How should we respond to authority figures opposing God's message, as seen in Jeremiah 20:1?

◄ Respond to authority opposing God? ►

Setting the Scene in Jeremiah 20:1

“When Pashhur son of Immer, the priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things” (Jeremiah 20:1).

• Jeremiah has just declared God’s coming judgment (Jeremiah 19).

• Pashhur is not a pagan ruler but a religious authority, illustrating that resistance can arise even inside spiritual structures.

Recognizing the Reality of Opposition

• Obedience to God’s call invites conflict (John 15:18–20).

• Authority figures may misuse position to silence truth, yet their office does not negate God’s mandate (Acts 4:18–20).

• Scripture forewarns faithful messengers to expect hardship (2 Timothy 3:12).

God’s Messengers Under Fire—Key Examples

• Moses vs. Pharaoh (Exodus 5–12): civil authority repeated “No,” but God’s word prevailed.

• Elijah vs. Ahab (1 Kings 18): prophetic boldness before a hostile king.

• Peter and John vs. the Sanhedrin (Acts 4–5): respectful yet resolute testimony.

Courage Rooted in Calling

• Identity: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Knowing God’s choosing anchors courage.

• Assurance: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:8). Presence of God outweighs rank of opponents.

• Perspective: earthly power is limited; God’s authority is ultimate (Psalm 2:1–4).

Practical Ways to Respond Today

1. Stay faithful to the message

– Speak truth without dilution (2 Timothy 4:2).

2. Show respectful demeanor

– Honor the position even when confronting error (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17).

3. Endure mistreatment without retaliation

– “When reviled, we bless” (1 Corinthians 4:12–13).

4. Seek God’s strength through Scripture and fellowship

– Jeremiah poured out lament to the Lord (Jeremiah 20:7–13).

5. Trust God for vindication

– “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19).

Promises That Fuel Perseverance

• God watches over His word to accomplish it (Jeremiah 1:12).

• The gospel cannot be chained (2 Timothy 2:9).

• Future reward outweighs present reproach (Matthew 5:11–12).