Knowing And Returning To God Jeremiah 24:7 Series

Transformed by Truth: Knowing and Returning to God Jeremiah 24:7

Today, we are diving into a powerful verse from the book of Jeremiah that speaks to the heart of our relationship with God. The title of our sermon is "Transformed by Truth: Knowing and Returning to God," based on Jeremiah 24:7. This passage reveals God's desire for His people to know Him intimately and return to Him wholeheartedly.

Jeremiah 24:7 (NLT): "I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly."

Let us explore three transformative truths found in this verse that call us to a deeper relationship with God.

Point 1: Recognising God as Lord

Jeremiah 24:7a (NLT): "I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord."

The Hebrew word used here for "recognize" is "yada," which means to know, acknowledge, or perceive. This is not a superficial knowledge but a deep, intimate understanding of who God is. God promises to give His people hearts that truly know Him, recognising Him as the sovereign Lord over all.

Hosea 6:6 (NLT): "I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings."

God desires a relationship with us, not just religious rituals. He wants us to know Him personally and intimately. Imagine a marriage where one spouse knows everything about the other, not just facts but their deepest thoughts and desires. This is the kind of knowledge God desires for us to have of Him.

As Charles Stanley aptly said, "The greatest need of the human heart is to know God."

Point 2: Becoming God's People

Jeremiah 24:7b (NLT): "They will be my people, and I will be their God."

This phrase signifies a covenant relationship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a covenant was a binding agreement that established a relationship based on mutual commitments. God's declaration "They will be my people" echoes the covenant language found throughout the Bible.

2 Corinthians 6:16 (NLT): "And God said, 'I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.'"

God's promise to be our God and for us to be His people is a profound expression of His love and commitment. It means we belong to Him, and He takes responsibility for us. This relationship transforms our identity and purpose.

Think of adoption. When a child is adopted, they receive a new identity and become part of a new family. Similarly, when we become God's people, we receive a new identity in Christ and become part of God's family.

Henry Blackaby stated, "To be loved by God is the highest relationship, the highest achievement, and the highest position in life."

Point 3: Returning to God Wholeheartedly

Jeremiah 24:7c (NLT): "For they will return to me wholeheartedly."

The Hebrew word for "wholeheartedly" is "kol," meaning with all, completely, or entirely. This return is not partial but involves our entire being. God calls us to return to Him with our whole heart, holding nothing back.

Joel 2:12 (NLT): "That is why the Lord says, 'Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.'"

Returning to God wholeheartedly means repentance and surrender. It involves turning away from sin and turning towards God with a sincere and undivided heart.

Imagine a prodigal son returning home after squandering his inheritance. He comes back, not partially but completely, seeking his father's forgiveness and love. Similarly, God invites us to return to Him fully, and He welcomes us with open arms.

In the words of Billy Graham, "Repentance is the key that unlocks the door to our relationship with God."

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Jeremiah 24:7 calls us to recognise God as Lord, become His people, and return to Him wholeheartedly. These transformative truths lead us into a deeper relationship with our Creator, where we find true identity, purpose, and fulfilment.

Application:

This week, take time to reflect on your relationship with God. Do you recognise Him as Lord in every area of your life? Are you living as His beloved child? Are there areas where you need to return to Him wholeheartedly? Seek His guidance and make any necessary adjustments to align with His will.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us. Help us to recognise You as our Lord, to live as Your people, and to return to You wholeheartedly. May we seek You above all else and find true fulfilment in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Let us go forth with renewed dedication to knowing God, living as His people, and returning to Him with all our hearts. May God bless you abundantly.