Jeremiah has to not only proclaim tough news to the nation but also has to confront false teaching. In this case it is the false prophecies of Hananiah.
Jeremiah 28: Hananiah the False Prophet
1 In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying,
2 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
3 Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD's house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon.
4 I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon."
5 Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD,
6 and the prophet Jeremiah said, "Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles.
7 Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people.
8 The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms.
9 As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet."
10 Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them.
11 And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, "Thus says the LORD: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within two years." But Jeremiah the prophet went his way.
12 Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:
13 "Go, tell Hananiah, 'Thus says the LORD: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron.
14 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.'"
15 And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, "Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie.
16 Therefore thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.'"
17 In that same year, in the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died.
Things to think about…
1. Jeremiah in Jer 28:6 agrees with Hananiah’s prophecy, but he is being sarcastic because he knows the prophecy is false. When God has been telling you something for years on end, better to be obedient than think God has all of a sudden changed his mind. Everyone wanted peace, prosperity and blessing. But this was the time for judgement. Judah had reaped what they had sown. Jeremiah was not about to give a false message of peace.
2. Jer 28 - Hananiah was the guy who wanted to bring good news. Jeremiah brought bad news. Hananiah breaks Jeremiah’s wooden yoke and straps. Jeremiah responds by saying they will be replaced with unbreakable iron yokes – Jer 28:14. What is your response when the Lord doesn’t answer your prayers – things not only don’t go your way – they actually get worse. What is your yoke of iron at the moment? Jesus breaks our iron yoke of sin. We are actually free in Christ. As we heard again on Sunday even in weakness, Christ’s strength is shown.
3. Have a look at what happened to Hananiah for his false prophecy, Jer 28:16, 17. He dies later that year. Very sobering. What should our response be in our modern context with what happened to this man? Do not trust a preacher that tells you all is well. We live in the light of the gospel. Jesus gives us light and life, but challenged his disciples that wanted to be first – he said they would be last.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sunday’s sermon “Let me boast a little” – reading 2Corinthians 12:1-10
1. Paul had a significant spiritual experience. He went into heaven. Saw and heard amazing things. What is the most intense spiritual encounter you have had with the Lord.
2. Paul listed off a whole heap of trials he had endured in 2Cor 11. What trials have you endured? Paul said he boasted in trial and weakness, because that is when God’s strength is shown, 2 Cor 12:10. Do you boast in your weaknesses?
3. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble – going into conceit and spiritual pride. He had lived a previous life as a Pharisee so he knew what spiritual pride was. This thorn wasn’t a pin prick, but more a tent peg. Why does God sometimes send satan to us as He did to the Apostle Paul. Discuss this challenge.
4. If you can say “I believe in Jesus”, that is the most miraculous event that can happen in anyone’s life. Discuss.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray for Brett Dwyer and the Dunn household and others with this virus as they recover.
2. Ministries as they have started back.
3. That we see Christ even as Covid goes through the community.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. People returning to church as Covid is passing through the church and community.
2. And families who have recovered from Covid.
3. People encouraged by Sunday’s message.
4. Joy in our service, great times in the cafe.
5. Worship and technical team. Thanks Josh, Ben, iMan and Tim.
Announcements
1. Cell groups back. A new cell group will start at the church for residents around Karalee. This will start on Wed 7pm at church.
2. Kidz@Church every Sunday
3. Members Meeting after the service 27th Feb
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for February...
Q. 16. Who should partake of the Lord's Supper? A. Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation and live according to his word.
