Sermons on Jeremiah 31:31-34


The various sermons below interpret Jeremiah 31:31-34 as a profound promise of a transformative relationship with God through the New Covenant. A common theme is the internalization of God's law, shifting from external adherence to an internal transformation where God's laws are written on believers' hearts. This internal change is often described as a heart transformation, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship with God, akin to the intimacy between Adam and Eve. The sermons highlight the New Covenant as a fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus Christ, offering a deeper connection with God than the old covenant. The analogy of communion elements, such as bread and juice, symbolizes this internalization, while the transition from rule-keeping to heart transformation is likened to moving from a scythe to a combine, illustrating the New Covenant's efficiency and effectiveness in transforming believers from the inside out.

While the sermons share common themes, they also present unique nuances and contrasts. Some sermons emphasize the New Covenant as a covenant of grace, focusing on the idea of a clean slate and the grace that allows believers to start anew. Others highlight the continuity between the old and new covenants, suggesting that the New Covenant fulfills the old covenant's intention of having God's law written on hearts. The theme of relational transformation is also explored, contrasting the old covenant's rules with the New Covenant's relationship, where believers follow God's commands out of love rather than obligation. Additionally, the sermons differ in their emphasis on the spiritual nature of the New Covenant, with some highlighting the transition from an external to an internal covenant, marked by faith and baptism rather than circumcision. These diverse interpretations offer a rich tapestry of insights for understanding the transformative power of the New Covenant in believers' lives.


Jeremiah 31:31-34 Interpretation:

Embracing the Abundant Life of the New Covenant (Springs Community Church) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 as a promise of a transformative relationship with God, emphasizing the internalization of God's law within believers' hearts and minds. The sermon highlights the unique use of the Hebrew word for "know" (yada), which implies an intimate, personal relationship with God, akin to the intimacy between Adam and Eve. This interpretation suggests that the New Covenant offers a deeper, more personal connection with God than the old covenant.

Embracing Life, Faith, and the New Covenant (GMZ Brazoria) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 as a prophecy fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who establishes the New Covenant. The sermon emphasizes the shift from external adherence to the law to an internal transformation where God's laws are written on believers' hearts. This interpretation underscores the idea that the New Covenant is about a heart transformation rather than mere compliance with rules.

Transforming Hearts: Embracing the New Covenant (Discipleship etc — Josh Hunt) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 as a pivotal moment in biblical prophecy, describing it as the climax of Jeremiah's teaching and a central theme of the Bible. The sermon emphasizes the transition from external rule-keeping to internal heart transformation, highlighting the new covenant as an inside-out change. The analogy of a mountain range is used to describe the dual fulfillment of prophecy, with the first coming of Christ as a pre-summit and the second coming as the ultimate fulfillment.

Renewing Our Covenant: Embracing Grace and Transformation (Leonia United Methodist Church) interprets the passage as a covenant of grace, transformation, and learning. The sermon emphasizes the new covenant as a fresh start, akin to a clean slate, and highlights the inner transformation of the heart and mind. The analogy of a clean slate is used to illustrate the renewal of the covenant, emphasizing the grace that allows believers to start anew.

Embracing Peace and Transformation Through Christ's Covenant (Lake Forest Church Huntersville) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 by emphasizing the inward transformation promised in the new covenant. The sermon uses the analogy of a scythe and a combine to illustrate the superiority of the new covenant over the old. The combine, being more efficient and effective, represents the new covenant's ability to transform believers from the inside out, unlike the old covenant, which was external and legalistic.

Embracing the New Covenant: Transformation Through Christ (St. Johns Church PDX) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 by highlighting the continuity between the old and new covenants. The sermon emphasizes that the new covenant is rooted in the old, with the law being written on hearts rather than tablets. The analogy of communion elements (bread and juice) being internalized symbolizes the internalization of God's law in believers' hearts.

Embracing Growth: Understanding the Bible and Surrendering to God (City Hope Family) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 by focusing on the relational aspect of the new covenant. The sermon contrasts the old covenant's rules with the new covenant's relationship, emphasizing that God's law is now written on hearts, leading to a desire to follow God's commands out of love rather than obligation.

Jeremiah: Prophecy, Worship, and the New Covenant (Solid Rock Community) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 as a prophecy pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of a new covenant. The sermon emphasizes that this new covenant is internal and spiritual, contrasting with the old covenant, which was external and material. The preacher highlights that the law will be written on the hearts of the people, signifying a transformation from within, and that this covenant is entered into by faith rather than works. The sermon also draws a parallel between the old covenant's physical sign of circumcision and the new covenant's spiritual sign of baptism.

Communion: A Profound Act of Worship and Unity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 by connecting it to the institution of the Lord's Supper. The sermon explains that Jesus' reference to the new covenant during the Last Supper is a fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy. The preacher emphasizes that the new covenant involves God's law being written on the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit, leading to a personal and transformative relationship with God. The sermon also highlights the forgiveness of sins as a key aspect of this new covenant.

Freedom in Christ: From Bondage to Liberation (Resonate Life Church) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 as a promise of a new heart and a new spirit given to believers through the new covenant. The sermon emphasizes that this new heart enables believers to overcome the power of sin and live in freedom. The preacher highlights that the new covenant is characterized by an internal transformation, where God's law is written on the hearts of believers, leading to a personal relationship with God.

Empowered by Grace: Living Righteously in God's Plan (calvaryokc) interprets Jeremiah 31:31-34 as a promise of a new covenant that emphasizes internal transformation rather than external adherence to the law. The sermon highlights the shift from self-rule, which is equated with iniquity, to God-rule, where God's law is written on the hearts of believers. This internalization of God's law is seen as a move away from the democratic self-rule to a theocratic God-rule, emphasizing submission to God's will.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Theological Themes:

Embracing the Abundant Life of the New Covenant (Springs Community Church) presents the theme of living an abundant life through the New Covenant, contrasting it with a diminished life of settling for less. The sermon suggests that the New Covenant offers freedom from sin and guilt, intimate fellowship with God, and a life transformed by God's truth written on the heart.

Embracing Life, Faith, and the New Covenant (GMZ Brazoria) highlights the theme of God's faithfulness in keeping His covenant promises, even when His people fail. The sermon emphasizes that the New Covenant, fulfilled in Jesus, offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with God, inviting believers to turn from sin and embrace a life of faith.

Transforming Hearts: Embracing the New Covenant (Discipleship etc — Josh Hunt) presents the theme of heart transformation as central to the new covenant, contrasting it with the external rule-keeping of previous covenants. The sermon emphasizes the need for a new heart, which is both a one-time event and a lifelong process, and highlights the role of the cross in transforming the human heart.

Renewing Our Covenant: Embracing Grace and Transformation (Leonia United Methodist Church) introduces the theme of a covenant of grace, emphasizing that the new covenant is based on grace rather than adherence to laws. The sermon also highlights the covenant of transformation, focusing on the inner change of heart and mind, and the covenant of learning, which emphasizes the lifelong journey of knowing God more deeply.

Embracing Peace and Transformation Through Christ's Covenant (Lake Forest Church Huntersville) presents the theme of inward transformation as a key aspect of the new covenant. The sermon emphasizes that God's law is written on believers' hearts, leading to a transformation of desires and a personal relationship with God.

Embracing the New Covenant: Transformation Through Christ (St. Johns Church PDX) introduces the theme of continuity between the old and new covenants. The sermon highlights that the new covenant fulfills the old covenant's intention of having God's law written on hearts, and communion serves as a reminder of this transformation.

Embracing Growth: Understanding the Bible and Surrendering to God (City Hope Family) presents the theme of relational transformation. The sermon emphasizes that the new covenant is about a personal relationship with God, where believers follow God's commands out of love rather than obligation.

Jeremiah: Prophecy, Worship, and the New Covenant (Solid Rock Community) presents the theme of the new covenant as a fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the transition from an external to an internal covenant. The sermon emphasizes the spiritual nature of the new covenant, which is entered into by faith and marked by baptism rather than circumcision.

Communion: A Profound Act of Worship and Unity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) introduces the theme of the new covenant as a transformative relationship with God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. The sermon emphasizes the personal nature of this covenant, where God's law is written on the hearts of believers, leading to a deeper understanding and experience of God's forgiveness and grace.

Freedom in Christ: From Bondage to Liberation (Resonate Life Church) highlights the theme of freedom from sin through the new covenant. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the new heart given to believers, enabling them to live in freedom and overcome the power of sin.

Empowered by Grace: Living Righteously in God's Plan (calvaryokc) presents the theme of iniquity as self-rule, contrasting it with the new covenant's emphasis on God-rule. The sermon suggests that the new covenant is about God ruling in the hearts of believers, which is a departure from the self-governance that characterizes iniquity. This theme is distinct in its focus on the internalization of God's law as a means of overcoming self-rule and embracing divine governance.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing Life, Faith, and the New Covenant (GMZ Brazoria) provides historical context by discussing the Babylonian invasion and the destruction of Jerusalem, which serves as the backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecy. The sermon explains how the Israelites' disobedience led to their exile, highlighting the contrast between their failure to keep the old covenant and God's promise of a New Covenant.

Embracing Peace and Transformation Through Christ's Covenant (Lake Forest Church Huntersville) provides historical context by explaining the role of priests and sacrifices in ancient cultures. The sermon highlights that the old covenant involved external sacrifices, while the new covenant offers a once-for-all sacrifice through Jesus, eliminating the need for repeated sacrifices.

Jeremiah: Prophecy, Worship, and the New Covenant (Solid Rock Community) provides historical context by explaining the division of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms and the subsequent judgment and exile of the northern tribes by Assyria. The sermon highlights the role of prophets as covenant enforcement officers, reminding the people of their covenant obligations and warning them of the consequences of disobedience. The preacher also explains the significance of the Babylonian exile as a fulfillment of Jeremiah's warnings and a backdrop for the promise of a new covenant.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing the Abundant Life of the New Covenant (Springs Community Church) references Hebrews 9:15 to explain the superiority of the New Covenant and how Jesus' death serves as a ransom to set believers free from sins committed under the first covenant. The sermon also references John 14:26 to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in teaching and reminding believers of Jesus' words, supporting the idea of an intimate relationship with God.

Embracing Life, Faith, and the New Covenant (GMZ Brazoria) references Matthew 26:28, where Jesus speaks of His blood as the blood of the New Covenant, linking it to the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy. The sermon also references Lamentations 3:19-26 to illustrate the hope and faithfulness of God amidst the destruction of Jerusalem, reinforcing the promise of restoration through the New Covenant.

Transforming Hearts: Embracing the New Covenant (Discipleship etc — Josh Hunt) references the Last Supper, where Jesus speaks of the new covenant in his blood, connecting it to Jeremiah 31:31-34. The sermon also mentions John 3:16 to explain the concept of being born again and the importance of belief in Jesus for eternal life. Additionally, the sermon references the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to illustrate the transformation of the heart.

Renewing Our Covenant: Embracing Grace and Transformation (Leonia United Methodist Church) references the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic covenants to provide context for the new covenant. The sermon also cites Daniel 11:32 to emphasize the strength and exploits of those who know God, and Jeremiah 3:15 to highlight the role of shepherds in leading with knowledge and understanding.

Embracing Peace and Transformation Through Christ's Covenant (Lake Forest Church Huntersville) references Hebrews 8 to support the interpretation of Jeremiah 31:31-34. The sermon explains that Hebrews 8 quotes Jeremiah 31 to highlight the new covenant's promises of inward transformation, personal relationship, and forgiveness of sins.

Embracing Growth: Understanding the Bible and Surrendering to God (City Hope Family) references Hebrews 8 and John 14:15. Hebrews 8 is used to explain the transition from the old to the new covenant, while John 14:15 is cited to emphasize that following God's commands is a result of love, not obligation.

Jeremiah: Prophecy, Worship, and the New Covenant (Solid Rock Community) references John 10, where Jesus claims the title of the Good Shepherd, connecting it to Jeremiah's prophecy of a righteous branch from David's line. The sermon also references the Last Supper in the Gospels, where Jesus institutes the new covenant in his blood, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy.

Communion: A Profound Act of Worship and Unity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) references Luke 22, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper and refers to the new covenant in his blood. The sermon also references Exodus 12, explaining the origin of the Passover and its connection to the new covenant. Additionally, the sermon references 1 Corinthians 10, where Paul refers to the cup of blessing, connecting it to the new covenant.

Freedom in Christ: From Bondage to Liberation (Resonate Life Church) references Ephesians 2, explaining the concept of being slaves to sin and the role of Jesus in setting believers free. The sermon also references Galatians 5, highlighting the crucifixion of the flesh and the new heart given to believers. Additionally, the sermon references John 11, where Jesus declares himself the resurrection and the life, emphasizing the promise of eternal life through the new covenant.

Empowered by Grace: Living Righteously in God's Plan (calvaryokc) references Micah 6:8 to support the idea of living justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God as part of the new covenant. This passage is used to emphasize the moral and ethical transformation expected under the new covenant, aligning with the internalization of God's law mentioned in Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Christian References outside the Bible:

Transforming Hearts: Embracing the New Covenant (Discipleship etc — Josh Hunt) references Tim Keller, who discusses the need for a new heart and the role of the cross in transforming the human heart. The sermon also mentions Becky Pippert's book "Hope Has Its Reasons" to illustrate the limitations of psychology in providing a forgiving heart. Additionally, Erwin Lutzer is quoted as saying that only the cross can fix the heart.

Renewing Our Covenant: Embracing Grace and Transformation (Leonia United Methodist Church) references Charles Spurgeon, who contrasts the demands of obedience under the law with the renewal of relationship under the gospel. The sermon also mentions John Wesley and Richard Allen in the context of the covenant prayer, emphasizing the renewal of relationship with God.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Transforming Hearts: Embracing the New Covenant (Discipleship etc — Josh Hunt) uses the analogy of a mountain range to describe the dual fulfillment of prophecy, with the first coming of Christ as a pre-summit and the second coming as the ultimate fulfillment. The sermon also references a case study from a counseling psychology class at Harvard University to illustrate the limitations of psychology in providing a forgiving heart.

Renewing Our Covenant: Embracing Grace and Transformation (Leonia United Methodist Church) uses the analogy of Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" to illustrate the concept of a fresh start and the renewal of covenant. The sermon compares the transformation of a failing restaurant to the renewal of covenant with God, emphasizing the need for change and a clean slate.

Embracing Peace and Transformation Through Christ's Covenant (Lake Forest Church Huntersville) uses the analogy of a scythe and a combine to illustrate the superiority of the new covenant. The combine, being more efficient and effective, represents the new covenant's ability to transform believers from the inside out, unlike the old covenant, which was external and legalistic.