May 03, 2026

Background:

• We all need a trip to the Potter's House because there is a need for work on, for, and through us
• God is the Potter, and we are the clay
• We are vessels of clay
• Jeremiah probably saw a potter at work many times before recording this chapter
• The primary command that God has for believers is to believe in Jesus Christ, love one another, and walking in obedience
• It takes active obedience to get things done (making disciples, sharing the Gospel)

Key Sermon Points:

1. God's command to Jeremiah

• God commanded Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nation and to call for repentance
• Jeremiah was instructed to speak God's Word and not to fear the people
• Jeremiah had to preach to a people that would not obey and without getting married and without having any kids
• Jeremiah got the word from the Lord
• We must make sure that when we get a word that it is from the Lord (and not from others)
• God called and ordained Jeremiah
• Jeremiah went to the lower apart of the valley
• God was deeply concerned about the nation
• We ought to be concerned about our nation
• We have to be aware of what's going on around us, but all of our hope is built in Jesus
• We ought to have a heart beat for God's Word, God's people, and to do God's will
• We must be obedient...even if we are not fruitful
• When we hear God's word we know it will work

2. The action of Jeremiah

• Jeremiah didn't sit still or wait until later, instead he went down to the Potter's House
• Jeremiah took action that shows his immediate obedience
• He observed a lesson that shows God's sovereignty
• God's sovereignty is revealed in all of scripture, even in the king's heart (Proverbs 21:1; Genesis 50:19-21)
• Whatever we are praying about, we must wait on God's sovereign hand
• God has a right to tear down or build up as He pleases

3. The message to Jeremiah

• The Potter does not throw away the clay
• God does not throw us away, but He reworks us...even though we are a mess
• It is God's grace that He doesn't throw us away or close His hand on us
• He desires to restore us (not to destroy us) to bring glory and honor to His name
• God shows up for us despite what we have done or where we have been
• God is the Potter that can build up or destroy based upon our obedience
• God disciplines believers because of His love so that we go the right way
• God tries to warn us before the discipline comes
• The example demonstrate God's power over the House of Israel
• God wanted to be their King, but instead gave the people of Israel the earthly king that they wanted
• God sometimes allow things to happen that He can use to get us in line
• God is at work doing His best work!
• We all need God to work on us to reshape us to His image to bring glory and honor to His name!