christian living

m00500

THE NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE

OUTLINE:

INTRODUCTION

I. HIS CONFRONTATION 6:1-4

II. HIS CONFESSION 6:5-7

III. HIS COMMITMENT 6:8

IV. HIS COMMISSION 6:9-13

We have an animal in our house that is called a dog. I have my doubts as to the intelligence of this animal.

When it comes to begging for food, he knows all of the tricks, yet when it comes to obeying there is a whole new side to his nature. When it comes to obedience, his nature borders on that of total ignorance. He has improved to some extent in some areas but still has his own mind.

The "dog" and I, have had in the past, numerous confrontations concerning his digging of holes. He would dig them and I would fill them. This went on for some months.

When I would tell him, he was a bad dog for digging he would respond by digging.

Confrontation after confrontation and he still wanted to dig. He would never confess that he was doing wrong - only cower when he saw me coming.

Faith finally checked a book at the library and found a cure for digging dogs.

The book suggested filling the hole with water and sticking the dog's nose and mouth in the water until he thought he was going to drown. You do this for six days straight. NOW THAT IS CONFRONTATION!

By the way does this sound like God's dealings with believers at times?

God oft times has to get us to the point that we think we are drowning before we will submit to the fact that we are His and He is our master.

God confronts us at times to gain our attention.

He wants us to realize that we are sinners saved by grace and as such we ought to desire to commit ourselves and our lives to Him.

Then and only then will God begin to lead and direct our steps for His Purpose.

ISAIAH THE MAN

His name has the idea of "Yahweh is Salvation" or "God is Salvation.” Dr. Scofield lists the meaning as "Salvation of the Lord.” To shorten the thought to its briefest form you could say "Yahweh saves" or "Jehovah saves.” Indeed, this is one of the major, if not THE major theme of the book of Isa.

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE MAN:

1. He was a citizen of Jerusalem and some believe he was born there as well.

2. He was the son of a man named Amoz.

3. He was probably from a high social family. This is based on his access to the king in chapter 7, and his closeness with the priest in 8:2. Tradition tells us that he was a cousin of King Uzziah.

4. He was a family man and had two sons.

Shear-jashub which means "a remnant shall return" (7:3)

Maher-shalal-hash-baz meaning "hasting to the spoil, hurrying to the prey.” (8:3)

Can you imagine calling those two for supper?

5. He ministered to Jerusalem and Judah. (1:1; 8:18)

6. He ministered approximately 739-700 B.C. He lived during the lives of four kings. 6:1 shows he is called at about the time of Uzziah's death.

7. Tradition tells us that Isaiah was killed by Hezekiah's son Manasseh. The terms "sawn asunder" are used. Some link this with Heb. 11:37 where it is stated, "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tested were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.” They believe Isa. is the one mentioned as sawn asunder in Heb.

There is no actual proof to substantiate this claim, but it is quite possible.

8. He lived during the reign of four kings. (1:1)

KINGS OF JUDAH: Uzziah (783-742 B.C.) Took the throne at 16 years of age. Jotham "(750-742 as regent and 742-735 as king)" according to Leupold. He was the Son of Uzziah - took the throne at age 25. Ahaz (735-715) Son of Jotham. Hezekiah (715-687) A godly king and son of Ahaz

KINGS OF ASSYRIA: Tiglath-pileser (744-727 B.C.); Shalmanezer (726-722); Sargon II (721-705); Sennacherib (704-681).

I. HIS CONFRONTATION 6:1-4: What an impressive sight. Even in a day of multi-million dollar movies I don't think that man could equal such a scene.

In the first place the term "Holy" leaves anything that we might imagine out in left field.

What a vision of God. This is probably the same scene which Ezekiel saw in Ezek. chapter one and John saw in Revelation chapter four.

Some would dispute this on the basis that the seraphim and cherubim are different creatures, however the term Seraphim means fire and thus may be a descriptive term for the Cherubim and the term Cherubim would be the name of the creatures. This seems to fit better with our descriptions of the throne scene of God as it is recorded in the Word.

This is the very throne of God and the area surrounding that throne. These men were privileged to view the residence of God! That is some confrontation!

The question is this: Would we respond as these three men did to this vision of the throne of God? Or would we be so cold to the things of the Lord that we would be more interested in what is on TV this afternoon. Some Christians regulate their schedule around the television set. We were in a church in Oregon one Sunday when one of the women walked into the nursery with a portable tv so she could watch some play offs.

WE ARE SO TIED UP IN THE WORLD THAT I REALLY WONDER IF THE SIGHT OF THE THRONE OF GOD WOULD EXCITE SOME OF US!!!

If it doesn't work on the VCR and TV then it isn't really worth watching. I wonder how a video of God's throne scene would fair in the Christian community. Would they be interested enough to rent it?

Whom shall I send and who will go for us is a true question. There is a construction that would allow for a more mater of fact communication. God could have made it more obvious that He wanted Isaiah to offer his availability, but He chose to simply ask the simple question, who will go for us. I think this points out to me that God is not in the business of being a big bully about getting His will accomplished in our lives.

He is in the business of saving us and leaving the service up to us. The point being, if we really grasp what He has done for us, we most certainly should give ourselves to Him for His use in this life.

Here am I send me = has the thought of a command. It is the same construction as saying, Go up to the city.

Here we have a man of God that has just declared that he was undone because of what he has seen and he is telling - indeed commanding God to send him.

How many people do you see in the Christian community that are so eager to go serve God? How many command God to send them? How many even declare that they are undone before God?

Undone is translated in a number of ways. "bring to silence" "destroy" "cut down" or "perish." Isaiah had really come to grips with himself and his true humanity before God and he commands God to send him.

Brave as well as bold and committed. We need to see our humanity in comparison to His divinity to know who we really are. Most of us compare ourselves to other humans and get an inflated image of ourselves.

II. HIS CONFESSION 6:5-7: Many there are in America today that view themselves as righteous when they are full of sin of every sort. We need to meet God face to face to realize that we are really sinners even though we have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb.

We need to realize that we are dependant upon God for our forgiveness.

Many after they are saved will go off as though there is no more connection between them and God. Indeed, there is a vital connection and He desires that we walk with Him on a continuing basis.

Can we really admit that God is our strength? Can we really admit that we depend on God? Can we really admit that we are sinful beings? We are so caught up in who we are that we forget God.

John in first John lists "the pride of life" as part of the world, yet so many today are proud of who and what they are, or are proud of what they have been able to accomplish. How foolish for a man or woman to think themselves important.

Think of the greatest person that has ever lived and then consider them standing beside God. WHO IS SIGNIFICANT? WHO HAS MEANING? WHO HAS IMPORTANCE? WHO DESERVES OUR ATTENTION? WHO STANDS OUT AS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION? ONLY GOD!!

III. HIS COMMITMENT 6:8: When we have realized that in God we find our purpose, we will naturally lay ourselves open for His service wherever He wants us to labor.

I once saw a picture that was quite effective. It pictured a young man with his hand on the back of a young woman just ahead of him. The caption is, "Here am I, Send my sister. How often this is the attitude of believers. How often do we say "Here am I send by neighbor," or "my son,” or "my sister" or anyone else - anyone but me!

GOD IS INTERESTED IN EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US!! HE DESIRES THAT EACH ONE OF US PRESENT OURSELVES TO HIM FOR ORDERS!

Is this not what Romans 12:1 is speaking of? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,"

Have you presented yourself for orders before God, or have you presented your orders to God?

I have often thought about my spiritual upbringing. I was not saved until about 17, but when I accepted the Lord my mind set was immediately "Do as He wants - Serve God."

I did not have to be told about Rom. 12:1 -- I knew I should serve God to the best of my ability!

IV. HIS COMMISSION 6:9-13: His commission was to a people that would not listen to him. He was told to minister to deaf ears. How many today must feel that this is what they have been called to do.

I have talked to pastor after pastor that are in dead churches filled with believers that have no desire to know or relate to the God they were saved by.

These men are ministering to people that have "heavy ears.” They might hear the words but they never relate them to their own lives.

Indeed, anyone that witnesses of their Lord today must wonder if we aren't ministering to "heavy ears.”

The average nonbelieiver has no desire to listen to what a believer has to say. We are told to witness and minister, but God will care for the persons "heavy ears.”

I have spoken in churches on missions and wondered how the people could be so cold. I would give a strong challenge to missions and tell them of the millions on their way to hell and they would be reading the bulletin, looking out the window, or playing with their children!

Yes, American Christians have "HEAVY EARS!”

CONCLUSION:

Where are you this morning in this process which God passed Isaiah through?

Are you in the confrontation phase, are you in the confession phase, are you in the commitment phase, or are you in the commissioned phase? All of us are in one phase or another! We are all going through, or are through this sequence of events in our lives.

CONFRONTATION

If you are in this phase of your Christian life you are being confronted with almighty God in a way that can bring you to realize your worthlessness and His worthiness of your service.

I quoted a verse earlier but left out one phrase. Rom. 12:1 exhorts us to move into a sacrificial relationship with God. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE."

In light of what Christ has done, In light of what the Holy Spirit is doing, in light of what God will do, in light of eternity and it's glories --- serving him is a reasonable response!

I worked with a man in Denver years ago that shared his testimony with me one afternoon. He had a thriving business in Phoenix many years ago. God had been speaking to him about serving Him on not a full time basis, but as a layman investing his time in other believers. Wrapped up in all this was the feeling that God wanted him to sell his business and move to Denver.

He told me that he had been fighting the Lord on this for many months and really did not want to submit. He knew God wanted him to sell his business and spend more time in the local church teaching and working.

He one day found himself in the hospital facing death via pneumonia. Even then he was unwilling to submit to the Lord's clear leading in his life. Finally when he was faced with clear evidence that he was about to die, he submitted to the Lord and prayed that he would sell his business and serve the Lord as best he could.

He sold his business shortly after and moved to Denver, where I might add he had a large impact in my life.

We might also mention the apostle Paul when the Lord confronted him on the road and struck him blind.

God takes great steps to secure the services of those he desires to serve Him, especially if they are hesitant.

CONFESSION

If God has moved in your life to the point that you realize who and what you are in relation to Who and What He is, then you will naturally move into a place of confession. Confessing that you are a sinner saved by grace and that you owe your very existence to Him.

If this is your state then you will naturally move onto the next phase.

In relation to confession, if you have opportunity to read any of the Diary of David Brainard, you will know what confession is. This man knew that he was man and that God was God and that there was a wide gulf between.

I will just give you a small taste of his prayer life. "Spent this day alone in the woods, in fasting and prayer; underwent the most dreadful conflicts in my soul. I saw myself so vile that I was ready to say, 'I shall now perish by the hand of Saul.' I thought that I had no power to stand for the cause of God, but was almost afraid of the shaking of a leaf. Spent almost the whole day in prayer, incessantly. I could not bear to think of Christians showing me any respect. I almost despaired of doing any service in the world: I could not feel any hope or comfort respecting the heathen, which used to afford me some refreshment in the darkest hours of this nature. I spend the day in bitterness of soul. Near night I felt a little better; and afterward enjoyed some sweetness in secret prayer." (From the Diary of David Brainard)

COMMITMENT

Your natural reaction to realizing the previous phase as a reality is to commit yourself to His service in any way that He can use you.

This may be on the foreign field as a missionary or a support worker. This may mean as a pastor in this country or it may mean as a person doing what you are doing right now.

The important thing is that HE is the one that decides what you are going to do with your life. He may very well leave you right where you are, doing exactly what you are doing or he may send you a completely different direction. LET HIM MAKE THE CHOICE!

I had the privilege of meeting an older couple a number of years ago in Ireland. They had served the Lord in Holland, and had moved to Ireland. They had just cashed in their retirement investments which wasn't much and had purchased an old farm house. They were remodeling the house to retire in. Their home was very meager in relation to most American homes. They had a living room and kitchen on the main floor and two small bedrooms in the upstairs. They are still very active in the church planting ministry in Ireland. Retirement? Not really. They view serving God as a life time experience, not just till age 65.

COMMISSION

When you have allowed God to make the choice of your life's direction then He will direct you into that life.

It will not be a secret. It will not be something that you need to hunt and seek after for months on end. It will be information that He will be glad to give to you through prayer and the Word.

God does not commission directly today, but He certainly makes His will very clear to His people.

This story comes from the personal testimony of a young mother of five children just prior to the death of the entire family in a plane crash in Nepal. They were on their way to the field for their first term in Tibet.

She had shared of their life leading to this point in which she mentioned that God had been dealing with them concerning missions for some time.

"Two weeks later we were invited to a missions conference in a church in the city. We went and in the sermon the missionary was preaching, he was a missionary to Brazil, he was talking about all of the souls dying and going to hell because they have never heard. And the Lord said, "Tanna, I called you to the mission field, I want you to go." So, I said, "okay, Lord, I'll go. I promised when I was thirteen and I am giving my life again to you." So I pulled on Joe's coat sleeve after the service and went down during the invitation and we gave our lives to the Lord for anything. I didn't know, but in the service the Lord had dealt with Joe about China. I didn't know that and it is probably a good thing I didn't.

"The next evening Joe was sitting on the couch and I was picking up toys and he said, "I think the Lord wants us in China, Tanna." I just kind of stood there and said, "China is communist," and he said, "You said you would go anywhere." And I said, "But it's communist, Joe. We can't go to China." And he said, "Pray about it and if it's the Lord's will He will deal with you, too." All week I fought the Lord. Really, I knew China was where He wanted us, that is where He told Joe He wanted us, that is where He wanted me. But I fought the Lord, I dreamed China, I ate China, slept China, (everything they are doing in China). And I said, "Well, let's get some books from the library." So Joe went and got some books and in the books was a book on Tibet. He brought the book home, and I am not one for library books on just countries, but I just couldn't get away from that book. I read the whole thing even religion about Buddhism."

Tanna, after giving the Lord all the reasons that she couldn't go to China and God giving her reasons why she could, she followed her Lord and husband to prepare for the mission field. (p 22-23; Aug. 1996; Russian Fundamental Baptist Mission paper.)

God does not make us go, He makes us willing to go - He makes us want to go.

THIS MORNING

For those that might not know the Lord as their Savior I would encourage you to consider the claims of Christ. He said that He came to take away the sin of the world. He died for you! He was God and the only Holy perfect sacrifice that could possibly pay for your sins.

The call of the Gospel is to accept Him as YOUR sacrifice for YOUR sin before it is too late and you find yourself facing Him in judgment on your way to eternal torment.

This process of CONFRONTATION, CONFESSION, COMMITMENT AND COMMISSION is a process that God desires EVERY believer to go through.

Many have not proceeded through this process because they have not been open before the Lord to do it. God reveals Himself to each one of us and it is our response which determines whether we continue or not in the process.

Some are stuck in the confrontation phase. They have been confronted and refuse to go further.

Some are stuck in the confession phase because they do not what to admit that they are dependant upon God. This is one of the reasons that material blessing is such a detriment to the Christian life. We in America are so self sufficient we do not need God.

Some are stuck in the commitment phase. They will not give their life back to God for His service.

Some are stuck in the commission phase because they have been told what God wants them to do and they have said, "NO.” They are rebelling against what they know God wants them to do.

If you are stuck in the process, I would encourage you to get on with the step that is before you. You are the only one that can move on in the process.

If you have not been confronted with God's desire to work with you in this process, you have been today. You are now responsible to seek after God and His will for your life!

You have been confronted with God's desire for your commitment to Him so He is awaiting your response.

May we all say with Isaiah "Here am I, send me."

May we all commit ourselves to our "Reasonable Service" of giving ourselves as a living sacrifice!

Reasonable service is of interest. Reasonable is the Greek word logikos - from which we gain our term logic. In America one problem is the fact we have trouble committing to God, because we don't value logic anymore.

SERVING GOD IS OUR LOGICAL SERVICE. IT IS THE ONLY LOGICAL THING TO DO!

Service is "latreia" or service. It is translated divine service in Heb 9.1 where the Bible speaks of the old covenant or the Old Testament law which had "ordinances of divine service." It has the thought of "the service and worship of God according to the requirements" according to Thayer. Robertson mentions it as our rational service, and ties it closely to worship.

Logic is the "science dealing with the principles of valid re4asoning and argument. The study of logic is the effort to determine the conditions under which one is justified in passing from given statements, called premises, to a conclusion that is claimed to follow from them. Logical validity is a relationship between the premises and the conclusion such that if the premises are true then the conclusion is true." (From Encarta Encyclopedia by Micro Soft)

Based on the facts it is logical for us to serve God.

Not other course is logical! Are you logical today? Are you doing ALL YOU CAN TO SERVE GOD?