Before I Was Born

Our message this morning is not part of a series. It is not the conclusion of weeks spent going through a book or a topic. Today’s sermon is standalone, it is set apart, and singular among those that you will typically hear at Compass Church. On 9 August 2026 we break from routines, programs, and preaching schedules for a special installment: Your Calling, Your Courage, and Your Consequences.

Why do you care about this message? Real success can not be separated from insight and intention. Excellence is never an accident. If you and I are going to be successful we must have clarity on our calling, courage to do what is right, and an a deep appreciation of what awaits us when we begin keeping His commands.

This message is based on Jeremiah chapter 1. The words of this prophet’s book are often referenced in the New Testament.

• Jeremiah the rejected prophet → Jesus the rejected Prophet — Matt. 16:14; 21:13
  
• Jerusalem and temple judgment→ Jesus’ judgment upon Jerusalem — Jer. 7; Matt. 21; 23
• Rachel’s sorrow followed by restoration → Messiah’s arrival — Jer. 31:15–17; Matt. 2:17–18
• No boasting in human strength → boasting in the Lord/Christ — Jer. 9:23–24; 1 Cor. 1:31; 2 Cor. 10:17
• The promised New Covenant → accomplished through Christ — Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:8–12; 10:16–17
• Judgment of Babylon → final judgment of “Babylon” — Jer. 51:63–64; Rev. 18:21

The opening of the book introduces the reader to Jeremiah the prophet and the unshakable foundation of his ministry and yoir ministry.

The Creation and Call of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-5)

When Jeremiah hears God say, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5), it strips away any illusion that ministry is a career path he chose, an enterprise he managed, or a brand he built. It is an ordination that predates his birth and breathing. Like Paul echoes in Ephesians 2:10, he is workmanship crafted beforehand for good works, not frantic human industry.

Assigned Attributes and Abilities – My physical features, intellectual abilities, and background are part of God’s work to make me fit for my function.

Decisions not Merely Defects – My shortcomings are not just unwanted aspects of my person. They are decisions that somehow can help with making Him known. Consider the man born blind (John 9). Notice also Matthew’s vocation and then his contribution to canon (Matthew 9; Ephesians 2:10).

I believe I am fearfully and wonderfully made to do God’s will. I have been born and born again to succeed in my mission.

The Courage Required for Jeremiah’s Calling (Jeremiah 1:6-10)

Jeremiah does not respond with “Let’s go!” He is like Moses making excuses and like Gideon getting down on himself. He is like us looking for loopholes and a way out of doing God’s will.

The Consequences of Answering the Call

Conclusion