READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l This TRAC Sunday, Rev Alvin Chan from Trinity Methodist Church brings us the Word of God concerning discipleship in the marketplace. As we reflect on our spiritual transformation into witnesses for Jesus, we observe how the Prophet Isaiah received his call to represent God to the nations. Being God’s representatives requires more than just willingness and surrender. If we only rely on our willpower and strength, we will be exhausted, or else go astray doing life our own way as our sinful nature directs. Today’s Scripture text teaches us the centrality of God’s holiness to empower us for ministry.
Discipleship in the marketplace must be driven by the clarity of Who is calling us. (v8)
We do good works because it is God’s mandate. Isaiah responded emphatically with, “Here I am! Send me” because he knew the God who called him. Likewise, Jesus our High Priest sends us to represent Him to the world (John 17:18, John 20:21).
When we do good works, we must always be mindful of Who we are representing. We cannot do it by our own strength and understanding. We must continually behold Jesus, and thereby be transformed like Him. We must never neglect seeking God and fixing our eyes on Him.
Discipleship in the marketplace must be fuelled by an accurate picture of who God is. (v1-4)
A key theme in the book of Isaiah is God’s holiness. Isaiah saw the holiness of God on His Throne (v1). God was attended by the Seraphim (v2), who continually worshipped His Holiness (v3). The smoke which filled the temple (v4) represents God’s Holy presence and approval of the place. Later in Isaiah 55:8-9, we read that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. We perceive that God is unique, creative, life-giving, wise, and loving, with a special and good redemptive purpose for all that He does.
As Jesus’ followers, we are called to be set apart from mainstream culture. God often wants us to do something countercultural, which goes against conventional human wisdom (Jeremiah 29:4-9). Therefore, we must keep in step with God to fuel our ministry. We encounter God through prayer, the Word, and small groups.
If we do not look to God, we will do things by our own strength and wisdom. When the work becomes tiring and we don’t see results, we easily feel discouraged. Then we may prefer our own way to God’s way, and our purpose diverges from God’s purpose. The only way to discern what God desires is to humbly keep close to Him.
Discipleship in the marketplace must be sustained by a divine anointing. (v5-7)
Isaiah recognised the full extent of his sin and despaired (v5). Compared to the perfection of God’s goodness, Isaiah felt undeserving, helpless, limited, and unprepared for his call. In a posture of surrender, Isaiah humbly confessed his weakness. God immediately sent the remedy through the burning coal (v6-7). It symbolises the removal of guilt through the forgiveness of sin. The assurance of pardon allows Isaiah to become like God through humble dependence and obedience. This atonement reminds us of the work of Christ: while we were yet sinners, Jesus was already willing and ready to forgive and cleanse us!
Holiness is needed in ministry. As ambassadors of God, we are called to take God’s perspective and act like He would. We are called to pursue peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14). We are called to have clean hands and a pure heart, to not lift up our souls to what is false, and to seek God’s face (Psalm 24:3-6). How can we do this? Only when we humbly recognise our need for God, and the importance of doing life in God’s way. Then only do we humbly trust Him with all our might and experience His provision of strength and wisdom for our work.
(Sermon notes by Bryan Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How does understanding God’s majesty influence our approach to ministry?
- What can we learn from Isaiah’s reaction when he realized his sinfulness in the presence of God? What can we learn about God through His response?
- How might we seek a deeper encounter with God in our daily life?
