Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: November 1 (Jeremiah 27–29; Psalm 112; 1 Corinthians 2–3)
Host: Crossway | Date: November 1, 2025

Overview

In this episode, the host continues the year-long journey through the ESV Bible, focusing on readings from Jeremiah 27–29, Psalm 112, and 1 Corinthians 2–3. The selections for the day revolve around themes of divine authority and sovereignty, warnings against false prophets and worldly wisdom, perseverance in exile, and the centrality of Christ as the foundation of faith. Listeners are invited to reflect on trust in God amidst hardship, the function of spiritual gifts, and our identity as God's temple.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jeremiah 27–29: Submission and Hope in Exile

• God's Sovereignty Over Nations (00:01–02:30)
  • God commands Jeremiah to wear a yoke, symbolizing submission to Babylon, and to instruct surrounding nations to do the same.
  • Notable Quote:

    "It is I, who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me." (00:22)

• Warnings Against False Prophets (02:30–11:00)
  • Jeremiah warns against believing prophets and diviners predicting a swift end to Babylonian rule.
  • Repeated warning:

    "For it is a lie that they are prophesying to you." (03:45)

• Confrontation with Hananiah (11:30–15:30)
  • Hananiah falsely prophesies the end of Babylonian oppression; Jeremiah challenges him, stating truth will reveal the true prophet.
  • Hananiah breaks Jeremiah’s yoke as a sign, but God declares the wooden yoke replaced by an iron one, foretelling stricter judgment.
  • Notable Quote:

    "You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron." (15:00)

  • Consequence: Hananiah dies as prophesied by Jeremiah for leading rebellion (16:30).
• Letter to the Exiles: Instructions and Promises (16:40–23:00)
  • Jeremiah's letter tells the exiles to settle, build, plant, and seek the welfare of Babylonian cities.
  • Notable Quote:

    "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (16:58)

  • Famous promise of restoration after 70 years in exile.
  • Memorable Moment:

    "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" (20:45)

• Warnings Against Other False Prophets (Ahab, Zedekiah, Shemaiah) (23:00–end of Jeremiah)
  • Reiteration of judgment upon those who mislead with false promises or rebellion.

2. Psalm 112: The Blessing of the Righteous (00:00–02:00 in Psalm segment)

• Describes the life, legacy, and steadfastness of one who "fears the Lord" and "delights in his commandments."
• Key Characteristics:
  • Generosity, justice, fearlessness, and trust amid adversity.
• Notable Quote:

  "He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." (00:45 in Psalm)

• Sharp distinction between the fate of the righteous and the wicked.

3. 1 Corinthians 2–3: Spiritual Wisdom and the Foundation in Christ

• Power of God vs. Human Wisdom (00:01–03:30 in Corinthians segment)
  • Paul emphasizes simplicity in his message:

    "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (00:20 Corinthians)

  • True faith rests not in eloquence but in "demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
• Mystery of God’s Wisdom (03:30–06:00)
  • Wisdom from God is hidden from the world and only revealed by the Spirit.
  • Memorable Verse:

    "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." (04:25 Corinthians)

• Spiritual Maturity vs. Worldliness (06:00–09:00)
  • Believers rebuked for sectarianism: allegiance to Paul or Apollos is shallow; all serve one purpose under God.
  • Notable Quote:

    "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." (08:15 Corinthians)

• Christ the Only Foundation (09:15–12:00)
  • Warning to build wisely, as only that which is built on Christ endures testing.
  • Key Truth:

    "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (10:00 Corinthians)

  • Work will be tested "by fire"; some will suffer loss, yet be saved "but only as through fire."
• Identity as God's Temple (12:00–13:30)
  • Profound Assertion:

    "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (12:30 Corinthians)

• All Belong to God (13:30–end)
  • Rebuke to pride and division, reminder that all things—life, death, leaders—belong to believers, and believers to Christ, and Christ to God.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jeremiah 29:11 (20:45)

  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

• Paul on Christian Unity (08:15 Corinthians)

  "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth."

• Identity and Assurance (12:30 Corinthians)

  "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?"

• Resilience in Adversity (Psalm 112:7)

  "He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." (00:45 in Psalm)

Important Timestamps

• Jeremiah 27: Submission to Babylon – 00:01–02:30
• Confrontation with False Prophets – 02:30–11:00
• Hananiah’s False Prophecy – 11:30–15:30
• Letter to Exiles / Jeremiah 29:11 – 16:40–23:00
• Psalm 112 – 00:00–02:00 (Psalm segment)
• 1 Corinthians 2:1, Power in Weakness – 00:01 (Corinthians segment)
• 1 Corinthians 2: God’s Hidden Wisdom – 03:30–06:00
• 1 Corinthians 3: Christ Our Foundation – 09:15–12:00
• 1 Corinthians 3:16, Temple of the Spirit – 12:30

Summary

This episode imbues listeners with a sense of God’s ultimate sovereignty and the futility of trusting human wisdom or false assurances. Exiles are encouraged to root themselves where they are, trusting God’s promises for the long arc of restoration. Believers are reminded that all spiritual maturity, community unity, and eternal destiny rest upon God’s initiative and Christ’s foundation, not human faction or achievement. Psalm 112 underscores how the righteous flourish amid darkness, sustained by unshakable trust. The day’s readings harmonize a call to endurance, faith, and fidelity to God’s Word above all earthly assurances.