This Is the Way | Pastor Jamie Self

In “This Is the Way,” Pastor Jamie Self draws from Jeremiah 3–6 to explore the theme of repentance, restoration, and choosing God's way over our own. Using vivid illustrations—including a story about his dog Skeeter and a reference to the film Dumb and Dumber—Pastor Jamie emphasizes that God offers not just a chance but a guarantee of rest for our souls if we repent and walk in the "ancient path," the good way God has prepared. The message highlights that true repentance is not just a moment of confession, but an intentional turning from sin, breaking up spiritual “unplowed ground” to fully embrace the transformative grace of God.

Discussion Questions:
1. In Jeremiah 6:16, God invites us to seek the "ancient path"—what does that look like practically in our modern Christian walk?

2. Pastor Jamie emphasized that confession is not the same as repentance. How can we tell if our confession has truly led to life change?

3. How does the metaphor of Skeeter's disobedience and rescue reflect God's grace and our response to His calling?

4. What spiritual “weeds” or “unplowed ground” might still exist in your life, and what does it look like to do the work of real repentance?

5. Considering 2 Corinthians 7:9–11, how can godly sorrow lead to salvation and spiritual maturity, rather than simply guilt?

Key Words and Phrases:
Jeremiah 6:16 explained
Ancient path sermon meaning
Repentance leads to rest for the soul
God’s grace and second chances
True repentance vs. confession
Break up unplowed ground (Jeremiah 4:3)
Rest for your soul Bible meaning
Spiritual consequences of disobedience
Returning to God after rebellion
Walking in God’s way, not the world’s

Scripture References Cited:
Jeremiah 3:1–25 – God’s call to return and His mercy for faithless Israel
Jeremiah 4:1–4 – The call to repentance and breaking up unplowed ground
Jeremiah 5:19–25 – Explanation of judgment due to disobedience
Jeremiah 6:13–17 – The crossroads and refusal to walk in the good way
2 Corinthians 7:9–11 – Godly sorrow leading to repentance and salvation