Knowing Your Place

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

March 18, 2017

 

Key Texts: Isaiah 6:1-9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-19, 27-31; Ephesians 6:13

SOP Reference: Counsels for the Church, pg. 65

 

Introduction: Kids love to pretend to be what they are not…and they love to aspire to amazing things: i.e. Astronauts, Doctors, General of the US Army…yet it seems that as they age into adults…many times that anomaly reverses.

 

I. Called of God (Isaiah 6:1-9)

  A. The Lord Reveals His Majesty (v. 1-4)

    1. He is “high and lifted up” – Isaiah sees his place compared to God’s place

      a. God is revealing to Isaiah where the power comes from

      b. This is preparation for the mighty and heavy calling that He is about to bestow to him

    2. The Lord’s presence demands reverence and awe – Seraphim

    3. God is surrounded by the “smoke” which represents the prayers and supplications of His people

  B. Isaiah Realizes His “Place” (v. 5-7)

    1. He humbles himself before God & presents himself as he is.

    2. The Lord purges him of iniquity and equips him for the service

  C. Isaiah Takes His “Place” (v. 8-9)

 

II. Knowing Your Place (1 Corinthians 12:12-19, 27-31)

  A. Unity in Diversity (v. 12-19)

    1. God calls all types to His service

      a. It takes several tools to complete one task

      b. God provides the tools (Ephesians 6:13)

    2. He is looking for faithfulness

  B. Equality Comes in Various Forms (v. 27-31)

    1. Talents, abilities, and gifts shouldn’t be rated on a scale of importance

    2. God has need for each talent to be used as He sees fitting according to His plan

 

SOP: The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan. Talents that are not needed are not bestowed. Supposing that the talent is small. God has a place for it, and that one talent, if faithfully used, will do the very work God designs that it should do. The talents of the humble cottager are needed in the house-to-house labor and can accomplish more in this work than brilliant gifts. (CC, pg. 65)

 

Closing: What armor has God fitted upon you?  Each has been called to serve and the project we have to complete is a large one with many moving parts.  Not all of us can or should strive to do the same things.  Praise God for the armor He has given you and present yourself available to Him that it may be used in His great work of saving the lost.  Do you know what He would have you do?  Are you confident that you are living up to calling?  Ask God this very moment how you may serve.  Like Isaiah tell Him “Here am I, send me.”  And then listen to His majestic voice as He guides you to know your place.