These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Hope in God’s Plans” (Jeremiah 29:1-23), by Mark Scott.
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By Michael C. Mack
1. Over the past week, what have you surrendered to God (perhaps something you’ve been stubbornly clinging to like a fear, worry, heartache, or ambition)?
2. When people voice their opinions, how do you know whom to listen to and whom not to listen to?
Ask two people to read aloud Jeremiah 29:1-23 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
3. How would you summarize God’s plans in this passage?
4. Compare and contrast each of the following expressions to what we read in Jeremiah 29:
- “Bloom where you’re planted.” —Anonymous
- “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” —Elbert Hubbard
- “Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.” —Roy T. Bennett
- “You’ve got to know who to [and] who not to listen to.” —Amy Grant
5. What do you learn about God from this passage?
6. What do you learn about people?
7. How did the people (both those who did not go into exile and those who did) disobey God?
- What were the consequences for their disobedience?
8. How would you use this passage to encourage/advise/coach someone whose life isn’t currently going according to their plans?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
10. What do you need from God to follow his plans, even in difficult, unwanted circumstances, and to hope in him?
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Jeremiah 31:1-17, 31-34. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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