8.3.25 – Tearing Down the Talisman
INTRO: This week’s sermon from Jeremiah 7 confronted the danger of symbolism without substance—clinging to religious forms while ignoring the God they point to. The people of Judah trusted in the temple as a talisman, but their hearts were far from God. The message was clear: God desires repentance, obedience, and faith—not empty rituals. We were reminded that this same warning applies to us today. Jesus is the fulfillment of the New Covenant, and He alone saves—not our traditions, habits, or reputations.
MAIN POINT: We must tear down our false securities and cling to Jesus alone.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Begin by reading Jeremiah 7:1–25 aloud. Take a couple of minutes to share any words, images, or truths that stood out. Additional references from the sermon include Jeremiah 31:31–34, John 5:1–40, 2 Kings 18:4, and Luke 22:20.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: What does Jeremiah 7 teach us about trusting in religious symbols instead of God Himself?
Reminder: The people chanted, “The temple of the Lord,” thinking the building itself made them safe—but God wanted their hearts.
Q2: How do you recognize when good things (like traditions, habits, or church involvement) become substitutes for truly trusting Jesus?
Reminder: Even good gifts can become idols when our hearts go off track.
Q3: What needs to be torn down in your life, and what does God want to plant instead?
Reminder: God’s promise of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31) is to write His law on our hearts—He wants inward transformation, not outward performance.
Q4: Since what we’ve discussed is true and relevant, how can you apply it this week?
Example: If you’ve been relying on routines or traditions for spiritual security, what would it look like to turn back to Jesus in heartfelt trust instead?