A New Heart and a New Birth

 

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31–34; John 3:1–21; Hebrews 8:10

Introduction: The human heart, apart from God, is broken and stained by sin. But our merciful God has always planned to renew us from the inside out. Through His promise in Jeremiah, the teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus, and the fulfillment in Christ, we see God’s commitment to transforming us with a new heart and a new birth.

I. The Promise of a New Heart (Jeremiah 31:31–34) Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant where God will write His law upon our hearts. The old covenant, based on external adherence to the Law, was not sufficient to change human nature. But God promises a radical transformation—He will be our God, and we will be His people. This is not just about following rules but having an internal transformation where obedience flows from a heart aligned with Him.

II. The Necessity of a New Birth (John 3:1–21) Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus at night seeking understanding. Jesus tells him, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This puzzled Nicodemus, but Jesus explained that the new birth is spiritual, not physical. Just as Jeremiah prophesied a new heart, Jesus speaks of being born of water and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings regeneration, making us new creations in Christ.

III. The Fulfillment of the Promise (Hebrews 8:10) The writer of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah, confirming that Jesus has established this new covenant. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s law is not merely written on tablets of stone but inscribed on our hearts. We no longer strive for righteousness through our works; instead, God transforms us by His grace, making us His children.

Conclusion: God’s promise to give us a new heart is fulfilled through Christ’s work on the cross and the Spirit’s transforming power. The call to Nicodemus is the call to us all: we must be born again. This is not a self-improvement project but a divine work of grace. Have you received the new heart that God offers? Are you living in the joy of the new covenant? Let us surrender to God’s work in us, embracing the transformation He promises.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy 

The Law: Holy, Just, and Good

 

Scripture: Romans 6:1–3; Romans 7:7–12 (emphasis on verse 12)

Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today we turn our hearts to the words of Paul in the book of Romans, where he speaks about the law in relation to Christ’s work on the cross. Some might wonder: If we are saved by grace, does the law still matter? Others might ask: Is the law something to be feared or cast aside now that Christ has come?

Paul answers these questions with great clarity, reminding us that the law itself is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12).

 Grace Does Not Abolish the Law (Romans 6:1–3)

Paul begins by asking, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" (Romans 6:1). His response is immediate and firm: "God forbid!" Just because Christ has freed us from sin does not mean we should live lawlessly. Instead, we are called to walk in newness of life.

The law was never the problem—sin was the problem. The law revealed sin, but it did not cause it. Rather, it showed us the standard of God's holiness and our need for a Savior.

 The Purpose of the Law (Romans 7:7–12)

Paul explains that the law acts like a mirror—it reveals sin but cannot remove it. Without the law, we would not have known the depth of our sinfulness. He uses the example of coveting: “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7).

But does this mean the law is bad? Absolutely not! It is through the law that we see our need for Christ. The problem is not the law—it is sin that corrupts. The law points us to Christ, who alone can redeem us.

 The Law is Holy, Just, and Good (Romans 7:12)

Here is the heart of today’s message: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” The law reflects God's character—it is holy, because it comes from a holy God. It is just, because it teaches us righteousness. It is good, because it leads us to Christ.

Even though Christ fulfilled the law, He did not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). Rather, He gave us the grace to live according to God's righteousness—not by our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Walking in Grace and Truth

As believers, we no longer live under the condemnation of the law, but we do live in the righteousness it upholds. The law shows us our need for grace, and grace empowers us to fulfill the righteousness of the law through Christ.

Let us, therefore, walk in obedience—not out of fear, but out of love. For the law is holy, just, and good, and through Christ, we are given the power to live in its light. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy 

Love for God, Love for Others: Exodus 20:1–17

 

The Two Great Loves

Exodus 20:1–17

When Jesus was asked to summarize the greatest commandment, He responded with two principles: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39). These two principles are the foundation of the Ten Commandments given in Exodus 20. The first four commandments teach us how to love God, and the last six show us how to love others.

 Loving God (Exodus 20:1–11)

The first four commandments reveal how we are to love and honor God:

• No other gods (v. 3): God alone deserves our worship and devotion. Loving Him means placing Him first in our lives.

• No idols (v. 4–6): True love for God is not just in words but in worshiping Him in spirit and truth, not through man-made images.

• Do not misuse God’s name (v. 7): Loving God means revering His name, speaking of Him with honor, and living in a way that reflects His holiness.

• Keep the Sabbath holy (v. 8–11): Setting aside time for worship and rest shows our love for God by trusting in His provision and prioritizing our relationship with Him.

 Loving Others (Exodus 20:12–17)

The remaining six commandments guide us in loving our neighbors:

• Honor your father and mother (v. 12): Love begins at home. When we honor our parents, we build strong families and a stable society.

• Do not murder (v. 13): Every life is precious to God. Love for others means valuing life and rejecting hatred or violence.

• Do not commit adultery (v. 14): Faithfulness in marriage is an expression of love and respect for our spouse.

• Do not steal (v. 15): Love for others means respecting their property and working honestly.

• Do not bear false witness (v. 16): Truth builds trust. Loving our neighbors means speaking truthfully and avoiding slander.

• Do not covet (v. 17): Contentment is key to loving others. Instead of envy, love rejoices in the blessings of others.

 Living Out the Two Great Loves

The Ten Commandments are not just rules; they are a reflection of God's heart for us. Jesus fulfilled the law, and through Him, we are empowered to love God and love others. When we obey these commands out of love, we reflect the character of Christ and show the world what it means to walk in His ways.

Lord, help us to love You with all our hearts and to love others as You have loved us. May we live in obedience to Your Word, reflecting Your goodness and grace. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy