Useful to God
David Brainerd's sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and reliance on God's grace in ministry despite feelings of unworthiness.
David Brainerd reflects on his unworthiness and struggles with feeling vile and inadequate to preach the gospel, expressing a deep sense of repentance and self-abhorrence. Despite his inner turmoil, he acknowledges his need for God's special help to be faithful in his ministry and experiences God's goodness and enabling power during a challenging preaching session. Brainerd's journey highlights the constant battle between personal unworthiness and divine empowerment in serving God.
Text
"Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6).
Tuesday, October 26. (At West Suffield) Underwent the most dreadful distresses, under a sense of my own unworthiness. It seemed to me I deserved rather to be driven out of the place than to have anybody treat me with any kindness, or come to hear me preach. Verily my spirits were so depressed at this time (as at many others) that it was impossible I should treat immortal souls with faithfulness. I could not deal closely and faithfully with them, I felt so infinitely vile in myself. Oh, what dust and ashes I am, to think of preaching the gospel to others! Indeed I never can be faithful for one moment, but shall certainly "daub with untempered mortar" if God do not grant me special help.
In the evening I went to the meetinghouse, and it looked to me near as easy for one to rise out of the grave and preach, as for me. However, God afforded me some life and power, both in prayer and sermon, and was pleased to lift me up and show me that He could enable me to preach! Oh, the wonderful goodness of God to so vile a sinner! Returned to my quarters and enjoyed some sweetness in prayer alone, and mourned that I could not live more to God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The sense of unworthiness in ministry - The struggle with personal sin - The need for divine assistance
- II points: - The importance of humility - Recognizing one's own limitations - The role of God's grace in preaching
- III points: - The power of prayer in ministry - Experiencing God's goodness - The call to faithful service despite feelings of inadequacy
- IV points: - The impact of self-reflection - The necessity of repentance - Living a life dedicated to God
Key Quotes
“Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” — David Brainerd
“Oh, what dust and ashes I am, to think of preaching the gospel to others!” — David Brainerd
“Oh, the wonderful goodness of God to so vile a sinner!” — David Brainerd
Application Points
- Recognize your own limitations and seek God's help in your endeavors.
- Embrace humility as a vital aspect of serving others.
- Commit to a life of prayer to experience God's strength and goodness.