Sermon Outline: “Divine Calling: Embraced and Empowered”
Focal Passage: Jeremiah 1:1-12
Focus Scripture:Psalm 119:16 – Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
I. Introduction
- A. Explanation of Jeremiah 1:1-12 Context (see Jeremiah Cliff Notes)
- B. The Significance of Divine Calling
- C. Relating to Modern-Day Challenges and Callings
II. The Divine Consecration (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
- Jeremiah 1:4-5 NIV: The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.“
A. Preordained Purpose
- 1. Psalm 139:13-16 – God’s intimate involvement in our formation.
B. Chosen by God
- 1. Ephesians 1:4 – Chosen before the foundation of the world.
C. Set Apart
- 1. 1 Peter 2:9 – Royal priesthood and holy nation.
III. The Human Hesitation (Jeremiah 1:6)
- Jeremiah 1:6 NIV: “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
A. Feeling of Inadequacy
- 1. Exodus 4:10 – Moses’ hesitance and feeling of inadequacy.
B. God’s Reassurance
- 1. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – God’s grace is sufficient; His power is made perfect in weakness.
C. The Response to Divine Calling
- 1. Isaiah 6:8 – Isaiah’s willingness to be sent by God.
IV. The Divine Empowerment (Jeremiah 1:7-10)
- Jeremiah 1:7-10 NIV: But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
A. God’s Command and Commission
- 1. Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission to the disciples.
B. God’s Promise of Presence
- 1. Deuteronomy 31:6 – God’s promise to never leave nor forsake us.
C. The Equipper and The Equipped
- 1. Ephesians 2:10 – Created for good works which God prepared beforehand.
V. The Vision and Confirmation (Jeremiah 1:11-12)
- Jeremiah 1:11-12 NIV: The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”
A. The Almond Branch: Promptness of God’s Word
- 1. Numbers 17:8 – Aaron’s rod budding as a sign.
B. God’s Watchfulness to Perform His Word
- 1. Isaiah 55:11 – God’s word accomplishing what He desires.
C. Confirmation for Assurance
- 1. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – God confirming and anointing us.
VI. Application
A. Embracing God’s Call
- Recognizing and accepting our divine calling irrespective of our perceived inadequacies.
B. Living Empowered Lives
- Relying on God’s empowerment to live out our calling.
C. Faithfulness to God’s Call
- Remaining steadfast and obedient to God’s direction and guidance.