The Vision of Glory: God's Call and Our Response

Bible Passage: Isaiah 6:1–8, Psalm 73, Romans 11:33–36, John 3:1–15

Summary: In these passages, we discover a transformative vision of God's glory, the struggles of faith in a seemingly unjust world, and the depth of His wisdom and mercy revealed through Jesus Christ.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to embrace their calling from God while navigating the complexities of life, reminding them of God's perfect wisdom and mercy. It speaks to the struggles they face with faith, understanding that their responses to God's call can lead to spiritual growth and deeper relationship with Him.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that a genuine encounter with God's holiness and glory leads to a profound awareness of our need for grace, the reality of our sin, and the joy of our redemption through Christ. It highlights the importance of responding to God's invitation with obedience and faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: Through these scriptures, we see Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's glory, the source of our redemption, and the One who invites us into a transformative relationship. His sacrificial love mirrors the call and cleansing seen in Isaiah and the hope expressed in the Psalms.

Big Idea: Encountering God's glory leads to a transformative response of faith and obedience, anchored in the redemptive work of Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the cultural and historical context of Isaiah’s vision in chapter 6 to understand the significance of his calling. Look at the textual nuances in the Septuagint translation and how they enhance the themes of glory and calling. Additionally, explore commentaries on Psalm 73 to unpack Asaph's struggle and resolution, and examine Romans 11 for insights on God's wisdom in His plans. Utilizing Logos can streamline this research with access to relevant commentaries and critical texts.

1. Vision of Divine Majesty

Isaiah 6:1-4

Perhaps you could focus on Isaiah's vision of God's immense glory and holiness in the throne room, emphasizing the majesty of God and how this revelation brings awareness of His supreme divine nature. Highlight that such encounters with God's holiness compel us to acknowledge our own inadequacy and sin. This can inspire reflection on how we can perceive God's glory in our lives today. Acknowledge Christ as the ultimate demonstration of this glory—inviting both humility and reverence.

2. Awakening to Grace and Call

Isaiah 6:5-8

You could draw attention to Isaiah's immediate reaction to God's holiness—his acknowledgment of sin and unworthiness, followed by divine redemption and commissioning. Emphasize the transformative power of God's grace, where guilt is removed, leading to renewed purpose. Encourage listeners to recognize Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate cleansing agent, prompting us to respond with willingness to serve, just as Isaiah answered God's call.

3. Wrestling with Doubt and Injustice

Psalm 73:1-14

Maybe explore the Psalmist's struggle with the seeming prosperity of the wicked and the initial faltering of faith. Contrast this doubt with the broader understanding of God's justice and sovereignty. Encourage reflection on personal struggles with injustice, reminding that Christ’s journey and His ultimate victory provide the assurance of God's righteous plan. Trust in His wisdom despite the world's apparent disparities.

4. Gaining God's Perspective

Psalm 73:15-28

You could focus on the turning point where the Psalmist enters God's sanctuary and gains eternal perspective, leading to renewed trust and assurance in God’s presence and provision. Highlight the climax of trust realized through Christ, who affirms that God is our ultimate refuge. Inspire a shift from doubt to peace through deepening faith and reliance on God's eternal wisdom.

5. Majesty of God's Wisdom

Romans 11:33-36

Perhaps examine the profound doxology that reflects on God's unsearchable wisdom and knowledge, compelling awe and worship. Encourage listeners to marvel at Christ's embodiment of God's ways—unfathomable yet trustworthy. Teach that reflecting on God's greatness as revealed in Christ offers comfort and keeps us anchored in faith, despite life’s mysteries.

6. New Life in Christ’s Glory

John 3:1-15

You could emphasize Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus on the necessity of being born again to enter God's kingdom, relating it to the revelations in earlier texts. Highlight Christ's role as the ultimate revelation of God's glory and His call to new life through faith in Him. Encourage a personal evaluation of spiritual rebirth and commitment to Christ's call of transformation.