Knowing What Matters in Life (Sermon Outline From Jeremiah 9:23–24) means recognizing that human wisdom, strength, and riches cannot give lasting purpose. True life centers on knowing the Lord personally and valuing what He delights in. Believers honor God by pursuing His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness in daily living.
Key Takeaways – Knowing What Matters in Life
- We need to recognize the limits of human wisdom. Jeremiah 9:23 teaches that wisdom, strength, and riches cannot secure true life. Believers must stop boasting in human ability and turn their confidence toward the Lord, who alone gives lasting guidance and hope.
- We need to pursue a personal knowledge of God. God calls us to glory in understanding and knowing Him (Jeremiah 9:24). True wisdom begins with a relationship with the Lord through His Word, prayer, and faith in Jesus Christ.
- We need to live out the virtues that please God. The Lord delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness (Jeremiah 9:24). When believers practice these virtues daily, they reflect God’s character and show others what truly matters in life.
Sermon Outline From Jeremiah 9:23-24
Life moves fast, and many voices tell us what matters most. Some point to success, influence, or wealth. Others praise knowledge, strength, and achievement. Yet believers know these things cannot satisfy the soul. God designed our hearts for something greater. Jeremiah reminds us that true glory does not rest in human ability, but in knowing the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23–24 shows us what truly matters in life. God warns against boasting in wisdom, strength, and riches. Instead, He calls us to understand Him and know His heart. In this message we will see three truths. We must know man’s limits, know God’s heart, and know God’s virtues. These truths guide us toward a life that honors the Lord.
1. We Must Know Man’s Limits (Jeremiah 9:23)
God warns that human wisdom, strength, and riches cannot satisfy the soul or secure eternal life, so believers must recognize the limits of human ability and refuse to boast in themselves.
A. We Resist Human Wisdom (Jeremiah 9:23)
The Lord declares that the wise man must not boast in wisdom, the mighty man in strength, or the rich man in riches (Jeremiah 9:23). Human knowledge impresses the world, yet it cannot save the soul. Education, skill, and influence have limits. God reminds us that human wisdom cannot replace the truth and direction that come from Him.
Many people trust intellect, success, or experience to guide life. Yet Scripture warns that worldly wisdom often misses God’s truth (1 Corinthians 1:20). A brilliant mind can still wander from God. When we resist boasting in ourselves, we humble our hearts and open our lives to the wisdom that comes from above.
B. We Rely On His Wisdom (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
God invites His people to boast in one thing alone, that they understand and know Him (Jeremiah 9:24). True wisdom begins with a relationship with the Lord. When we know His character, His Word guides our decisions. Psalm 119:105 says His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Life often places us at difficult crossroads where human reasoning falls short. In those moments we trust the Lord’s wisdom above our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). When we walk with Him through prayer and Scripture, He directs our steps and gives clarity for the path ahead.
This material provides some ideas and thoughts for a sermon outline from Jeremiah 9:23-24 (Knowing What Matters in Life).
2. We Must Know God’s Heart (Jeremiah 9:24a)
God teaches that true glory belongs to those who understand and know Him personally, because knowing the Lord is the foundation of real wisdom.
A. We Seek To Know Him (Jeremiah 9:24a)
God says the one who glories must glory in this, that he understands and knows Him (Jeremiah 9:24). True wisdom begins with a desire to know the Lord personally. Many people seek success or knowledge. Yet God calls us to pursue Him first, because life makes sense when we know the God who rules it.
This pursuit grows through prayer, worship, and daily fellowship with the Lord. Jesus said eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17:3). When we seek God sincerely, our hearts grow steady during trials because we know the One who holds our future.
B. We Study To Know Him (Jeremiah 9:24a)
Knowing God requires more than feelings. We must open His Word and learn His truth. Scripture reveals His character, His promises, and His ways. Paul wrote that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and equips believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Through the Bible we discover who God truly is.
Think of Scripture as a window that lets us see the heart of God. Psalm 119:130 says the entrance of His Word gives light. As we read and meditate on it daily, our understanding grows. God shapes our thinking and guides our steps, and our faith becomes steady even in uncertain seasons.
3. We Must Know God’s Virtues (Jeremiah 9:24b)
God reveals that He delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, and He calls His people to honor these same virtues.
A. We Value What God Values (Jeremiah 9:24b)
Jeremiah declares that the Lord delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth (Jeremiah 9:24). These virtues reveal the heart of God. Many people admire power or wealth, yet God celebrates mercy, fairness, and truth. When we understand His heart, our priorities begin to change.
This truth calls us to align our hearts with what pleases God. Micah 6:8 teaches that the Lord desires justice, mercy, and humble fellowship with Him. When believers cherish these virtues, our decisions reflect the character of God. Our homes, churches, and communities feel the influence of His righteous ways.
B. We Live To Reflect God’s Values (Jeremiah 9:24b)
God never intended truth to remain only in our minds. He calls His people to display His character through daily life. When we show kindness, practice fairness, and pursue righteousness, we mirror the heart of God. Jesus taught that others should see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Every act of mercy becomes a small window into God’s character. A gentle word, a fair decision, or a forgiving spirit points others toward Him. Colossians 3:17 reminds us to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus. As we live this way, people see the beauty of God’s virtues in us.
Conclusion
Jeremiah teaches us what truly matters in life. Human wisdom, strength, and riches cannot give lasting hope. God calls us to recognize our limits and turn to Him. We must seek to know the Lord and learn His heart. Then we must value His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness and reflect those virtues in daily life.
Now each of us must respond to this truth. God invites us to know Him through Jesus Christ. Admit your sin before God. Believe that Christ died and rose again for you. Confess Him as Lord and trust Him today. When you know the Lord personally, you discover what truly matters in life.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth of Your Word. You remind us that wisdom, strength, and riches cannot satisfy the heart. Help us remember what truly matters in life. Teach us to know You more deeply each day. Shape our hearts so we love what You love and pursue righteousness, justice, and lovingkindness.
Lord, guide us as we walk through the days ahead. Strengthen our faith when life feels uncertain. Draw every heart here closer to You. For those who do not yet know Christ, open their eyes to the hope found in Him. Help us trust You fully and live in a way that honors Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does Jeremiah 9:23–24 teach about what matters in life?
A: Jeremiah 9:23–24 teaches that human wisdom, strength, and riches cannot give lasting meaning. God says the most important thing in life is to understand and know Him. When people know the Lord personally, they begin to value His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
Q: What does it mean to know God according to Jeremiah 9:24?
A: To know God means more than knowing facts about Him. It describes a personal relationship built through faith, Scripture, and obedience. Jesus said eternal life is knowing the true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17:3). True wisdom begins with this relationship.
Q: Why does God warn against boasting in wisdom, strength, or riches?
A: God warns against boasting in these things because they are temporary and limited. Human intelligence, physical power, and wealth cannot save the soul or guide life perfectly. Scripture teaches that lasting confidence must rest in the Lord rather than human achievements.
Q: What virtues does God delight in according to Jeremiah 9:24?
A: Jeremiah 9:24 says the Lord delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. These virtues describe God’s character and the way He rules the earth. Believers honor God when they value these qualities and practice them in relationships, decisions, and everyday life.
Q: How can believers live out the message of Jeremiah 9:23–24 today?
A: Believers live out this passage by trusting God rather than human ability and by seeking to know Him through Scripture and prayer. As they grow in faith, they show His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness in daily actions, reflecting God’s character to others.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Volumes) by John F. Walvoord
BONUS: What is the meaning of Jeremiah 9:23 in the Bible?
Jeremiah 9:23 teaches that people must not boast in human wisdom, strength, or riches. These achievements appear impressive, yet they cannot give lasting security or eternal life. God reminds us that human ability has limits. Proverbs 11:4 says riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
The verse calls us to shift our confidence from ourselves to the Lord. Human success fades, yet God’s truth remains forever. Paul echoed this truth in 1 Corinthians 1:31, saying, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” True honor comes from knowing God and trusting Him with our lives.
BONUS: What does the Bible say about boasting in the Lord?
Scripture teaches that believers should boast only in the Lord, not in human success. Jeremiah 9:24 says the one who glories must glory in understanding and knowing God. Human wisdom, strength, and wealth fade quickly. God alone deserves praise because He gives life, salvation, and lasting hope.
The apostle Paul repeated this truth in 1 Corinthians 1:31, saying, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” Believers boast in the Lord when they celebrate His grace, power, and faithfulness. Our confidence rests in what God has done through Jesus Christ, not in our own achievements.
BONUS: Why is knowing God more important than wealth or success?
Knowing God matters more than wealth or success because a relationship with Him brings eternal life. Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they may know You” (John 17:3). Wealth and achievements fade quickly, yet God’s truth remains forever. Jeremiah 9:24 teaches that true glory comes from understanding and knowing the Lord.
Riches and success cannot save the soul or guide life perfectly. Jesus asked, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). When we know God through Christ, we gain wisdom, peace, and a hope that reaches beyond this life.
BONUS: How does the Bible define true wisdom according to Jeremiah 9:23–24?
Jeremiah 9:23–24 teaches that true wisdom does not come from human intelligence, strength, or wealth. God tells the wise man not to boast in wisdom. Instead, He calls people to glory in understanding and knowing Him. Real wisdom begins when a person recognizes God’s authority and seeks a relationship with Him.
The Bible repeats this truth in Proverbs 9:10, which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” When we know God, we learn His heart and His ways. Jeremiah says the Lord delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. True wisdom values these virtues and seeks to live them daily.
BONUS: What does the phrase “let him who glories glory in this” mean?
The phrase “let him who glories glory in this” teaches that people must place their pride in knowing the Lord rather than in personal achievements. Jeremiah 9:24 says we should glory in understanding and knowing God. Human wisdom, strength, and wealth fade quickly, yet knowing God gives life lasting meaning.
The apostle Paul repeated this truth in 1 Corinthians 1:31, reminding believers to boast only in the Lord. When we glory in the Lord, we celebrate His grace, power, and faithfulness. Our confidence rests in what God has done through Jesus Christ rather than in our own accomplishments.
BONUS: How can Christians pursue righteousness, justice, and lovingkindness today?
Christians pursue righteousness, justice, and lovingkindness by following God’s Word and reflecting His character in daily life. Jeremiah 9:24 says the Lord delights in these virtues. Micah 6:8 calls believers to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. As we obey Scripture, our actions begin to mirror God’s heart.
These virtues appear in simple choices each day. We speak truth, show kindness, and treat others fairly. Jesus taught that people should see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). When believers live this way, they display God’s loving character to a watching world.
| Sermon Outline From Jeremiah 9:23-24 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Main Point | Bible Verse | Meaning |
| 1 | We Must Know Man’s Limits | Jeremiah 9:23 | Human wisdom, strength, and riches cannot give lasting purpose, so believers must stop boasting in human ability and turn their trust toward God. |
| 2 | We Must Know God’s Heart | Jeremiah 9:24a | True wisdom begins when we seek to understand and know the Lord personally through His Word and relationship with Him. |
| 3 | We Must Know God’s Virtues | Jeremiah 9:24b | God delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, and believers honor Him by valuing and practicing these virtues in daily life. |