Introduction
This week, we delved into the book of Jeremiah, exploring the profound lessons it offers about trust, faith, and the consequences of where we place our confidence. This summary will help you grasp the key points of the sermon and reflect on how you can apply these lessons to your life.
Community Outreach and Gratitude
Our church has been actively engaging with the community, from distributing iced coffee at the College of the Florida Keys to participating in multiple trunk or treat events. These efforts are made possible by the generosity and support of our congregation. Thank you for being a part of this mission to bless our community.
Praying for Our Neighbors
We took a moment to pray for our neighbors and community, asking for God’s blessings and revival in the Florida Keys. This collective prayer is a powerful way to invite God’s presence and love into our surroundings.
Key Themes: Glory Departing, Exile, and the Prophet
In our ongoing series, “Kingdom Coming,” we focus on three key themes: the glory departing, the exile, and the prophet. This week, we examined the prophet Jeremiah and his message about trust and idolatry.
Jeremiah’s Message: Two Trees
What Does Jeremiah Say About Trust?
Jeremiah contrasts two types of people using the analogy of two trees. One tree represents those who trust in human strength and turn away from God, while the other symbolizes those who trust in the Lord.
The Cursed Tree
Jeremiah describes the cursed tree as a bush in the wastelands, unable to see prosperity and dwelling in parched places. This tree represents a life not rooted in God, relying on human strength and ultimately leading to desolation.
The Blessed Tree
In contrast, the blessed tree is planted by the water, with roots that reach the stream. This tree does not fear heat or drought and continually bears fruit. It symbolizes a life rooted in God, drawing strength and sustenance from Him.
The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart
Jeremiah warns that the human heart is deceitful and beyond cure. This deceit leads us to place our trust in things that cannot sustain us, resulting in a life of barrenness. The key to overcoming this deceit is to root our lives in God.
The Root Impacts the Fruit
The health of a tree is determined by where its roots are planted. Similarly, our spiritual health depends on where we place our trust. External circumstances do not determine our well-being; our roots in God do.
Sin and Trust
Sin is not just about breaking rules; it’s about where we place our trust. The root of sin is trusting in anything other than God. This misplaced trust leads to a life of desolation, much like the cursed tree in Jeremiah’s analogy.
Life Application
Replanting Our Roots
To overcome the deceitfulness of our hearts, we need to replant our roots in God. This involves turning our hearts back to Him, seeking His grace, and making Him our source of security and trust.
Identifying Our Roots
Reflect on what you worry about the most. These worries reveal where your roots are currently planted. Are they in relationships, achievements, or other worldly things? Identify these roots and reorient your trust towards God.
Bringing Fears and Delights to God
Bring your fears and anxieties to God, asking Him to help you focus on Him. Also, bring your delights to Him, giving Him all the glory. This practice helps to replant your roots in God and strengthens your relationship with Him.
Seeking God as Our Source
God should not be seen as a means to an end but as our ultimate source of life and security. Trust in Him completely, regardless of external circumstances, and you will experience the peace and fruitfulness that comes from being rooted in Him.
Conclusion
This week, challenge yourself to identify where your roots are planted and make a conscious effort to replant them in God. Reflect on these questions:
- What do I worry about the most?
- Where am I placing my trust?
- How can I bring my fears and delights to God this week?
By focusing on these questions and reorienting your trust towards God, you can experience the peace and fruitfulness that comes from being rooted in Him.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you as you seek to root your life in His grace and love.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
