Jeremiah 7:3-4

Jeremiah 7:3-4 (ESV): “3 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’”

Man has long trusted in religious practices and holy places to make up for unrighteous living. But true transformation occurs only when we put our trust in the person and work of Jesus!

Jeremiah was called by God to confront the faulty mindset of the people in his day—those who trusted in the religious rituals of the Temple to save them. Standing at the Temple gate, he proclaimed, “Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.” It was a call for true repentance.

They had grown comfortable in their sin and were relying on offerings and sacrifices to make atonement. The Temple itself had become their hope. That’s why Jeremiah warned, “Do not trust in these deceptive words.” Religion kills—but Jesus saves!

How many in our culture today are living just like those in ancient Judah? They are trusting in their religious practices and putting their hope in church attendance rather than in the finished work of Jesus. That is to have a form of godliness but deny its power.

God is calling us to true transformation, which requires repentance and obedience. He isn’t interested in external religious practices—because they cannot save us. Jesus must be the object of our faith! Only He can save. Amen?

Father, we thank You for speaking plainly to us through Your Word. We know our works cannot save us. May our hearts be transformed as we trust in the righteousness of Your Son. Forgive us, cleanse us, and change us, we pray—in Jesus’ name, amen.