hands Romans 8:1—Never to be condemned Romans 8:38-39—Secure in His love Philippians 1:6—Assured of His process Jude 1:24—Destined for acceptance 2 Timothy 2:13—At peace in His possession

12. Inevitable Dark Places We enter into a covenant with a God who is determined to remake us That means we find ourselves in difficult places This is not a verse about self fulfillment and prosperity through “claiming it”

14. Inevitable Dark Places Hebrews 12:3-13 This word is to give light when we are in dark places It is not a word to avoid them

16. A Contingent Word This word cannot likewise be used to promote “cheap grace” God is out to bless me, and I am safe no matter what There seems to be disconnect at this point in some minds

17. A Contingent Word Disobedience has disrupted the process of God working in and through them True believers are committed to obeying Him Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; Mark 13:13

18. A Contingent Word God has plans to prosper them as: – They repent – They seek – They obey