SITUATION DOES NOT DICTATE SERVICE
- Key Verse
- Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk And so I direct in all the churches . . . Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called. (1 Corinthians 7:17, 24 NASB)
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Central Truth
I have heard many God-glorifying stories about people quitting their lives and joining seminary. Does this have to be me? Does God need me to go to seminary? What is a layman? Do I need to be an expert in religion?
Reflections
We hear great sermons that touch our heart, change our lives, and convict our spirits. I have on many occasions wished I could be "up there".
"as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk." (1 Corinthians 7:17)
I have not had any formal training in religion, although some would question my ability to even write a Journey devotional. What certifications do you have? Maybe I should get formal training to be able to serve God.
I have sometimes been fooled into thinking it is a problem that I have no formal training or certification to serve. The disciples had no formal training or certification from the church. So how did they teach and serve? (Look up Peter's confession - Matthew 16:13-20). Where did they get their training? What authority gave them the right to disciple?
This is all they had: they spent time with Christ (the Word of God made man), they were given the Holy Spirit, and they got up and "walked across the room" (cf. Gary's sermon series summer 2008). What do I have? I have time with the Word of God (The Bible), I am given the Holy Spirit, and I walked across the room and got on the computer. Sounds easy enough? Not this time. I am actually writing this Journey only a couple of days before it is to be published. I was fooled for the millionth time (and not the last) that because I have not been "perfect" in my walk with God that I can't write this, I can't witness, I can't serve.
"Remain With God" (1 Corinthians 7:24). I am. And there is my certification. I don't teach, I am just writing what I have been taught.
I think that is called a testimony: an open acknowledgment, a public profession of religious experience (Webster). We are asked to give testimony in the way we serve and live.
Discussion Questions
1. Did our testimony stop with Baptism?2. What has the Word of God taught you lately? Is it small and insignificant? Is it a testimony?
3. Can you share this testimony in your condition?
4. What condition do you think you need to be in to share your continuing testimony?
5. What condition does God need you to be in to share your continuing testimony?
6. My continuing testimony does not have to be big. I could give testimony of how God gave me the strength to take one step of growth. Remember this is a life-long journey, one step at a time. It is one day at a time.
7. With whom will you share your continuing testimony?
Jon
May 5, 2010 07:47 AM
What a great writing. Your transparency and candor touched me. Like you, I too sometimes limit Gods work through me by disqualifieing myself I am really "playing" God at that point. But when, like you just did, just share my experience and thoughts (which probably are not even mine) and not worry about the grade someone else gives me God is almost always glorified. Way to go brother
Jo Ann
May 5, 2010 09:53 AM
What a beautiful testimony. It spoke directly to my heart. Thank you.
jgarellano
May 5, 2010 09:53 AM
Adam, Thank you for your testimony. I loved the way you qualified yourself for ministry. It should qualify every believer. jga
Gary Brandenburg
May 5, 2010 12:04 PM
I love it Adam! Give me a man with an open Bible, filled with the Spirit, willing to walk across the room and we can change the world!
David
May 5, 2010 06:43 PM
That's what I'm talking about! I really appriciate your honesty. All we have to do is be willing and available. Let God do the rest. Your devo really touched me. Thanks Man!