Here Am I; Send Somebody Else
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read Isa. 6:1-8.
2. Verse 8 is the essence of all faithful service to God.
3. Reality demands, however, that we look at our more frequent response Here am I; send somebody else!
4. A hero of faith at one point in his life manifested this attitude.
5. Consider what we can learn from Moses attempts to shirk personal responsibility (Exo. 3-4):
DISCUSSION:
I. Who Am I That I Should Go (3:11)?
A. Several reasons for Moses to go:
1. The need for Israels deliverance (vv. 7-9).
2. God said to go (v. 10).
3. God selected Moses (v. 10).
4. Moses uniquely prepared to go:
a. His Israelite heritage (2:9-10,11).
b. His familiarity with Egypt (2:10; cf. Acts 7:21-22).
5. He wasnt the last to be so uniquely prepared (cf. Esth. 4:13).
B. Applications for us teaching the lost, provoking responses in others, bringing Christian to maturity (Mt. 28:18-20).
II. What Shall I Tell Them (3:13)?
A. Gods answer (vv. 14-22).
B. God has fully equipped us:
1. To speak (Jn. 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:12,16).
2. To do (2 Tim. 3:17; 2 Pet. 1:3).
C. Fathers answer to sons legitimate questions as he was struggling to grow in faith and convictions in teaching his friends Just tell the what the Bible says!
III. Suppose They Will Not Listen/Believe Me (4:1)?
A. Confirmation from God for Moses and Israel (vv. 2-9).
B. Never quit doing what we must do:
1. Noah (Gen. 6:3; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5).
2. Isaiah (Isa. 6:9ff).
C. Secret to success never quit (Josh. 1:1-9).
IV. I Am Not Eloquent (4:10):
A. Communicate truth with eloquence desirable, useful (cf. Acts 18:24); possessed by only a few.
B. Rest of us struggle to do the best we can!
C. Interesting statement by Moses in light of:
1. Background in Egypt (Acts 7:22).
2. Songs of Moses (Exo. 15; Deut. 32).
D. Reliance on human ability/ingenuity still lives!
E. Our weakness is opportunity for Gods power (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
V. Please Send Somebody Else (4:13):
A. Previous are excuses; now we see reason unwillingness (cf. Lk. 14:16-24).
B. God will exalt and use those who obey Him (Esth. 4:13).
C. Gods response (vv. 14-17).
1. Moses not released from his task.
2. We are not released from our responsibilities of Christian living.
CONCLUSION:
1. God accepts legitimate reasons, not flimsy excuses.
2. Here am I; send me or Here am I; send somebody else.
3. Which best describes our attitude and work in Gods kingdom?
Return to the Sermon Outlines page