In this passage, Jeremiah is delivering a message from God to the people of Judah and
Jerusalem. The metaphorical language used in these verses emphasizes the need for
spiritual renewal and repentance.
Do you think the people need this spiritual renewal and repentance – some would do but
many were not, but the Lord showed this need to the heart of Prophet Jeremiah. Likewise,
the Lord has revealed to the hearts of AECS faculty and staff. How much we would repent
would differ to person to person – some would repent and get benefit; many would not get
benefit – but might lost spiritual blessing and to the point of physically too.
The image of breaking up unplowed ground and not sowing among thorns symbolizes the
call to prepare one's heart for God's message, removing obstacles and distractions. The
reference to circumcision is a metaphor for a deep, internal purification of the heart and a
commitment to the Lord.
The warning of God's wrath burning like fire if they do not repent underscores the
seriousness of the situation and the consequences of disobedience. Throughout the Book of
Jeremiah, the prophet often speaks of impending judgment and the need for the people to
turn back to God to avert disaster. The historical context includes the moral and spiritual
decline of Judah, the threat of invasion by foreign powers, and the eventual exile of the
people.
**I. Introduction:**
A. **Opening Scripture: Jeremiah 4:3**
- "For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, 'Break up your fallow
ground, and sow not among thorns.'" (Jeremiah 4:3, ESV)
B. **Welcome and Greeting**
C. **Brief Overview of the Sermon Theme**
- Introduce the theme of spiritual renewal and the metaphor of circumcising and
renewing disobedient hearts.
**II. Understanding the Metaphor: Circumcising the Heart**
A. **Exploring the metaphor of circumcision in the Old Testament**
- Genesis 17:10-11 - God's covenant with Abraham
B. **Relating physical circumcision to the call for inner transformation**
- Deuteronomy 10:16 - Circumcise your hearts
C. **Highlighting the significance of the heart in spiritual renewal**
- Ezekiel 36:26 - A new heart and a new spirit
**III. The Call to Repentance: Breaking Up Unplowed Ground**
A. **Reading: Jeremiah 4:3 (NIV)**
B. **Defining "unplowed ground" as obstacles hindering spiritual growth**
- Hosea 10:12 - Break up your fallow ground
C. **Emphasizing the importance of repentance and preparing the heart**
- Acts 3:19 - Repent, therefore, and turn back
**IV. The Process of Renewal:**
A. **Recognizing Disobedience in Our Lives**
1. Reflecting on areas of disobedience
- Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart
2. Acknowledging the need for change
- Romans 12:2 - Be transformed by the renewal of your mind
B. **Seeking God's Forgiveness**
1. Understanding God's grace and mercy
- Ephesians 1:7 - In him, we have redemption through his blood
2. The role of confession and seeking forgiveness
- 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
C. **Allowing God to Circumcise the Heart**
1. Surrendering to God's transformative work
- Philippians 2:13 - For it is God who works in you
2. The role of the Holy Spirit in renewing hearts
- Titus 3:5 - He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
**V. Practical Steps for Spiritual Renewal:**
A. **Cultivating a Prayerful Life**
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Pray without ceasing
B. **Engaging with Scripture**
- Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart
C. **Practicing Obedience in Daily Living**
- James 1:22 - Be doers of the word, and not hearers only
**VI. Overcoming Obstacles: Thorns in Our Lives**
A. **Identifying and addressing "thorns" in our spiritual journey**
- Matthew 13:22 - The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches
B. **Strategies for overcoming challenges and temptations**
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 - God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you
can bear
C. **Encouraging a supportive community for growth**
- Hebrews 10:24-25 - Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works
**VII. Conclusion:**
A. **Recap of Key Points**
B. **Closing Prayer for Spiritual Renewal**
C. **Invitation for Personal Reflection and Commitment**
- Provide a moment for the congregation to reflect on the message and make personal
commitments to spiritual renewal.
