In 2 Corinthians 4:7
Submission to God is essential for His work and power to be displayed through us.
K.P. Yohannan emphasizes in his sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we must relinquish our stubborn will and ambitions to allow the light of Christ to shine through us, the earthen vessels. He references A.W. Tozer's insight that true usefulness to God comes after deep personal breaking, illustrating this with examples from Jesus' submission regarding Lazarus and Gideon's leadership. The call to follow Jesus' example of submission, humility, and love is paramount for living a life that pleases God. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to embrace their role as servants who faithfully obey their Master.
Text
In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." But unless we come to the place of giving up our stubborn will, our own ambitions and our way of doing things, the light of Christ will never shine out from us, the earthen vessels.
A.W. Tozer once said, "God cannot use a man greatly until He has broken him deeply." I believe this is true. If Jesus had not submitted and listened to the Father concerning Lazarus, the glory and power of God would not have been displayed through his resurrection. If Gideon's men decided their leader was foolish and therefore did not submit and follow his command, the battle never would have been won, nor the victory given to God.Jesus has set before us His submission as an example that we might do exactly as He has done.
First Corinthians 4:2 (TLB) says, "Now the most important thing about a servant is that he does just what his master tells him to." Let us then press on to follow our Master--Jesus--and live this kind of life pleasing to Him, sustained by the submission, humility and love that we see in Him.
Sermon Outline
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The Importance of Submission
- God cannot use a man greatly until He has broken him deeply
- Jesus' example of submission in the face of death and resurrection
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The Consequences of Not Submitting
- The light of Christ will not shine out from us
- Examples from Lazarus and Gideon's men
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Following Jesus' Example
- Doing just what our Master tells us to do
- Living a life pleasing to Him
Key Quotes
“God cannot use a man greatly until He has broken him deeply.” — K.P. Yohannan
“Now the most important thing about a servant is that he does just what his master tells him to.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- We must submit to God and follow His plan, even when it's difficult.
- Living a life pleasing to God requires us to do just what He tells us to do.
- When we submit to God, we open ourselves up to His power and glory.