Untitled Sermon (7)

A Promise Renewed: Embracing the New Covenant

Bible Passage: Jeremiah 31

Summary: Jeremiah 31 presents the prophecy of a new covenant that God will establish with His people, characterized by an inner transformation and personal relationship with Him, contrasting with the old covenant which was based on external adherence to the law.

Application: This passage offers hope to Christians and others who may feel distant from God or burdened by the weight of the law. It reassures them that through the new covenant established by Christ, they can experience forgiveness, intimacy with God, and a restorative relationship that transforms their hearts and lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the new covenant, established through Jesus Christ, fulfills the promises of God and offers a new way of relating to Him—a relationship grounded in grace rather than works, foundational for understanding our faith today.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scriptures, this theme points to Jesus as the mediator of the new covenant (as referenced in Hebrews), who fulfills the promise of God to write His law on our hearts, thus enabling a new way of life and communion with Him.

Big Idea:

Jesus Christ came to send a sword through every peace that is not based on a personal relationship to Himself.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

So the new covenant, in essence, has to do with a relationship with God established by the forgiveness of sins, lived out by the internalization of God’s laws, and conceptually set against the backdrop of God’s working through the people of Israel.

George Guthrie

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the theological implications of the new covenant as discussed in Hebrews 8 and how it contrasts with the old covenant. You may also want to explore the Hebrew terms around 'new' and 'covenant' for a deeper understanding of their significance in Jeremiah 31. Using Logos, look for commentaries that discuss the socio-historical context of Jeremiah's audience and their understanding of covenant relationships.

1. Promise of Transformation

Jeremiah 31:31-34

You could highlight how Jeremiah 31:31-34 introduces the promise of a new covenant distinct from the old. Emphasize that this new agreement will be characterized by an intimate, personal relationship with God. The inner transformation replaces the external adherence to law, signifying a shift towards grace. This passage reassures us in our struggles, as Christ mediates this covenant, writing His laws on our hearts and ensuring forgiveness. This foundational promise can encourage those seeking deeper connection with God while navigating the challenges of faith.

2. Persistent Divine Commitment

Jeremiah 31:35-37

Perhaps focus on Jeremiah 31:35-37, which underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people. As the cosmic order guarantees the stability of the world, God's promises reflect His steadfast nature. This helps believers understand that our relationship with Him is secure not based on our merit, but on His faithful character. Through Christ, the new covenant guarantees peace and assurance beyond mere human effort, encouraging us to lean on this divine faithfulness during times when our hope wanes.

3. Prosperous Restoration

Jeremiah 31:38-40

Maybe explore how Jeremiah 31:38-40 illustrates the restoration and renewal promised under the new covenant. This restoration is fully realized in Christ, who brings eternal peace and renewal, transforming desolation into beauty. As Christians, this promise of renewal can inspire us to trust in God's restorative power, motivating personal growth and community healing. By focusing on the transformative power of Christ in restoring what was broken, we can find hope in His ability to renew our lives and circumstances.