Jeremiah: Prophecy, Worship, and the New Covenant
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our summer series, "Pointing to Christ," by examining the life and ministry of the prophet Jeremiah. Throughout the summer, we have explored various Old Testament figures and events, seeing how they point to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. We began with Adam, whose failure and the promise of a future seed pointed to Jesus, the second Adam, who succeeded where Adam failed. We then looked at Noah, whose ark symbolized salvation through Jesus, the door to eternal life. Job's longing for a mediator between God and man was fulfilled in Jesus, our ultimate mediator. Melchizedek, the mysterious priest-king, prefigured Jesus, our eternal priest and king. Abraham's covenant promise pointed to the blessing of all nations through Jesus. Ruth and Boaz's redemption story foreshadowed Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer. David's lineage pointed to Jesus, the promised ruler. Elijah's prophetic role was echoed in John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. Isaiah's suffering servant prophecy foretold Jesus' sacrificial death.
Today, we focus on Jeremiah, a prophet during a tumultuous time in Judah's history. Jeremiah's ministry spanned 40 years and five kings, during which he warned Judah of impending judgment due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness. Despite witnessing the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel, Judah did not repent. Jeremiah's messages were often met with hostility, yet he remained faithful to God's call. His prophecies included not only warnings of judgment but also promises of future restoration and a new covenant.
Jeremiah's teachings emphasize the deceitfulness of the human heart, the importance of true worship, and the transformative power of what we worship. He warned against following one's heart and highlighted the futility of worshiping false gods. True worship of God is life-giving, while idolatry leads to emptiness. Jeremiah also pointed to a future hope, a new covenant where God's law would be written on hearts, not stone, and sins would be forgiven.
This new covenant was inaugurated by Jesus, who, on the night before His crucifixion, declared the new covenant in His blood. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection bring rescue, rest, and restoration. As we partake in communion, we remember His sacrifice, reflect on our own hearts, and repent, knowing that through Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we are renewed.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Deceitfulness of the Heart: Jeremiah teaches us that the human heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. We should not follow our hearts blindly, as they can lead us astray. Instead, we should seek God's guidance and wisdom, aligning our hearts with His will. This is a crucial reminder to rely on God's truth rather than our own understanding. [22:38]
2. True Worship and Obedience: True worship of God is life-giving, like a spring of living water. In contrast, worshiping false gods or idols is like using broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Our worship should be directed towards God, who alone can sustain and fulfill us. This calls us to examine what we revere and ensure our worship is rightly placed. [23:56]
3. Transformation Through Worship: We become what we behold. Worship shapes us into the image of what we revere. If we worship God, we are transformed into His likeness, reflecting His glory. This principle underscores the importance of focusing our worship on God, allowing His character to shape and mold us. [25:37]
4. The New Covenant: Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant where God's law would be written on our hearts, not on stone tablets. This covenant is internal and spiritual, entered into by faith rather than works. It promises forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God. This new covenant was fulfilled in Jesus, offering us a profound hope and assurance. [32:32]
5. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jeremiah pointed to a future righteous branch from David's line, a shepherd-king who would bring salvation and safety. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, becoming our Good Shepherd and King. His life, death, and resurrection secured our rescue, rest, and restoration, embodying the hope Jeremiah spoke of. [29:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:19] - Adam: The First and Second Adam
[04:22] - Noah: The Vessel of Salvation
[05:23] - Job: Longing for a Mediator
[06:16] - Melchizedek: Priest and King
[07:17] - Introduction to Jeremiah
[08:04] - The Complexity of Jeremiah's Book
[09:37] - Historical Context of Jeremiah's Ministry
[12:12] - Jeremiah's Calling and Commissioning
[13:50] - Judah's Unfaithfulness
[15:45] - Jeremiah's Prophetic Warnings
[17:16] - The Coming Judgment
[19:22] - The Inevitability of Exile
[21:31] - Lessons from Jeremiah: The Heart and Worship
[25:37] - Transformation Through Worship
[28:17] - Future Hope and Restoration
[29:28] - The Righteous Branch: Jesus
[31:39] - The New Covenant
[34:25] - Jesus and the New Covenant
[36:29] - Communion: Remembering the New Covenant
[39:37] - Reflect, Repent, and Renew
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 31:31-34 - "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
2. Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
3. Jeremiah 2:13 - "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jeremiah 31:31-34 say about the nature of the new covenant? How is it different from the old covenant? [31:39]
2. According to Jeremiah 17:9, what is the condition of the human heart? [22:38]
3. In Jeremiah 2:13, what are the two evils that the people have committed? [23:56]
4. How did the people of Judah respond to Jeremiah's warnings and prophecies? [26:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God's law to be written on our hearts rather than on stone tablets? How does this internal change affect our relationship with God? [32:32]
2. Why is the human heart described as deceitful and beyond cure? How should this understanding influence our decisions and actions? [22:38]
3. How does the metaphor of broken cisterns in Jeremiah 2:13 illustrate the futility of idolatry? What does this teach us about the consequences of turning away from God? [23:56]
4. Jeremiah faced significant opposition and hostility during his ministry. What can we learn from his faithfulness and perseverance in delivering God's message despite the challenges? [26:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the new covenant described in Jeremiah 31:31-34. How does knowing that God's law is written on your heart change the way you live your daily life? [32:32]
2. Considering Jeremiah 17:9, how can you guard against the deceitfulness of your own heart? What practical steps can you take to seek God's guidance and wisdom in your decisions? [22:38]
3. In what ways might you be relying on "broken cisterns" in your life? Identify one area where you need to turn back to God, the fountain of living waters, for true fulfillment. [23:56]
4. Jeremiah's faithfulness in the face of opposition is inspiring. Think of a time when you faced resistance for standing up for your faith. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Jeremiah's example to apply in future situations? [26:46]
5. The sermon emphasized that we become what we worship. What are you currently worshiping or prioritizing in your life? How is it shaping you, and what changes do you need to make to ensure your worship is directed towards God? [25:37]
6. Reflect on the concept of the new covenant and Jesus' sacrifice. How does this understanding of rescue, rest, and restoration impact your view of communion and your relationship with Jesus? [34:51]
7. Jeremiah's message included both warnings and promises of hope. How can you balance acknowledging the reality of sin and judgment with the hope and restoration offered through Jesus in your conversations with others? [27:41]
Devotional
Day 1: The Deceitfulness of the Heart
Jeremiah teaches us that the human heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. This means that our natural inclinations and desires can often lead us astray, away from God's truth and wisdom. Instead of following our hearts blindly, we are called to seek God's guidance and align our hearts with His will. This is a crucial reminder to rely on God's truth rather than our own understanding, as our hearts can be easily swayed by emotions, circumstances, and false beliefs. Jeremiah's message is a call to humility and dependence on God, recognizing that only He can truly guide us in the right path. [22:38]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made based on your feelings. How might seeking God's guidance have changed your approach or outcome?
Day 2: True Worship and Obedience
True worship of God is life-giving, like a spring of living water. In contrast, worshiping false gods or idols is like using broken cisterns that cannot hold water. This metaphor highlights the futility and emptiness of idolatry compared to the fulfillment and sustenance that come from worshiping the true God. Our worship should be directed towards God, who alone can sustain and fulfill us. This calls us to examine what we revere and ensure our worship is rightly placed. True worship involves obedience and a heart fully devoted to God, leading to a life that is spiritually nourished and vibrant. [23:56]
Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV): "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."
Reflection: Identify one thing in your life that you might be placing above God. How can you redirect your focus to worship Him fully?
Day 3: Transformation Through Worship
We become what we behold. Worship shapes us into the image of what we revere. If we worship God, we are transformed into His likeness, reflecting His glory. This principle underscores the importance of focusing our worship on God, allowing His character to shape and mold us. When we spend time in God's presence, we are changed from the inside out, becoming more like Him in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. This transformation is a powerful testimony to the world of God's work in our lives and His ability to change hearts. [25:37]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Consider how your daily habits and routines reflect what you worship. What changes can you make to ensure you are being transformed into God's likeness?
Day 4: The New Covenant
Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant where God's law would be written on our hearts, not on stone tablets. This covenant is internal and spiritual, entered into by faith rather than works. It promises forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God. This new covenant was fulfilled in Jesus, offering us a profound hope and assurance. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we are invited into a new relationship with God, marked by grace and transformation. This covenant is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire for an intimate relationship with each of us. [32:32]
Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of the new covenant in your life. How does knowing that God's law is written on your heart change the way you live and relate to Him?
Day 5: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jeremiah pointed to a future righteous branch from David's line, a shepherd-king who would bring salvation and safety. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, becoming our Good Shepherd and King. His life, death, and resurrection secured our rescue, rest, and restoration, embodying the hope Jeremiah spoke of. Jesus' fulfillment of these prophecies is a testament to God's faithfulness and His plan for redemption. As we reflect on Jesus' role as our shepherd and king, we are reminded of His care, guidance, and the ultimate sacrifice He made for our salvation. [29:28]
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (ESV): "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’"
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as your Good Shepherd and King influence your daily decisions and actions? What steps can you take to follow His guidance more closely?
Quotes
1. "Jesus, the second Adam, succeeded and broke the curse of sin. Bring me down a little bit, Dave. Next, we looked at Noah. Noah, who in obedience built a vessel of salvation. Noah's ark would save any who would enter through its door from the floodwaters of God's judgment. And Jesus is the vessel of our salvation. And Jesus himself says that he is the door." [03:19] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Worship is life-giving so long as you are actually worshiping what actually gives life. Then also about worship, worship will shape us into whatever it is that we worship. We become what we behold. We resemble what we revere. The New Testament says, as we gaze into the glory of God, we are being transformed glory after glory into that image." [24:54] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jeremiah taught about the heart. Now, contrary to what we hear today in songs and see in the cinema and from society, we should not follow our hearts. We should not follow our hearts. Jeremiah 23, 17, when he is speaking of these false prophets, he said, they continually say to those who despise the word of the Lord, Oh, it'll be fine with you. It shall be well with you. And to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, no disaster shall come upon you." [22:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus laid down his life in this way. Though equality with the Father was his to enjoy, he did not hold onto it. But he humbled himself and made himself lowly like one of his own creation. He humbled himself to become a man and humbled himself unto death, even death on a cross, to bear our burdens and to pay our penalty. His body and blood became a sacrifice of atonement for sins. Though he was righteous, he died a sinner's death so that though we are sinners we could be considered righteous." [30:29] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is the Savior. And by his life and his death he secured rescue for all who would trust in him. Jesus is the good shepherd who watches and cares and protects his sheep and makes them lie down in green pastures and gives them rest. And Jesus is the one who makes all things new. There is no life that cannot be restored. There is no wrong that he cannot redeem. There is no hurt he cannot heal. There is no sin he cannot forgive. Jesus brings restoration." [36:02] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jeremiah also teaches about worship and obedience. Back to Jeremiah 2, he says this in chapter 2, verses 12 and 13, he's recording the words of the Lord. God says, Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror, declares the Lord. God is commanding the clouds and the sun and the moon and the stars to tremble in horror. Why? Verse 13, Because my people have committed two sins. They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and they've dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." [23:20] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch. A king who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days, Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called the Lord our righteousness. Now this language, the language of this prophecy is full of illusions pointing to Christ." [28:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The heart is deceitful above all things. It is beyond cure. Who can understand it? Your heart is deceitful. Do not trust it. Jeremiah also teaches about worship and obedience. Back to Jeremiah 2, he says this in chapter 2, verses 12 and 13, he's recording the words of the Lord. God says, Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror, declares the Lord." [22:38] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Worship will shape us into whatever it is that we worship. We become what we behold. We resemble what we revere. The New Testament says, as we gaze into the glory of God, we are being transformed glory after glory into that image. And Jeremiah in this same chapter, chapter two, verse five says, this is what the Lord says. What fault did the ancestors find in me, says the Lord, that they strayed far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves." [24:54] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus took the bread and he said, this is my body which is given for you. And then he took the cup and he said, this is the new covenant in my blood. That phrase, new covenant, would have sparked something in those who heard it. Jesus was ushering in the very rescue, rest, and restoration that they had been reading about and hoping for for generations. The new covenant was upon them." [34:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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