God promises to put words in Jeremiah’s mouth. That’s both empowering and terrifying—like getting autocorrect from heaven, except you can’t blame the typos on your phone anymore.
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Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome
Good morning, church family! I’m so glad you’re here today. Whether this is your very first time with us or you’ve been part of our community for years, you belong here. God has something special for you in this service, and I believe His Word will speak directly into your life.
Announcements
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Community Outreach: Next Saturday, we’ll gather at the downtown mission center to serve meals and share God’s love with those in need.
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Youth Night: Friday at 7 PM in the fellowship hall—games, worship, and encouragement for our teens.
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Women’s Bible Study: Meets Wednesday evening, continuing our journey through the Book of Psalms.
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Prayer Requests: Don’t forget to drop your prayer needs in the prayer box at the back of the sanctuary or submit them online.
Let’s continue to lean into God’s purpose for us as a family of faith.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Scripture Reading
Today’s call to worship comes from Jeremiah 1:4-10, reminding us that God knows us, calls us, and equips us for His purpose.
Responsive Reading
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Leader: “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…’”
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People: “Before we were born, God set us apart.”
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Leader: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.”
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People: “We trust in You, Lord, for Your words are true.”
Let’s lift our hearts and voices to worship the One who calls us by name.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day and for bringing us together as Your church. Lord, we come with open hearts, eager to hear from You. As we worship, pray, and learn, may Your Spirit guide us. Teach us to trust Your call on our lives, just as You called Jeremiah. Take away our fears and fill us with courage to serve You faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Introduction
Now let’s join together in praise and worship! Whether through a joyful hymn or a contemporary worship song, our goal is the same—to lift up the name of Jesus. The worship team will lead us, but remember, this is not a performance. It’s an opportunity for us all to focus on God, to thank Him, and to express our love for Him with one voice.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction
Today, our Scripture passage comes from the book of Jeremiah 1:4-10, where God calls a young Jeremiah to be His prophet. Jeremiah feels unqualified, but God reassures him with the promise of His presence and His words.
The Events
Jeremiah learns that God’s plan for his life was established before he was born. Though he feels too young and inadequate, God reminds him that His calling is greater than any excuse. God puts His words in Jeremiah’s mouth and sends him out with divine authority.
Scripture Reading (NIV – Jeremiah 1:4-10)
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.
8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.
10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Prayer
Father, we thank You for reminding us today that You have known us from the very beginning. Just as You called Jeremiah, You call each of us to live with purpose. Lord, we lift up those who feel inadequate, fearful, or unworthy—may they find confidence in Your promises. We pray for our community, our families, and our world. Use us, Lord, as Your hands and feet to bring hope and healing.
Congregational Response (from Jeremiah 1:8)
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Leader: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you.”
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People: “We will trust You, Lord, for You are with us.”
Section 7. Offering
Message
Giving is an act of worship. When we bring our tithes and offerings, we’re not just supporting the church—we’re showing God that He comes first in our lives. Your giving helps us spread the gospel, serve our community, and support those in need.
Prayer of Thanks
Lord, thank You for the blessings You pour into our lives. As we give back a portion of what You’ve entrusted to us, may it honor You and advance Your kingdom. Bless these tithes and offerings, and bless each giver with joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Introduction
At this time, we’ll be blessed with a special song that points our hearts back to God’s faithfulness. May this music prepare us to receive today’s message and inspire us to trust in God’s call on our lives.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Dive deeper into Jeremiah’s story and discover how God’s call can shape your everyday life. This full teaching unpacks how to overcome fear, embrace your calling, and walk confidently with God.
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Section 9: Free Bible Study: Jeremiah 1:4-10
“Jeremiah Tried to Tell God ‘I’m Too Young’… And God Said, ‘No Excuses—You’re Called.’”
We’ve all been there. That moment when God nudges our hearts and we instantly come up with a dozen excuses: “I’m too busy… I’m not ready… Someone else would do it better.”
Jeremiah felt the same way. In fact, when God called him to be a prophet, his very first response was, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
But here’s the beauty of this story—God didn’t back down. Instead, He reached out, touched Jeremiah’s mouth, and said, “I have put my words in your mouth.”
Imagine that. The Creator of the universe saying: “I’ve got you. I’ll give you the words. I’ll give you the strength. You don’t have to figure this out alone.”
That’s the power of this passage. It’s not about being old enough, smart enough, or strong enough. It’s about God being enough. When we step forward in faith, even trembling, His presence turns our weakness into strength.
This is the heartbeat of our ministry—to help people just like you find courage, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose in God’s calling.
Here’s the simple truth: I’ve poured love, prayer, and clarity into this Bible Study, so you don’t just read about Jeremiah—you experience his calling in your own life.
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Blessing Prayer
May Jesus surround you and your family with His grace, peace, and strength in this season of your life. May His love guide your steps and His presence bring you joy each day.
Section 10. Sermon Outline
Sermon Title:
“Called, Equipped, and Sent: Trusting God’s Purpose for Your Life”
Outline Section 1 – God’s Call Is Personal (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
God tells Jeremiah that before he was even born, he was known, set apart, and appointed. This reminds us that God’s call is not random—it is deeply personal and intentional.
Outline Section 2 – Our Excuses vs. God’s Power (Jeremiah 1:6-7)
Jeremiah immediately protests, claiming he is too young and unqualified. God corrects him, reminding Jeremiah that it’s not about his ability but God’s power working through him.
Outline Section 3 – God’s Presence Removes Fear (Jeremiah 1:8)
God tells Jeremiah not to be afraid, for He will be with him and rescue him. Fear often paralyzes us, but God’s presence gives us courage to move forward in faith.
Outline Section 4 – God Equips Us for the Mission (Jeremiah 1:9-10)
God touches Jeremiah’s mouth and gives him His words, appointing him to a mission greater than himself. God never calls us without also equipping us with everything we need to accomplish His purposes.
Section 11. The Sermon
1. God’s Call Is Personal (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
Explanation
God speaks to Jeremiah, reminding him that before he was even formed in the womb, God knew him. This shows us that every believer has a unique and intentional calling.
My Thoughts
I love how personal God is here. He doesn’t just call “people” in general; He calls Jeremiah by name. That same truth applies to us. You are not an accident. God’s purpose for you began before you even took your first breath.
Personal Commentary
We often struggle with feelings of insignificance, but this passage reminds us that God’s plan for us is older than our doubts. Your calling isn’t something you stumbled into—it’s something God designed from eternity.
Christian Discipleship Commentary
Discipleship begins with identity. Before we “do” anything for God, we must first understand who we are in Him. Knowing you are chosen and set apart gives you the confidence to walk in obedience.
Spiritual Growth Reflection
Spiritual growth starts when we embrace God’s purpose. You can’t grow if you’re living in someone else’s plan. Growth happens when you accept the truth: God knew you, formed you, and called you by name.
Ask Yourself This Question:
Do I believe that God’s call on my life is personal, intentional, and bigger than my doubts?
2. Our Excuses vs. God’s Power (Jeremiah 1:6-7)
Explanation
Jeremiah responds with excuses: “I’m too young. I don’t know how to speak.” God responds with authority: “Do not say that. You must go where I send you.”
My Thoughts
This is so relatable. Don’t we all come up with excuses when God nudges us? I’m too busy. I don’t know enough Bible. I’m not good with people. And yet, God doesn’t accept excuses—He gives empowerment.
Personal Commentary
Excuses may sound reasonable to us, but to God they are irrelevant. He sees not who we are in our weakness, but who we can become in His strength.
Christian Discipleship Commentary
Discipleship is often about letting go of excuses. True followers of Jesus don’t wait until they feel “ready.” They step out in faith, trusting God to supply what they lack.
Spiritual Growth Reflection
We grow when we move past excuses. Growth requires obedience—saying yes to God even when our fear says no.
Ask Yourself This Question:
What excuse have I been giving God, and how is it keeping me from living fully in His calling?
3. God’s Presence Removes Fear (Jeremiah 1:8)
Explanation
God tells Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” The presence of God is the antidote to fear.
My Thoughts
Fear is the number one reason people don’t step into God’s call. But God’s promise is not that life will be easy—it’s that He will be with us in every step.
Personal Commentary
When God is with us, courage replaces fear. The difference isn’t our strength; it’s His presence. We can walk into unknown places with confidence because we know we are not walking alone.
Christian Discipleship Commentary
Following Jesus often leads us into uncomfortable, even scary, places. But discipleship means trusting His presence more than our fear.
Spiritual Growth Reflection
Fear keeps us stagnant, but faith moves us forward. Each time we push past fear with faith, our spiritual muscles grow stronger.
Ask Yourself This Question:
Am I letting fear stop me from saying yes to God’s call, or am I trusting His presence to carry me through?
4. God Equips Us for the Mission (Jeremiah 1:9-10)
Explanation
God touches Jeremiah’s mouth and places His words in him. He commissions Jeremiah for a mission greater than he could imagine.
My Thoughts
God doesn’t just say, “Go.” He says, “I’ll give you what you need.” What a comfort that is! He equips the called—He doesn’t call the equipped.
Personal Commentary
So often we think we need to have all the answers or resources before we step out. But God gives us what we need as we obey Him.
Christian Discipleship Commentary
Discipleship is not about self-reliance; it’s about God-reliance. When He calls, He equips. When He equips, He sends. And when He sends, He stays with us.
Spiritual Growth Reflection
Growth happens when we step into challenges beyond ourselves. It’s in the stretching that we experience God’s equipping power.
Ask Yourself This Question:
Where in my life do I need to trust that God has already equipped me for the mission He’s called me to?
Section 12. Final Thoughts
Closing Reflection
Jeremiah 1:4-10 reminds us that God’s calling is both personal and purposeful. He knew Jeremiah before he was born, just as He knows us. He equips us despite our excuses, He stands with us in our fears, and He empowers us with His presence and His words.
As we move forward in our Christian lives, let’s remember these truths:
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We are chosen — God’s call is intentional.
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We are capable through Him — excuses fade when God’s power takes over.
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We are never alone — His presence drives away fear.
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We are equipped — God never sends us without preparing us.
If we live out these truths daily, we will grow as disciples of Christ, walking confidently in His purpose for our lives.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us today that You know us, You love us, and You call us. We confess that sometimes we’ve been afraid, we’ve made excuses, and we’ve doubted ourselves. But today, we choose to trust You. Give us courage where there is fear, strength where there is weakness, and clarity where there is confusion. Equip us for the mission You’ve placed before us, and let our lives shine with Your presence. May we walk out of this place with confidence, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
Section 13. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
Introduction
As we prepare to close today’s service, let’s stand together as one family of faith. Our final song is not just music—it is our prayer, our declaration, and our response to God’s Word. Lift your voices, lift your hearts, and let us worship Him with joy before we are dismissed.
Section 14. Benediction
Blessing
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
— Numbers 6:24-26
Go in peace, walk in His calling, and live in His strength.
