"The Uncontainable Fire of God’s Word"
Sermon on Jeremiah 20:9

"But if I say, 'I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name,' His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." (Jeremiah 20:9, NIV)
Introduction: When You Want to Quit But Can’t

Have you ever felt like giving up on God’s calling? Maybe you’ve faced ridicule, rejection, or even persecution for standing on the truth. Perhaps you’ve thought, "I’ll just keep my faith to myself—no more preaching, no more bold declarations."

But then, something happens—God’s Word burns inside you like fire. You try to stay silent, but the truth won’t let you. That’s exactly what Jeremiah experienced.

In this sermon, we’ll explore:

The Struggle of the Messenger – Why Jeremiah wanted to quit.


The Fire of God’s Word – Why he couldn’t stay silent.


Modern-Day Examples – People who faced opposition but kept speaking God’s truth.


How to Respond When God’s Word Burns in You – Practical steps for obedience.
1. The Struggle of the Messenger (Jeremiah’s Crisis)

Jeremiah was called by God as a young man (Jeremiah 1:6) to deliver a difficult message: Judah’s coming judgment due to their sin. But his obedience led to:

Mockery (Jeremiah 20:7)


Physical abuse (Jeremiah 20:2 – beaten and put in stocks)


Isolation (Jeremiah 15:17 – he sat alone because of God’s hand on him)

At one point, he even cursed the day he was born (Jeremiah 20:14-18), much like Job. Yet, despite his despair, he couldn’t stop speaking God’s Word.

Why? Because true prophetic calling isn’t based on feelings—it’s based on divine assignment.
Example: Elijah’s Depression (1 Kings 19:4)

After defeating the prophets of Baal, Elijah ran for his life when Jezebel threatened him.


He prayed, "Take my life; I’m no better than my ancestors."


Yet, God still had work for him to do.

Lesson: Even great prophets struggled, but God’s purpose prevailed.
2. The Fire of God’s Word – Why Jeremiah Couldn’t Stay Silent

Jeremiah said, "His word is in my heart like a fire… I cannot hold it in."
What Does This Mean?

Fire Refines – God’s Word purifies us (Malachi 3:2-3).


Fire Spreads – Truth cannot be contained (Acts 4:20 – "We cannot help speaking what we have seen and heard.")


Fire Ignites Passion – Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32 – "Were not our hearts burning within us?")
Biblical Examples of Uncontainable Fire:

John the Baptist – He preached repentance even when it cost him his head (Mark 6:18).


Peter and John – After being arrested, they said, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).


Paul – Despite beatings, shipwrecks, and prison, he said, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Lesson: When God’s Word truly grips you, silence is not an option.
3. Modern-Day Examples of Unstoppable Faith
A. Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Standing Against Hitler

A German pastor who resisted the Nazi regime.


Wrote "The Cost of Discipleship" – emphasizing that grace is free but not cheap.


Executed for his faith, but his writings still inspire millions.

Application: Would we stand for truth even if it cost us everything?
B. Richard Wurmbrand – Tortured for Christ

A Romanian pastor imprisoned 14 years for preaching the Gospel under communism.


Beaten, starved, yet he kept sharing Jesus with fellow prisoners.


Founded "Voice of the Martyrs" to support persecuted Christians.

Question: If persecuted, would we hold onto faith like this?
C. Cassie Bernall – "Yes, I Believe"

At Columbine High School (1999), shooters asked her, "Do you believe in God?"


She said "Yes"—and was martyred.


Her boldness sparked a revival among youth.

Challenge: Are we willing to confess Christ, even in danger?
4. How to Respond When God’s Word Burns in You
A. Embrace the Struggle (Like Jeremiah)

If you feel weary, remember: "Let us not grow weary in doing good" (Galatians 6:9).


Even Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) but kept preaching.
B. Speak with Boldness (Like Peter in Acts 4)

Pray for holy boldness (Acts 4:29).


Don’t let fear silence you (2 Timothy 1:7).
C. Trust God’s Timing (Like Joseph in Prison)

Joseph suffered before his promotion (Genesis 50:20).


Your faithfulness now will bear fruit later.
D. Stay Connected to the Source (John 15:5)

Abide in Christ—apart from Him, we can do nothing.


The more we soak in Scripture, the more it burns within us.
Conclusion: Will You Let the Fire Burn?

Jeremiah wanted to quit—but God’s Word was too powerful to contain.

Today, ask yourself:

Is there a truth God has placed in me that I’ve been afraid to share?


Have I allowed opposition to silence me?


Will I choose obedience, no matter the cost?

If God’s Word is burning in you—don’t hold it back! Like Jeremiah, Peter, and modern-day heroes of faith, let it out. The world needs to hear what God has put inside you.

Final Prayer:
"Lord, set Your fire in our hearts again. Help us to speak Your truth with courage, love, and unshakable faith. Amen."