Plant & Pray — Living Faithfully in Exile (Jeremiah 29:1–14)
This sermon on Jeremiah 29:1–14 explores how Christians live as “elect exiles” in a world that is not their home. When life doesn’t go to plan, God calls His people to plant, pray, and seek the good of others while trusting His sovereign purposes. Discover how God’s promises sustain us in hard seasons—He has good plans and draws near to those who seek Him.
Jeremiah 29:1–14
In this sermon from Jeremiah 29, Pastor Mike Westhuyzen reminds us that God’s people have always lived in seasons where life doesn’t go according to plan. Writing to Israel in exile, God calls His people not to despair, withdraw, or assimilate—but to live faithfully in the midst of a foreign land. As “elect exiles” (1 Peter 1:1), Christians today are called to plant, pray, and seek the good of the world around them, while ultimately living for a greater King. Even in hardship, God’s promises remain sure: He is working for our good, and He is near to all who seek Him.
1. When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan
Life often unfolds in ways we wouldn’t choose—marked by disappointment, confusion, and seasons of despair. Jeremiah 29 meets us in that reality. The people of Israel found themselves in exile in Babylon, a situation that seemed like complete failure. Their hopes were shattered, their homeland lost, and their future uncertain.
Yet this was not outside of God’s control. Their exile was not random—it was a direct consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. Even so, it was also part of God’s sovereign plan. This reminds us of a foundational truth: God is always in control, even when His plans are not what we would choose or expect.
2. A Hard Word from God (Jeremiah 29:4–9)
Jeremiah delivers a letter from God to the exiles—a message that would have been deeply confronting. Rather than promising a quick return or immediate relief, God tells them to settle in:
Build houses
Plant gardens
Marry and raise families
Seek the welfare of the city
Pray for it
This was not a short-term detour; it would last 70 years. God was calling His people to faithful endurance, not escape.
This reveals an important reality: God’s Word does not always tell us what we want to hear—but it always tells us what we need to hear.
3. Living as Exiles Today
The New Testament picks up this theme and applies it to Christians. In 1 Peter 1:1, believers are described as “elect exiles.” This means:
We belong to God
We live in a world that is not our ultimate home
This raises the question: How should we live as exiles?
Three Possible Responses:
1. Assimilation
Becoming indistinguishable from the world—adopting its values, priorities, and ways of life. This sacrifices holiness.
2. Withdrawal
Disengaging entirely—retreating from culture and society. This neglects mission.
3. Incarnation (the Christian calling)
Being fully present in the world, yet distinct from it. Living among others, but for a different King.
This incarnational model reflects the way of Christ Himself—entering into the world without being shaped by its sin.
4. Plant & Pray: The Mission of God’s People
God’s instruction to the exiles is striking: seek the welfare of the city and pray for it.
This means Christians are called to:
Invest in their communities
Contribute to the common good
Care about justice, peace, and flourishing
Pray earnestly for the places where God has placed them
As John Piper puts it, Christians must never lose sight of the city’s greatest need—not just material prosperity, but salvation. While we care deeply about present suffering, we are especially concerned with eternal realities.
This reflects the command of Jesus: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
5. Two Anchoring Promises (Jeremiah 29:10–14)
In the midst of exile, God gives two profound promises:
Promise #1: God Has Good Planned
God assures His people that their future is not abandoned. His plans are purposeful and good. Even in exile, He is working toward restoration.
This doesn’t mean immediate comfort, but it does mean certain hope. God’s purposes cannot fail.
Promise #2: God Is Near to Those Who Seek Him
God promises that when His people seek Him with all their heart, they will find Him. He hears their prayers and draws near.
In exile, the greatest gift is not a change in circumstances—it is the presence of God Himself.
6. Conclusion: Faithful Living Between Promise and Fulfilment
Jeremiah 29 calls us to live faithfully in the tension between present hardship and future hope.
Like Israel, we may find ourselves in seasons that feel like exile. But our calling remains clear:
Plant — live faithfully and invest where God has placed you
Pray — depend on God and intercede for others
Trust — believe that God’s plans are good
Seek Him — draw near to the God who is already near to you
Ultimately, we live not for this world, but for our true King. And with that perspective, even exile becomes a place of purpose, mission, and hope.
John 15:16-17 | I Choose You
John 15 1 6- 17
John 15:16-17 I Choose You
This sermon is quite theological one. We touch upon foreknowledge, election. Christianity begins with being found and not finding Him.
The three main takeaways for God choosing us first were:
Privilege
Purpose
Power
Practice
John 15:12-15 | He Calls Me Friend
John 15 1 - 11 | Abide in me
John 15:12-15 He Calls Me Friend
In this sermon, we examine how Jesus calls us to act as friends to one another, how we are called to love one another as He loved and still loves us. Our three main takeaways were:
We need friends
We need to be a friend
We have a friend in Jesus
John 15:9-11 | Abide in Me (Part 2)
John 15 1 - 11 | Abide in me
John 15:9-11 Abide in Me
The word ‘abide’ appears in the text John 15:4-11 (ESV) ten times. We look at the word in two contexts:
What the Christian life is -
Christianity is not first something you do – but someone you are joined to.
How the Christian life works -
Abide in my love
Keep my commandments; and so
Have more joy
2 Timothy 2:1-8 | Remember
This morning we observe the foundation of our faith, that we should remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, and:
be strengthened,
pass on the gospel,
know your integrity matters,
that he rewards faithfulness.
Enoggera Baptist Church — Sunday Sermon
Ps Mike Westhuyzen • 2 Timothy 2:1-8
This morning we observe the foundation of our faith, that we should remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, and:
be strengthened,
pass on the gospel
know your integrity matters
that he rewards faithfulness.
When Paul says in 2 Timothy, ‘be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus (v1)’, it’s important to note the futility in earthly striving to attain strength, but to rely on the incalculable strength of Jesus.
We are called to ‘entrust to faithful men (v2)’ that what we have learnt, so that they too will pass on the Gospel message.
Our integrity matters because to corruptly try to grow the kingdom of God, does not honour God. While we have all fallen short, we know that Christ died for us.
Things that we do are not unseen, whether our generosity, self denial in love, or kind act, or else harsh words, selfishness or unkindness. Jesus is not unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown in his name.
John 13:21-35 | A New Commandment
John 13:21-35 | A New Commandment
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The COMMAND of Christ
The EXAMPLE of Christ
The POWER of Christ
The PROMISE of Christ
John 12:9-26 | The Cross Before the Crown
John 12:9-26
There is no crown without a cross. Jesus did not arrive as other kings, with pomp and ceremony, but Jesus came to earth not so that he would rule, but so that he would die. While the crowd in Jerusalem is anticipating who Jesus is and welcoming Him as King, Jesus affirmed his Lordship, while also humbling himself on a donkey. Jesus came not to overthrow Rome, but death! The time has come!
John 12:1-8 | Is He Worth It?
John 12:1-8
Mary’s act of devotion gives us an example to follow. Her worship is:
Courageous
Humble
Whole-hearted
Costly
John 11:45–57 | The Self-Substitution of God
John 11:45–57
#1: THE CONUNDRUM JESUS PRESENTS (v.45-48)
#2: THE SOLUTION GOD PROVIDED (v.49-57)
John 10:31-42 | I And The Father Are One
John 10:31-42
In John 10:30, Jesus proclaims to the Jews, "I and the Father are one". Today's bible verses explicitly represent the Trinity and the three principles:
There is only one God
The three persons are not each other
The three persons are all God
In John 10:37-38, Jesus further states,
37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;
38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.
John 10:19-30 | Assurance
John 10:19 - 30
Today we are continuing in John 10 and expand on how God has given us eternal life and we shall not perish by following our good shepherd Jesus.
#1 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (v.27)
#2 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” (v.28 -30)
John 10:10-18 | The Good Shepherd Part 2
John 10:10-18
Do you know what it is like to aimlessly follow someone? That is not what it is like when we follow Jesus, the good shepherd. He has made His agenda know to us. Today Mike takes us through the agenda of the Good Shepherd:
#1 He’s taking his sheep into life (v.10)
#2 He's on his way to get other sheep (v.16)
#3 He's on his way to lay down his life (v.11, 14-18)
John 8:31-37 | The Truth Will Set You Free
In the book of John, Jesus declares himself by many names. This week we look at Jesus’ declaration, “I am Light of the World”. Jesus, and only Jesus, can lead us into the light and away from darkness.
The Truth Will Set You Free — John 8:31–37
In this message, Pastor Mike unpacks what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. Drawing from John 8, we’re reminded that genuine disciples abide in Christ’s word, are set free by truth, and must understand their spiritual slavery. True freedom isn’t found in self-expression, but in submission to God’s design. Jesus shows us that it’s only when we acknowledge our bondage to sin that we can receive the freedom He offers. And that freedom is not abstract—it’s relational: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:12-30 | Light of the World
In the book of John, Jesus declares himself by many names. This week we look at Jesus’ declaration, “I am Light of the World”. Jesus, and only Jesus, can lead us into the light and away from darkness.
John 8:12-30 | Light of the World
In the book of John, Jesus declares himself by many names. This week we look at Jesus’ declaration, “I am Light of the World”. Jesus, and only Jesus, can lead us into the light and away from darkness.
#1 THE SON IS THE SUN
Jesus is the Light of the World
#2 THE LIFE IN THE LIGHT
His followers will not walk in the dark.
#3 THE DEATH IN THE DARK
Without him, we die apart from hope
John 7:53 - 8:11 | Grace for your worst day
John 7: 37-39 | Are you thirsty?
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”
Isaiah 55 :1 - 3
John 7:53 - 8:11 | Grace for your worst day
Ps Mike explores the passage on the woman caught in adultery and Jesus’s response. He explores the validity of the passage and how it is the perfect example of Christ’s character.
On our best day we need Christ just as much as we need him on our worst day.
John 7:11-39 | Clarity in the Confusion
JOHN 6:37
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
1.WHO this promise is for.
2.WHY you can trust his promise.
3. WHAT we need to do about it
John 7:11-39 | Clarity in the Confusion
The Feast of Booths was at hand to commemorate the exodus from Egypt. Those gathered are looking for Jesus, and everyone is discussing who Jesus is. Jesus boldly attends the Feast of Booths, where He enters the temple and begins to teach. Here he explains His purpose and authority to the onlookers, and rebukes the Jews on their hypocrisy and judgement. He explains who He is, but while some believe, others are confused.
He declares: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
Clarity #3 - Community (1 John 4:7-12)
Clarity #3
In this sermon, we explore what it means to live in a gospel-centered community, where the love of Christ shapes our relationships and interactions. The gospel not only saves us from sin but invites us into the family of God, where we are deeply loved by Him. In response to God’s love, we are called to love one another—though this love can be difficult, it is the essence of Christian unity and forgiveness. As God joyfully watches His children love each other, so too does He desire us to embody this love in tangible ways.
True love isn’t just preached or sung about; it must be expressed through action. Reflecting on the teachings of 1 John and C.S. Lewis, we are reminded that God's love is dynamic, a living activity that calls us to small acts of love today, which prepare us for even greater sacrifices tomorrow. The challenge for the church is to love authentically and selflessly, starting with the everyday moments of grace we share together.
Clarity #1 - Gospel centred (eph. 2:1-10)
Clarity #1
Gospel Centred (Eph. 2.1-10)
Clear on Sin (v.1-3)
Clear of Grace (v.4-9)
Clear on Holiness (v.10)