Shaped by the Potter: Trusting God's Sovereignty
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, beloved. Today, we delve into the profound truth that we are clay in the hands of the divine Potter, our Heavenly Father. Isaiah 64:8 reminds us that we are the work of God's hands, formed and continually shaped by Him. This understanding is crucial as it sets the foundation for our relationship with God. We did not just appear; we were intentionally created by a sovereign God who has a purpose for each of us.
Isaiah 45:9 warns us against striving with our Maker. We must recognize God's sovereignty and submit to His will, understanding that He is not obligated to answer our prayers or explain His actions. Our role is to trust and obey, allowing Him to mold us as He sees fit. This submission is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of His ultimate authority and wisdom.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 illustrates this beautifully. God instructs Jeremiah to visit the potter's house, where he observes the potter reworking a spoiled vessel into something new and beautiful. This imagery teaches us that even when our lives are broken or marred by sin, God can reshape us into vessels of honor if we remain in His hands. The key is to allow God to work in us, to trust His process, and to repent when we stray from His path.
Ephesians 2:10 reinforces this by declaring that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Our purpose is to manifest God's goodness in the world. However, any good work done outside of Christ is not truly good. Our actions must align with God's will and be rooted in our relationship with Him. This daily walk with God requires constant alignment with His plans and purposes.
Lamentations 4:2 and 2 Timothy 2:20-21 further emphasize the importance of being vessels of honor. In a great house, there are vessels of gold and silver, as well as wood and clay. The difference lies in their use—honorable or dishonorable. To be a vessel of honor, we must cleanse ourselves from what is dishonorable and live according to God's ways. This involves daily devotion, worship, and obedience, allowing God to refine and polish us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Our abilities and achievements are not our own; they are the result of God's grace and power working in us. This humility keeps us grounded and dependent on God, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing.
As we gather for worship, Bible study, and personal devotion, we are participating in the Potter's work. These practices are not mere formalities but essential processes through which God shapes and refines us. Our attitude towards these activities matters. We must come with hearts ready to be molded, valuing the Potter's work in our lives.
In conclusion, our lives are in the hands of the divine Potter. We must trust Him, submit to His will, and allow Him to shape us into vessels of honor. This requires daily devotion, repentance, and a heart willing to be molded. Let us commit to this process, knowing that in the Potter's hands, our lives can be transformed into something beautiful and useful for His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty and Our Submission: Recognizing God's sovereignty is crucial. He is not obligated to answer our prayers or explain His actions. Our role is to trust and obey, allowing Him to mold us as He sees fit. This submission is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of His ultimate authority and wisdom. [34:05]
2. Transformation Through Repentance: Jeremiah 18:1-6 teaches us that even when our lives are broken or marred by sin, God can reshape us into vessels of honor if we remain in His hands. The key is to allow God to work in us, to trust His process, and to repent when we stray from His path. [43:51]
3. Created for Good Works: Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Our purpose is to manifest God's goodness in the world. However, any good work done outside of Christ is not truly good. Our actions must align with God's will and be rooted in our relationship with Him. [36:49]
4. Vessels of Honor: Lamentations 4:2 and 2 Timothy 2:20-21 emphasize the importance of being vessels of honor. To be a vessel of honor, we must cleanse ourselves from what is dishonorable and live according to God's ways. This involves daily devotion, worship, and obedience, allowing God to refine and polish us. [40:20]
5. Humility and Dependence on God: 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Our abilities and achievements are not our own; they are the result of God's grace and power working in us. This humility keeps us grounded and dependent on God, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing. [01:16:04]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:13] - We Are the Clay
[34:05] - God's Sovereignty
[43:51] - The Potter's House
[36:49] - Created for Good Works
[40:20] - Vessels of Honor
[01:16:04] - Treasure in Jars of Clay
[01:43:55] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 64:8 (ESV): "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
2. Jeremiah 18:1-6 (ESV): "The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 'Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.' So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the Lord came to me: 'O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.'"
3. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 64:8, what metaphor is used to describe our relationship with God? How does this metaphor help us understand our dependence on Him?
2. In Jeremiah 18:1-6, what does the potter do when the vessel he is making is spoiled? What does this action symbolize about God's work in our lives? [43:51]
3. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are created for good works. What does this imply about our purpose and how we should live our lives?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing God as the potter and ourselves as the clay influence our understanding of His sovereignty and our submission to His will? [34:05]
2. What does the process of the potter reworking the spoiled vessel in Jeremiah 18:1-6 teach us about repentance and transformation in our spiritual lives? [43:51]
3. Ephesians 2:10 mentions that we are created for good works in Christ Jesus. How can we discern whether our actions are aligned with God's will and purpose for us? [36:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to submit to God's will. How did that experience shape your understanding of His sovereignty? How can you better trust and obey God in your current circumstances? [34:05]
2. Jeremiah 18:1-6 illustrates that God can reshape us even when we are broken. Is there an area in your life where you feel "spoiled" or broken? How can you allow God to rework and transform you in that area? [43:51]
3. Ephesians 2:10 emphasizes that we are created for good works. Identify one specific good work you feel called to do this week. How can you ensure that this action is rooted in your relationship with Christ? [36:49]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of being vessels of honor. What steps can you take to cleanse yourself from what is dishonorable and live according to God's ways? [40:20]
5. 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that our abilities and achievements are the result of God's grace. How can you practice humility and dependence on God in your daily life? [01:16:04]
6. The sermon highlighted the significance of daily devotion, worship, and obedience. What changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize these practices and allow God to shape you? [01:18:33]
7. Reflect on your attitude towards church activities and personal devotion. How can you come with a heart ready to be molded by God, valuing the Potter's work in your life? [01:20:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Recognizing God's ultimate authority and wisdom in our lives is essential. Isaiah 45:9 warns us against striving with our Maker, reminding us that God is sovereign and not obligated to answer our prayers or explain His actions. Our role is to trust and obey, allowing Him to mold us as He sees fit. This submission is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of His ultimate authority and wisdom. When we submit to God's will, we acknowledge that His plans are higher than ours and that He knows what is best for us. This trust and obedience are foundational to our relationship with God, as it allows Him to work in our lives and shape us according to His purpose. [34:05]
Isaiah 45:9 (ESV): "Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’?"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's sovereignty? How can you practice surrendering these areas to Him today?
Day 2: Transformation Through Repentance
Jeremiah 18:1-6 illustrates the profound truth that even when our lives are broken or marred by sin, God can reshape us into vessels of honor if we remain in His hands. The key is to allow God to work in us, to trust His process, and to repent when we stray from His path. Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual turning back to God, acknowledging our shortcomings, and seeking His forgiveness. This process of transformation requires humility and a willingness to be molded by the divine Potter. When we repent and submit to God's shaping, He can create something beautiful and purposeful out of our lives. [43:51]
Jeremiah 18:4 (ESV): "And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of brokenness in your life that you need to bring to God in repentance? How can you allow Him to reshape you today?
Day 3: Created for Good Works
Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Our purpose is to manifest God's goodness in the world. However, any good work done outside of Christ is not truly good. Our actions must align with God's will and be rooted in our relationship with Him. This means that our daily walk with God requires constant alignment with His plans and purposes. When we live out our purpose in Christ, we become instruments of His love and grace, impacting the world around us for His glory. [36:49]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What good works has God prepared for you to do today? How can you ensure that your actions are aligned with His will and rooted in your relationship with Him?
Day 4: Becoming Vessels of Honor
Lamentations 4:2 and 2 Timothy 2:20-21 emphasize the importance of being vessels of honor. To be a vessel of honor, we must cleanse ourselves from what is dishonorable and live according to God's ways. This involves daily devotion, worship, and obedience, allowing God to refine and polish us. Being a vessel of honor means that we are set apart for God's purposes, living in a way that reflects His holiness and righteousness. This requires intentionality and a commitment to spiritual disciplines that keep us aligned with God's will. [40:20]
2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to cleanse yourself from what is dishonorable and become a vessel of honor for God? How can you incorporate daily devotion, worship, and obedience into your life?
Day 5: Humility and Dependence on God
2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Our abilities and achievements are not our own; they are the result of God's grace and power working in us. This humility keeps us grounded and dependent on God, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing. When we acknowledge our dependence on God, we allow His power to work through us, accomplishing His purposes in our lives. This humility also helps us to remain grateful and focused on God's glory rather than our own. [01:16:04]
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility and dependence on God today? How can you acknowledge His power and grace in your abilities and achievements?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Beloved, if you are properly aligned with God, there are certain things you will not allow it to stress you. There are certain things you will not allow it to cripple and bring you down. Because you know that you are in his will. And if you are in his will, you know God will not allow your life to be destroyed. It is his desire for you to do well. As we read in Jeremiah 18, even if the person has done wrong and God has decided I'm going to punish you and the person repents, God will relent and take the punishment. He's merciful. Amen." [01:08:53]
2. "When you come to the house of God, you know, don't come, you know, like you normally do. Because it has become repetitive. Almost every weekend you come to church, so you think that all is normal. Beloved, don't see it now, but see it as you being the clay on the wheel with the potter still molding you into the image of Christ. It is very important to understand that." [01:19:50]
3. "Beloved, are you a Christian following your own plans? Or are you a Christian following the plans of God? Following the will of God? Because it feels comfortable. To some extent, when you are doing things your own way, it makes you feel comfortable. It makes you feel happy. But, can what you are doing stand the test when you appear before the master? Is it really what the master expects of you and I? Remember, you have no power of your own. We sing that song. We depend on you, Holy Spirit. Do we really mean it when we sing songs like that?" [55:02]
4. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. Amen. So, God himself, you know, plays an important role in your life. You value God in your life. Not just what he can do for you. So, he trusts in the Lord and the Lord is his trust, which means he does not depend on self, does not depend on what his hands have gotten him or her. He does not depend on what somebody else can do or what somebody else cannot do. Right? He depends solely on God in the hands of the Father. Amen." [01:06:46]
5. "So, no matter how broken our life is or might be, I want you to know that we want to ensure that we are in the proper hands. Amen. Make sure that your life is in good hands. Make sure that your life is in the hands of the potter. Who is not just the potter? Who is not just the potter? Also your father and my father, our heavenly father. Amen." [32:51]
### Quotes for Members
1. "It is the potter's way of molding you. Songwriter says that you are the potter, I am the clay. Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me, and use me to find you. That's how the world... The situation I'm here for you. The will harbor something good will come out of you but you don't allow the potter to keep moving you around, tossing you here and there because when you go and the potter is working with the clay from the Asia state you will think why is the potter doing this to me but when the finished work is done then you will know that oh the potter knew what he was doing, God knows what he's doing." [01:21:06]
2. "You know, sometimes we think that God is making a lot of mistakes in our life. We think that God is not doing something right. Sometimes we find every reason to blame God for a lot of things. And Isaiah is saying that, well, the one who was the clay said to the one who formed it that, you know, that, that's the thing made should say to its maker. He did not make me. You know, some people think that they just appeared. They just showed up. They are not accountable to God. But when the day of appearing before him comes, then we will know where the way is. Whether we are accountable or not. Amen. May God have mercy on us." [01:01:16]
3. "So, I went down to the porter's house and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was working, he was making of clay was spoiled in the porter's hands. And he reworked it into another vessel as it seemed good to the porter to do. Amen. He reworked it. So pay attention to that. Jeremiah 18. When Jeremiah was told to go to the porter's house, God said that, go there, I'm going to give you a message. And then he went, and then he saw the porter molding something on his wheel, and well in the process, whatever he was doing, got messed up. And the scripture said that the porter took it and reworked it into something that he, the porter wanted. Hallelujah." [42:52]
4. "Beloved, very important. To give every man according to what? His ways. And according to the fruit of his deeds. I will give every man according to his ways. So when you come to the Lord, accept this as your Lord and personal savior. You cannot, you know, hide under that and just live your life in the heart. You cannot live your life according to your ways. It has to be according to his ways. Amen. According to his ways. That's what this is telling us. He says, I the Lord, I search the heart and test the mind. So God will take us through some tests to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds." [01:11:35]
5. "So, no matter how you look, how smart you are, how beautiful you look, how golden you will appear in character, in appearance, whatever it is, just know that it is not your doing. It is the doing of God almighty. Amen. It is the doing of God almighty. And so we need to get that also. Another scripture I want to get out of the way quickly also is 2 Timothy, 2 Timothy chapter two, verse 20 and 21. It says, Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use and some for dishonorable use. Now the next verse, verse 21. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel. In other words, he will be a pot which was formed out of the clay for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master, for the house. Useful to the master. The master of the house, ready for every good work. Amen." [40:20]
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