Jeremiah 29:1-9
1 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the rest of the elders in exile, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem.) 3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: 4 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. 8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 9 for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the LORD.”
Main Idea
WE ARE CITIZENS OF TWO KINGDOMS, SO DON'T MAKE AN IDOL AND DON'T BE A COWARD
Outline
Discussion Questions
WE ARE CITIZENS OF TWO KINGDOMS, SO DON'T MAKE AN IDOL
1. God says the exiles are in Babylon because “I have sent [you] into exile” (v4). Why does it matter that God, not Babylon, is named as the sender?
2. Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). What does it mean to be a citizen of two kingdoms, and how does loving our country go wrong when it takes the place that belongs only to God?
3. One way to avoid making an idol of our nation is to celebrate what is good and lament what is bad. What is one thing about our country you can thank God for, and one thing you grieve?
4. Racism is sin. There is only one race: the human race. How should Christians respond when national pride is used to dismiss or downplay racism?
5. Power can corrupt, so we are called to guard our hearts. Where are you tempted to place your hope in a political party, a leader, or a national victory instead of in God?
WE ARE CITIZENS OF TWO KINGDOMS, SO DON'T BE A COWARD
1. God tells the exiles to “build houses,” “plant gardens,” and raise families (vv5–6). What does it say that God calls them to settle in and live fully in Babylon rather than withdraw?
2. God commands, “seek the welfare of the city … and pray to the LORD on its behalf” (v7). What does it look like to seek the welfare of our community, including neighbors we disagree with?
3. God warns against prophets and diviners who claim to speak “in my name” but were not sent (vv8–9). How can we recognize voices today that use God's name to advance their own political agenda?
4. Don't be afraid to vote your worldview. Everyone votes from some set of beliefs, so how can Scripture shape your convictions at the ballot box without turning a party or candidate into an idol?
5. Don't be afraid of division. Standing on biblical convictions can strain friendships and family relationships. Why are we tempted to avoid conflict at all costs, and how can we stay gracious without staying silent?
6. Don't be afraid to pray for broken leaders. Babylon was a pagan, hostile empire, yet God commands prayer for it (v7). Why is it hard to pray for leaders we believe are wrong, and what would it look like to pray for them anyway?
7. You are where you are for a reason. Where are you tempted to retreat instead of engage, and how does trusting that God placed you in your workplace, neighborhood, or family change that?
Looking Forward
God's people are called neither to worship the nation nor to run from it. What is one specific way you can seek the welfare of your city or community this week while keeping your ultimate loyalty to Jesus?
Prayer Focus
Pray for…
• Hearts that love our country without making it an idol
• Courage to vote our worldview, accept division, and engage our communities rather than retreat
• Faithful prayer for our leaders, even the ones who are broken