This lesson is the third in a series distributed by Life Lessons, titled "Rise Above Discouragement". The series centers on the calling, mission, rejection, and triumph of Jeremiah the prophet of Judah. This lesson can help you maintain a proper focus on God during the times of discouragement or weariness as you serve the Lord.

2. Unit 3-3
Rise Above
Discouragement
Rhema Bible Study
Life Lesson 3-3
Jeremiah 20:1-13

3. 2
Lesson Purpose
• To understand what do I believe
about my faith?
• To answer how do I know the will
of God?
2

4. Lesson Impact
This lesson can help you maintain
a proper focus on God during the
times of discouragement or
weariness as you serve the Lord.

5. Rise Above Discourgement
Lesson Titles
1. Expect Discouragement
2. Confess Frustration
3. Remember Who’s in Control

6. Remember Who’s
In Control
Lesson 3
Jeremiah 20:11-13

7. Remember Who’s In Control
Lesson Scripture:
Jeremiah 20:11-13
Conduct an inductive study on
these verses.

8. 11 But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior;
therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not
overcome me. They will be greatly shamed,
for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor
will never be forgotten.
Jeremiah 20:11

9. 12 O Lord of hosts, who tests the righteous, who sees the
heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon
them, for to you have I committed my cause.
Jeremiah 20:12

10. 13 Sing to the Lord;
praise the Lord!
For he has delivered the life of the needy
from the hand of evildoers.
Jeremiah 20:13

11. Inductive Study: What to Look For
Verse 11
• Who is talking? Who is he talking to?
• What is his tone in these verses? Is the tone the same as in previous verses or
different?
• What do you think the difference is?
• What is the tense of this verse?
Verse 12
• What does the phrase “Lord of Host” mean?
• Who is the “them” that Jeremiah is referring to?
Verse 13
What is Jeremiah doing in verse 13?

12. Explanation
What did it say?

13. Topic 1
Explanation
Lesson Scripture:
Jeremiah 20:11-13
What does it say?

14. Topic 1
Explanation
1. A “violent H1368 warrior H6184”
2. Jeremiah’s persecutors will stumble
and not prevail
3. Jeremiah’s revenge; truth of God’s
word
• They have not succeeded
• They will be ashamed
• Everlasting humiliation not forgotten

15. Topic 1
Explanation
1. Lord H3068 of Host H6635
• God as the sovereign Lord over the
nations and all the angels and
demons.
• As Lord over all of the powerful
celestial beings.
2. Sing Praises and worship no matter
what

16. Discussion

17. Topic 2
Discussion
1. How would you describe Jeremiah’s mood
in these verses? How do you account for
the dramatic shift in Jeremiah’s attitude
here compared to verses 7-10?
2. What was Jeremiah confident would
happen to his persecutors? What was the
basis of his confidence?
3. What reasons did Jeremiah find to praise
the Lord while still facing the same
opposition in his ministry?

18. Topic 2
Discussion
4. Why is praise a fitting response in
situations like Jeremiah faced? For what
can we praise God, even in
discouragement?
5. Do you think Jeremiah’s song of praise
came after God raised him out of
discouragement, or did praising the Lord
lift Jeremiah—or was it both? Explain.
6. In verse 12, Jeremiah noted that the Lord
sees the heart and mind. Do you find that
comforting or frightening? Explain.

19. Topic 2
Discussion
7. Is it appropriate to ask the Lord to
execute His vengeance on those
who oppose us? Why or why not?
8. How do we stop fretting about our
situation and turn the outcome of
the case over to God? How
successful are you at trusting the
Lord to resolve frustrating
situations?

20. Application
Topic 3

21. Topic 3
Application
1. Those who serve God faithfully can expect
opposition from God’s enemies, even to the
point of torture and imprisonment.
2. God calls on us to be faithful in proclaiming
His Word regardless of the possible
consequences.
3. God’s Word is sometimes hard to
proclaim, especially if it says something
people we love and want to help are
offended by—but we must do so anyway.

22. Topic 3
Application
4. Feeling frustrated or discouraged while
serving the Lord is not uncommon. At such
times, we should be honest with God about
those feelings.
5. God’s people need to remain confident in
Him as the Sovereign of the universe who
will accomplish His purpose and vindicate
them at the proper time.

23. Next Lesson: