Plans to Prosper You

Viral Verses

Plans To Prosper You

Jeremiah 29:11

We have no right to hold God responsible for a promise we have misunderstood.

In Christ Jesus we can rely on all the promises of God when they are properly understood and applied.

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Q: Is Jeremiah 29:11 a promise for followers of Jesus Christ today?

A: Yes and No

Background

• Rebellion (25:3-7)

• Message of Judgment (25:8-11)

• A Competing message (28:1-17)

Jeremiah’s Letter

• Settle In - Make the best of a bad situation (29:4-6)

• Seek the Welfare of the City (29:7)

• Beware of False Prophets (29:8-9)

• A Promise for God’s people (29:10-14)

Notice:

1. This is a Corporate Promise

2. Very few of the people who heard this promise were Alive when it was fulfilled 

How Does This Apply To Us Today?

1. Live as Exiles In This World

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11–12)

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21)

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16)

2. Beware of False Prophets

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3–4)

3. Recognize that the fulfillment of this promise is not the fulfillment of The American Dream

“Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:35–40)

Yes, God in His abundant grace often blesses us in this Present Age

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 1:3)

4. Look forward in faith to the Ultimate Fulfillment of this promise

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1–3)

“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:16)

“Your plans may evaporate. Your dreams may be crushed. Your life may be snuffed out. But the God who raised Jesus from the dead will raise you up with him.” Russell Moore

Bottom Line:

• Live for God’s glory now

• Look Forward to the glory that is yet to come

Making It Personal:

• Is there any way in which you have misunderstood Jeremiah 29:11 and its application to your life today? What needs to be adjusted?

• Review the 4 points of “how does this apply to us today.” Practically how can you live out these 4 points this week?

• What will it look like for you to live for God’s glory now as you look forward to the glory that is yet to come?

• Who can you share these truths with?