Amos 7:14
God desires to use your life to touch others, and He will equip you for whatever He has called you to do.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that God has a unique plan of service for each individual, highlighting that He does not redeem us merely to occupy space in a pew but to actively touch the lives of others. He points out that God uses ordinary people, like Amos, who may feel unqualified, to accomplish His work, and that many disqualify themselves based on their perceived ordinariness. Smith reassures that God's callings come with His enablements, and one does not need to abandon their current responsibilities to fulfill God's purpose. Ultimately, the sermon reflects God's deep love for the lost, as He continues to reach out to His people despite their shortcomings.
Text
"THE CALL OF GOD"
I. GOD HAS A PLAN OF SERVICE FOR EACH OF US.
A. He did not redeem us that --
1. We might be as a beautiful ornament, just filling a
pew.
2. His interest in you goes far beyond redemption.
3. God desires to use your life to touch others.
B. God uses human instruments to accomplish His work here on
earth.
1. He could work completely apart from us.
2. He has chosen not to.
C. The men God uses are plain ordinary men.
1. I was no prophet, not even the Son of a prophet. Just
an herdsman, picked figs.
2. Elijah was a man of like passions.
D. Many times, men try to give off the impression that they are
something special.
1. That they possess special powers or abilities.
2. There are always those poor gullible souls ready to
believe them.
3. This is especially true of politicians.
4. Sadly, it has infiltrated into the leadership -- of the
church.
a. I am closer to God than you.
b. You can't understand what God meant, so don't
try. I will tell you.
c. For a fee, I will get you special favors.
(Again, the house of God is made a den of
thieves.
II. (THE RESULT IS) MOST PEOPLE DISQUALIFY THEMSELVES FROM SERVING GOD.
A. On what basis?
1. I'm just an ordinary person.
2. I'm just a herdsman.
3. I'm just a fig picker.
4. I'm just a janitor.
5. I'm just a tax man.
6. I'm just a fisherman.
7. I'm just a tent maker.
B. We think God uses only perfect people.
1. Isaiah said, "Woe is me, I am a man of unclean lips."
2. Peter said, "Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful
man."
3. Paul claimed the title of chiefest of sinners.
C. God's callings are God's enablings.
1. Whatever He has called you to do, He will equip you for
it.
2. 1 must not think of the task in the light of my
ability.
III. WHEN GOD'S CALL CAME.
A. Shall I quit my job and just wait for God to call me?
1. A strong, definite "no"!
2. Many will be able to fulfill God's call while remaining
at their present employment.
B. "As I followed the flock, the Lord said to me, go."
1. As Matthew was sitting at the receipt of customs.
2. As Peter and John were mending their nets.
3. None had quit their jobs in anticipation of the call,
or hoping for a call.
IV. BEHIND ALL OF THIS IS GOD'S GREAT HEART OF LOVE FOR THE LOST.
A. He sent Amos to "My people Israel."
1. He still claimed them though they had forsaken Him.
2. He was still calling though they had long since ceased
to answer.
Sermon Outline
- GOD HAS A PLAN OF SERVICE FOR EACH OF US
- MOST PEOPLE DISQUALIFY THEMSELVES FROM SERVING GOD
- WHEN GOD'S CALL CAME
- BEHIND ALL OF THIS IS GOD'S GREAT HEART OF LOVE FOR THE LOST
- God desires to use your life to touch others
- God uses human instruments to accomplish His work
- The men God uses are plain ordinary men
- Many times, men try to give off the impression that they are something special
- We think God uses only perfect people
- God's callings are God's enablings
- Many will be able to fulfill God's call while remaining at their present employment
- God's call comes in the midst of daily life
- God still claims His people even when they have forsaken Him
Key Quotes
“I was no prophet, not even the Son of a prophet. Just an herdsman, picked figs.” — Chuck Smith
“Woe is me, I am a man of unclean lips.” — Chuck Smith
“Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that God desires to use your life to touch others.
- Understand that God's callings are God's enablings, and He will equip you for whatever He has called you to do.
- Be aware that God's call can come in the midst of daily life, and you don't need to quit your job to follow Him.