Sermon: Hunker Down
Bible Passage: Jeremiah 29:4-9

I. Judeans ended up in Babylon as slaves

1. Elders
2. Priests
3. Prince in line to be the king of Judea
4. Artisans and craftsmen (it is like a bunch of busybodies are quarantined!)

II. Prophet Jeremiah instructs them how they need to handle the situation they were in (vv. 4-9)

1. God is sovereign (“God over all”) (verse 4)
2. He can do anything that He thinks is good
3. Their situation was not caused by a hostile political power, but God Himself caused it (verse 4)
4. If they (God’s people) were carried from Jerusalem to Babylon, God permitted it
5. Therefore, they must not rebel, pushback, or find fault with God (cf. verse 1)
6. But they must accept their present situation (verse 5)
7. It is not their jurisdiction to question God for His decision, but settle down for His decision (avoid questioning God and speculation things like “judgment”)
8. It is a time for them to get used to the new normal
9. They must learn to thrive (grow in number) in the new situation (verse 6)
10. Invest in the following areas:

a. Themselves (marry, build houses, start businesses, etc.)
b. Their family (take and give in marriage)
c. Community

i. Work for the betterment of their city
ii. Pray for the wellbeing of the city

11. Identify people who give false hope and reject their messages (vv. 8-9)

III. Romans 8:28: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose (NIV)

1. Paul makes this climactic statement of the hopeful suffering of the children of God
2. To those who love God, the divinely intended goodwill come out of sufferings and other forms of evil
3. Isaiah 46:10 “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose”

Take Away:

Leverage this time to invest in yourself, family, and community, and behave responsibly