Browse Bible Study Resources

If You Have Run With the Footmen and They Have Wearied You

Text: Jeremiah 12
12 August 2018

YEARS DOWN THE ROAD

Jeremiah 1-12

1. Problems encountered

2. Personal distress felt

3. Powerful enemies encountered

WHAT GOD EXPECTS AFTER HIS PROVISION

1. For behold, I have made you

2. A fortified city

3. And an iron pillar

4. And bronze walls

THE SOMBRE REALITY

1. The doubts that Jeremiah expressed

a) Why does the way of the wicked prosper?   (Jeremiah 12:1)
b) Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?   (Jeremiah 12:1)
c) How long will the land mourn?   (Jeremiah 12:4)

2. What Jeremiah felt

a) Discouragement
b) Despair
c) Detrimental doubts
d) Depressive tendencies
e) Dangerous preoccupation

GOD’S CANDID RESPONSE

1. Dealing with the problem of weariness

a) If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you   (Jeremiah 12:5)
b) Then how can you contend with the horses?   (Jeremiah 12:5)

2. Dealing with the problem of discouragement (weariness felt)

a) And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you
b) Then how will you do in the floodplains of the Jordan?   (Jeremiah 12:5)

THE SOLUTION TO THE NEGATIVE FEELINGS WE HAVE

1. Maturity of faith and understanding

Do not believe them   (Jeremiah 12:6)
a) Treachery in the family
b) Seeing beyond smooth words

2. Deeper knowledge of God’s will I   (Jeremiah 12:7-13)

a) Concerning the house of Israel
b) Judgment will come upon the sinful and unrepentant nation

3. Deeper knowledge of God’s will II

a) Concerning the enemy nations
b) They will be judged and dealt with