Burning the Plow: Embracing God's Call with Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, I reflected on the unwavering faith and commitment exemplified by the prophet Elisha, drawing parallels to our own spiritual journey and the growth of our church over the past 14 years. I shared the story of Elisha, who, when called by God through Elijah, did not hesitate to leave his life as a farmer. He slaughtered his oxen and burned his plowing equipment, symbolizing a complete and irreversible commitment to God's calling, with no fallback plan.
I began by expressing my gratitude for the privilege of serving as your pastor and for the support of my family and the church community. I recounted the humble beginnings of our church, which coincided with my son's third birthday, and the unwavering support of my wife, Karen, without whom this journey would not have been possible.
The core of my message centered on the concept of "burning the plow," a metaphor for letting go of our security and fully committing to God's plan for our lives. I urged you to consider what "plows" you might need to burn in your own life—those things that hold you back from fully embracing God's purpose.
I outlined five practical steps to deepen our commitment to God and His work: pray for the church and each other, volunteer and get involved, grow spiritually through connection and personal devotion, invite others to join us in worship, and invest faithfully in the church's mission.
I shared personal anecdotes, including my own experience of turning down a job offer to follow God's call to ministry, and the story of church members who demonstrated "plow-burning faith" by making significant sacrifices to support the church's growth.
As we look to the future, I encouraged you to listen for God's voice, even if it comes as just one word, and to obey immediately without needing to understand all the details. I emphasized that God often uses those who are willing to let go of their security and trust in His provision.
In closing, I prayed for our continued faithfulness and for the courage to let go of whatever holds us back, trusting that God will use us for greater things in His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- True commitment to God's calling requires a willingness to let go of our security and trust in His plan, even when it means giving up something valuable or comfortable. Elisha's act of burning his plowing equipment is a powerful example of such commitment, demonstrating that there is no turning back when we follow God. [01:22:56]
- Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a powerful tool that aligns our hearts with God's will. Praying for our church, its leaders, and each other is essential to withstand the spiritual battles we face and to continue growing in our faith and outreach. [01:18:56]
- Volunteering is not merely about filling a need within the church; it is about actively participating in God's work. When we step out in service, we become conduits of God's love and grace, impacting lives and allowing ourselves to be transformed in the process. [01:19:40]
- Spiritual growth is not a passive experience; it requires active engagement in community and personal disciplines. By connecting with others and nurturing our relationship with God through reading the Bible and prayer, we mature in our faith and become equipped to disciple others. [01:20:12]
- Inviting others to church is not just about increasing numbers; it's about sharing the transformative power of the gospel. When we extend invitations, we offer people the opportunity to encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ, which can change their lives forever. [01:20:55]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
> So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Elisha doing when Elijah found him, and what did Elijah do to signify his calling? ([41:24])
2. How did Elisha respond to Elijah's call, and what actions did he take to show his commitment? ([42:22])
3. What does the act of burning the plowing equipment symbolize in Elisha's story? ([42:27])
4. What are the five practical steps mentioned in the sermon to deepen our commitment to God and His work? ([01:19:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elisha chose to burn his plowing equipment and slaughter his oxen instead of keeping them? What does this tell us about his level of commitment? ([42:27])
2. How does the concept of "burning the plow" apply to modern-day believers? What might be some "plows" that people need to burn today? ([01:18:04])
3. The sermon mentioned that God often uses those who are willing to let go of their security. How does this principle manifest in the story of Elisha and in the personal anecdotes shared by the pastor? ([01:07:03])
4. What does it mean to obey God immediately without understanding all the details, as highlighted in the sermon? Can you think of a biblical or personal example where this principle was evident? ([52:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any "plows" that you need to burn to fully commit to God's calling? What steps can you take this week to start letting go of these securities? ([01:18:04])
2. The pastor emphasized the importance of prayer for the church, its leaders, and each other. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? ([01:18:56])
3. Volunteering was highlighted as a way to actively participate in God's work. Are there areas within the church or community where you feel called to serve? How can you take the first step to get involved? ([01:19:40])
4. Spiritual growth requires active engagement. What specific actions can you take to grow spiritually, such as joining a small group or setting aside time for personal devotion? ([01:20:12])
5. Inviting others to church is about sharing the transformative power of the gospel. Who in your life can you invite to church or share your faith with this week? How will you approach them? ([01:20:55])
6. The pastor shared a personal story about turning down a job offer to follow God's call. Have you ever faced a similar decision? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? ([48:09])
7. The sermon mentioned that God often gives just one word to guide us. Have you ever received a clear word or direction from God? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([55:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Call with Bold Sacrifice
True commitment to God involves a readiness to abandon our earthly securities to embrace His divine plan. Elisha's decision to burn his plowing equipment is a vivid illustration of such dedication. It signifies a point of no return, a moment where faith and obedience eclipse the comfort of the known and the routine. This act of burning the plow is not just about leaving behind a former way of life; it's about stepping into a new identity and purpose that God has ordained. It's a declaration that the past will not hold sway over the future God has in store. This level of commitment is challenging because it requires not only a moment of decision but a lifetime of walking in that decision, often in the face of uncertainty and without a clear view of the path ahead.
"Then Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak over him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” And he returned from following him and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him." (1 Kings 19:19-21 ESV)
Reflection: What is the "plow" in your life that you need to burn to fully commit to God's calling? How can you take a step today to demonstrate that commitment? [01:22:56]
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is the conduit through which the heart is aligned with the divine will. It is not a mere formality but a potent force that shapes the believer and the church community. Through prayer, one can stand firm against spiritual adversities and grow in faith. It is through sincere and fervent prayer that the church can unite, leaders can be upheld, and individual members can find the strength to navigate life's challenges. Prayer is the breath of the spiritual life, constantly renewing and empowering believers to live out their calling.
"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4 ESV)
Reflection: How can you more intentionally incorporate prayer for your church and its members into your daily routine? [01:18:56]
Day 3: Service as a Pathway to God's Work
Volunteering within the church is not merely about fulfilling a need; it is an act of worship and a means to engage in the mission of God. When believers offer their time and talents, they become vessels through which God's grace flows into the lives of others. This service is transformative, not only for those being served but also for the servant. It is in giving of oneself that one finds true purpose and experiences the joy of being used by God for a greater cause.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can volunteer your time or talents this week to serve the church and reflect God's love to others? [01:19:40]
Day 4: Nurturing Spiritual Growth Through Engagement
Spiritual maturity does not happen by accident; it is the result of deliberate and consistent engagement with God and His people. This growth is cultivated through personal disciplines such as Bible study and prayer, as well as through connecting with fellow believers. As one deepens their understanding of God's Word and spends time in His presence, they are equipped to disciple others and to stand firm in their faith, regardless of life's circumstances.
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." (1 Peter 2:2 ESV)
Reflection: What is one change you can make to your daily routine to enhance your personal spiritual growth and connection with others? [01:20:12]
Day 5: Inviting Others to Experience the Gospel
Extending an invitation to church is not about increasing attendance figures; it's about sharing the life-changing message of the gospel. When one invites another to church, they offer an opportunity for that person to encounter the transformative love and truth of Jesus Christ. It is through these personal invitations that the church can truly fulfill its mission to reach out and bring hope to the world.
"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15 ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can invite to church this week, and how can you approach them with genuine love and concern for their spiritual well-being? [01:20:55]
Quotes
1) "It's incredibly easy to lose your passion when all you see is oxen wheels. Oxen wheels. All day long. I think about my very first ministry job in 1999... I've been in ministry for 25 years now. That's half my life. And I just thank God for the privilege to serve him these past 25 years." [46:47]
2) "There's some of you here this morning that God is going to speak to you at some point... And he's going to give you a plow-burning opportunity to drop everything and to follow after him. To drop everything, to burn the plow, to burn the plow." [01:09:24]
3) "How can you burn the plow at Lake Point? Real quick, five things. Number one, pray... Number two, volunteer... Number three, grow spiritually... Number four, invite... Number five, invest." [01:18:56]
4) "And maybe God is giving you a word today, and that one word might be commit, to commit, to stop sitting on the sideline and get in the game, to get in on the action. Don't just watch what God is doing. Get involved. Commit." [57:39]
5) "Be faithful in the way that you give. If you're not giving, start giving. Be a faithful giver. Be a percentage-based giver. Not tip-based giver... Increase your giving. Somebody say, man, God has blessed us this year. We're going to increase the way we give." [01:20:12]
6) "To step towards your destiny, you have to step away from your security. God is going to speak to somebody and give you the faith to believe that he's calling you to something new... You may not understand it completely to obey immediately. Because those that God uses the most are those that hold on to the least." [01:22:56]
7) "God loves to reward those who are faithful in the little things. In fact, if you take a note, when you're faithful with the little, God can trust you with much. God can trust you with much." [49:52]
8) "God, the way he works, might just give you a word. And for some of you, you may hear one word from God... And that word might be trust, the trust, the trust. And you say, I don't understand it completely. And God says, you don't have to understand completely the details. Just obey and trust me." [56:58]
9) "I believe that God loves to reward those who are faithful in the little things... When you're faithful with the little, God can trust you with much. God can trust you with much." [48:57]
10) "Elisha left him, went back to his parents. He went back to his job. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. But then he burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat... To me, this is just crazy through and through... It's almost like he's saying, I'm burning Plan B. There is no Plan B." [01:05:38]
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