The Lieutenant Chief

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

September 22, 2012

Introduction: “No one is equipped to do God's work simply because he has learned some teachings. The basic question is still this: What kind of man is he? Can one who is unbroken, but whose teachings are right supply the need of the church? So the basic lesson we must learn is to be transformed into a vessel prepared for the Master's use. This can only be done by the breaking process of the outward man.” The Release of the Spirit; pg. 41 (Watchman Nee)

  I. 1 Timothy 1:15

     1. Discuss the depth of the word Paul used “PrOtos”

         a. He considered that he was the FOREMOST sinner. Above all creation.

         b. Yet he claimed the victory that Jesus met him with on that road to Damascus

     2.Only because of Christ's merit could Paul be the successful evangelist, pastor, teacher, preacher, that he was. (Lead into verse 16)

  II. Verse 16

     1. Because Christ came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10 'as He told Zaccheus'); Paul says he found mercy in Christ.

     2. Paul found mercy that day on the road. He met Jesus face to face and was broken.

     3. Have you met Jesus and been “Broken?” Or do you merely have a knowledge of Him?

  III. The Story

     1. Growing up

     2. Grandpa's Death

     3. Mom's illness

     4. Net 1996

     5. Breaking moment

     6. Lay Ministry

  IV. The Call to Michigan

     1. Lord's timing

     2. Providence

     3. Peace that passed all understanding

  V. Ready for the future

     1. Galatians 2:20 – Not I, but Christ

     2. I am here today, only because I have been broken. Not of myself, but because of Him

Conclusion: Are you broken? Are you ready to press forward? Are you committed to the Commission Christ has laid upon you? Will you covenant with me today to claim the promise found in Philippians 3:12-20?