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

Episode: November 8 (Jeremiah 42–44; Psalm 119:1–8; 1 Corinthians 14)
Host: Crossway
Date: November 8, 2025

Overview of the Episode

This episode continues the journey of reading through the Bible in a year, led by Jackie Hill Perry. Today’s readings include critical moments from Jeremiah 42–44 (warnings and consequences for Judah’s remnant), Psalm 119:1–8 (a celebration of God’s law), and 1 Corinthians 14 (Paul’s guidance on spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and tongues, in the church). The episode focuses on themes of obedience versus rebellion, the blessings of following God’s law, and how spiritual gifts are to be exercised within the church community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Obedience and Rebellion (Jeremiah 42–44)

• The Remnant Seeks Guidance:
  Judah’s leaders and people approach Jeremiah, asking him to pray for Divine guidance. They promise to obey, whatever God commands (00:24).

  • Quote (Plea for Guidance):
    “Pray to the Lord your God for us... that the Lord your God may show us the way we should go and... what we should do.” (00:09, People to Jeremiah)

• God’s Command & Conditions:
  God promises blessing and safety in Judah if the remnant obeys and remains in the land (00:48):

  • “If you will remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down. I will plant you and not pluck you up, for I relent of the disaster that I did to you.” (00:54, Jeremiah speaking God’s words) Conversely, seeking safety in Egypt will bring destruction—the very judgment Judah fears (01:10).

• Willful Disobedience:
  Despite God’s clear warning, the people accuse Jeremiah of lying and choose Egypt over trust in God (02:06).

  • Quote (Denial):
    “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’” (02:09, The People)

• Judgment Prophesied:
  God uses Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar) as His tool of judgment, even in Egypt. By turning again to idolatry and refusing to listen, Judah becomes doomed to destruction (04:54).

  • Quote:
    “He shall come and strike the land of Egypt... to captivity those who are doomed to captivity, and to the sword those who are doomed to the sword.” (05:39, Jeremiah)

• Stubbornness in Idolatry:
  The people openly reject God’s rebuke, justifying idol worship as the cause for their prosperity (08:08).

  • Quote (Bold Rebellion):
    “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you, but we will do everything we have vowed.” (08:28, The People)

• God’s Final Judgment:
  God declares His name will no longer be invoked by these disobedient people and affirms that His word will prevail (10:00).

2. Psalm 119:1–8 – The Blessings of God’s Law

• Celebration of Obedience:
  The psalmist highlights the joy and blessing found in following God’s law wholeheartedly and the desire to remain steadfast (10:59).
  • Quote:
    “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” (11:04, Psalmist) The reading captures a longing not to be put to shame but to praise God with uprightness and cling to His commandments.

3. Pursuing Spiritual Gifts in Love and Order (1 Corinthians 14)

• Superiority of Prophecy for the Church:
  Paul teaches that prophecy builds up the church, while speaking in tongues primarily edifies the individual unless there is interpretation (11:22).

  • Quote:
    “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” (11:31, Paul)

• Intelligibility and Edification:
  Paul uses the analogy of indistinct musical notes to underline the need for clarity in worship for true communal benefit (12:10).

• Guidelines for Worship Service:
  Paul insists that all things in church should be done for building up (13:54):

  • Gifts should be exercised in order and with interpretation when necessary.
  • Prophecy should be weighed and managed so all may learn and be encouraged.

• On Women in the Church:
  Paul addresses the role of women, emphasizing silence in the teaching context, and encourages order in worship (14:21).

• Decency and Order:
  The teaching concludes with a call:

  • “All things should be done decently and in order.” (14:50, Paul)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ultimate Irony of Rebellion:
  “You have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God in anything that He sent me to tell you. Now, therefore, know for a certainty that you shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence in the place where you desire to go to live.” (01:50, Jeremiah)

• Idolatrous Justification:
  “Since we left off making offerings to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been consumed by the sword and by famine.” (08:40, The People)

• Paul’s Principle for Church Life:
  “I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others than 10,000 words in a tongue.” (13:07, Paul)

• Final Admonition:
  “Earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues, but all things should be done decently and in order.” (14:53, Paul)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–06:38: Jeremiah 42–44 – The remnant’s plea, God’s warning, and the people’s rebellion in Egypt.
• 10:59–11:18: Psalm 119:1–8 – Blessings of obedience to God’s law.
• 11:18–14:53: 1 Corinthians 14 – Spiritual gifts, the primacy of prophecy, worship order, and closing instructions.

Conclusion

This episode vividly contrasts the tragedy of refusing God’s counsel (Jeremiah), the blessing of delighting in God’s law (Psalm), and the apostolic pattern for spiritual maturity and order in the church (1 Corinthians). Key themes of obedience, the perils of hardened hearts, and the edifying work of love and spiritual gifts are underscored throughout the readings.