Answering God's Call: Obedience, Sacrifice, and Eternal Rewards

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound call of God as illustrated in Isaiah 6:8, where the Lord asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" This call is not just for the prophets of old but for each of us today. God is seeking individuals who are willing to step forward and say, "Here am I, send me." This call is not about perfection or qualifications; it's about obedience and willingness to be used by God. Just as Ernest Shackleton sought men for a perilous journey to Antarctica, God is seeking those who are ready to embark on a spiritual journey that may be fraught with challenges but promises eternal rewards.

The story of Shackleton's expedition serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Despite the dangers and uncertainties, Shackleton's men were drawn to the adventure and the chance to be part of something greater than themselves. Similarly, God calls us to a mission that is not about comfort or safety but about purpose and impact. The Christian walk requires sacrifice, as we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. This path may lead to trials and tribulations, but it also leads to the ultimate reward of eternal life and the honor of hearing, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

God is not looking for the most talented or the most eloquent; He is looking for those who will simply say, "Here am I, send me." Our willingness to answer this call can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. We are called to be co-laborers with Christ, spreading the message of the gospel to a world in need. The urgency of this call cannot be overstated, as the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Let us be those laborers, ready to stand up and proclaim the message of Pentecost with boldness and conviction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Obedience Over Perfection: God does not require us to be perfect before we answer His call. He desires our obedience and willingness to be used by Him. Like Isaiah, we must be ready to say, "Here am I, send me," trusting that God will equip us for the task ahead. [38:29]

2. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus involves sacrifice and may lead to trials and tribulations. We are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, understanding that the Christian walk is seldom comfortable but always purposeful. [46:20]

3. God Qualifies the Called: God is not calling the qualified; He is qualifying the called. Our past does not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, He uses our weaknesses to demonstrate His strength and power. [44:53]

4. The Urgency of the Call: The world is in desperate need of the gospel, and the call to evangelize cannot wait. We must be ready to share the message of Pentecost and the hope of salvation with those who have not yet heard. [55:19]

5. Eternal Rewards: The ultimate reward for answering God's call is not found in earthly comfort but in eternal life and the honor of hearing, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Our willingness to answer the call impacts eternity. [53:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [29:34] - Invocation and Worship
- [30:36] - Offering and Blessing
- [31:32] - Introduction to Isaiah 6:8
- [33:22] - The Call of God
- [34:34] - A Few Good Men and Women
- [36:05] - Shackleton's Advertisement
- [37:24] - The Adventure of God's Call
- [38:09] - Courage and Resilience
- [39:13] - Obedience Over Perfection
- [44:53] - God Qualifies the Called
- [46:20] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [50:27] - Jesus' Example
- [52:29] - Assurance of Victory
- [55:19] - The Urgency of the Call
- [57:20] - Eternal Rewards
- [01:01:56] - Will You Answer the Call?

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 6:8
- Luke 9:23
- Matthew 25:21

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the response of Isaiah when he heard the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" How does this reflect his willingness to serve? [33:22]

2. How does the story of Ernest Shackleton's expedition serve as a metaphor for the Christian journey, according to the sermon? [36:05]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the type of people God is looking for to answer His call? [38:09]

4. How does the sermon describe the cost of discipleship and the daily commitment required to follow Jesus? [46:20]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God qualifies those He calls, rather than calling those who are already qualified? [44:53]

2. How does the sermon illustrate the urgency of the call to evangelize, and why is this urgency important for believers today? [55:19]

3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between obedience and sacrifice in the Christian life? [40:38]

4. How does the promise of eternal rewards influence the willingness of believers to answer God's call, according to the sermon? [53:56]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified for a task God was calling you to. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Isaiah's example of willingness? [38:29]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need for daily sacrifice in following Jesus. What is one specific area in your life where you can practice self-denial this week? [46:20]

3. Consider the urgency of sharing the gospel. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of hope. How can you initiate a conversation with them this week? [55:19]

4. The sermon mentions that God uses our weaknesses to demonstrate His strength. What is one weakness you have that God might use for His glory, and how can you offer it to Him? [44:53]

5. How can the story of Shackleton's expedition inspire you to embrace challenges in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to be more adventurous in your faith? [36:05]

6. Reflect on the idea of hearing "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." What specific actions can you take this week to live in a way that aligns with this commendation? [53:56]

7. The sermon calls for believers to be co-laborers with Christ. What is one practical way you can partner with others in your church community to spread the gospel? [54:57]

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience Over Perfection
God's call to us is not about our perfection or qualifications but about our willingness to obey and be used by Him. In Isaiah 6:8, God asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" This question is not limited to the prophets of old but extends to each of us today. God desires individuals who are ready to step forward and say, "Here am I, send me," trusting that He will equip us for the tasks ahead. Our past mistakes or perceived inadequacies do not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, He uses our weaknesses to demonstrate His strength and power. The call to obedience is a call to trust in God's ability to work through us, despite our imperfections. [38:29]

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate or unqualified? How can you offer this area to God today, trusting Him to work through your weaknesses?


Day 2: The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus involves sacrifice and may lead to trials and tribulations. The Christian walk is seldom comfortable but always purposeful. We are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. This path requires us to let go of our desires for comfort and safety, embracing instead the purpose and impact of living for God's kingdom. The story of Ernest Shackleton's expedition serves as a metaphor for this journey, as his men were drawn to the adventure despite the dangers and uncertainties. Similarly, our spiritual journey may be fraught with challenges, but it promises eternal rewards and the honor of hearing, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." [46:20]

"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'" (Matthew 16:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What is one comfort or security you are holding onto that might be hindering your walk with Christ? How can you begin to let go of it today in pursuit of a deeper relationship with Him?


Day 3: God Qualifies the Called
God is not calling the qualified; He is qualifying the called. Our past does not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, He uses our weaknesses to demonstrate His strength and power. This truth is a reminder that God is more interested in our availability than our ability. When we respond to His call with a willing heart, He equips us for the tasks He sets before us. Our journey with God is not about what we can do on our own but about what He can do through us when we surrender to His will. [44:53]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you seen God use your weaknesses for His glory? How can you embrace your weaknesses as opportunities for God to demonstrate His strength?


Day 4: The Urgency of the Call
The world is in desperate need of the gospel, and the call to evangelize cannot wait. We must be ready to share the message of Pentecost and the hope of salvation with those who have not yet heard. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, and God is seeking those who are willing to step forward and proclaim His message with boldness and conviction. Our willingness to answer this call can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. The urgency of this call cannot be overstated, as it impacts eternity. [55:19]

"And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'" (Luke 10:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the gospel? How can you take a step today to share God's love and hope with them?


Day 5: Eternal Rewards
The ultimate reward for answering God's call is not found in earthly comfort but in eternal life and the honor of hearing, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Our willingness to answer the call impacts eternity, as we become co-laborers with Christ in spreading the message of the gospel. This eternal perspective helps us to endure the trials and tribulations of the Christian walk, knowing that our sacrifices are not in vain. The promise of eternal rewards encourages us to remain faithful and committed to the mission God has set before us. [53:56]

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal rewards influence your daily decisions and actions? What is one way you can live with an eternal perspective today?

Quotes


Today God is issuing a similar call not to explore the ends of the Earth but to reach the ends of the Earth with his message to reach the lost with the power of Pentecost but the question Still Remains though the same question from Isaiah whom shall I send and who will go for us. [00:37:25]

Shackleton wasn't looking for the strongest the smartest or even the most experienced he was looking for those that had courage, resilience, faithfulness likewise God is Not Looking for the most talented or the most eloquent he's looking for those who will just stand up and say here am I send me. [00:37:49]

We focus on a presupposed idea that God wants Perfection that's what we get in our mind but God doesn't need Perfection he simply needs obedience too many times do we think we have to get ourselves together in order before we can begin the work of God versus Allowing God to transform Us by his own power. [00:38:09]

God is not calling the qualified he is qualifying the called let me say that again he's not calling the qualified so if you have a goodlook resume I'm sorry that's a hill of beans today he's going to qualify the ones he has called for Shackleton he knew the mission would be dangerous but he still asked it. [00:44:53]

Serving God comes with a cost Luke 9:23 says if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily not once not twice not on Wednesdays and Sundays not on ladies of Zion prayer meeting not on men's day not on Men's Conference not on ladies conference not on District conference no daily. [00:46:20]

The Christian walk is seldom comfortable I'm sorry to say it I'm sorry to let you in on that secret there's a lot of churches out there that just pump up the joy that just pump up the grace that just pump up the great aspects of God and they are true things you have joy unspeakable and full of Glory. [00:47:07]

The ultimate reward is not the comfort in this life but it's a crown of righteousness in the next it's hearing the words of Matthew 25:21 that says well done thou good and faithful servant there's no greater honor than to hear those words come from our savior and it's for us not just for them but it's for us. [00:53:56]

There is an urgency to the call Shackleton had a short window to prepare his journey he needed men immediately Matthew 9:37 38 says the Harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few pray ye therefore the lord of the Harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest the world is lost it's searching for answers. [00:55:19]

The call to evangelize and spread the message of Pentecost it it cannot wait the message of Acts 2:38 repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and he shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost it's still for them today and there are still people that do not understand it. [00:55:40]

Just as Shackleton's men faced the Antarctic storms we Face spiritual storms and sometimes storms brought on by our own choosing but Victory is assured because Jesus as we read has already overcome he's overcome we just have to give in we just have to say here am I there is a reward of the call though. [00:52:29]

Although Ernest Shackleton's Imperial transar Antarctic expedition didn't achieve its original goal which was to cross Antarctica from coast to coast it is still considered one of the greatest survival stories in history because not a single member of the Expedition died not a member their ship called the endurance became trapped in ice. [01:03:56]

Shackleton and his crew were stranded on the ice for over a year Shackled and led his men on this Escape first Drifting On Ice flows then taking small lifeboats to the Des olate Elephant Island from there Shackleton and five men set out in a tiny 22t boat across 800 miles of treacherous ocean to South Georgia Island. [01:04:44]

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Transcript
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