Here I Am, Send Me | Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon explores Isaiah 6:1-8, focusing on Isaiah’s transformative vision of God and the essential elements of maintaining a high view of God. The pastor emphasizes that our view of God is everything – without a proper understanding of who God is, we cannot see anything else in life correctly. The message examines three crucial aspects of God’s character revealed in Isaiah’s vision: God’s sovereignty (He is eternal, transcendent, and majestic), God’s holiness (demonstrated through the seraphim’s posture and praise), and God’s grace (shown through the cleansing of Isaiah’s lips and his subsequent call to service). The sermon concludes with Isaiah’s willing response to God’s call, demonstrating how a proper encounter with God’s character leads to surrendered service.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You are high and lifted up, sovereign over all creation. As we gather to study Your Word and discuss what You want to teach us through Isaiah’s vision, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us today. Help us to see You as You truly are – sovereign, holy, and gracious. Remove any distractions or preconceptions that might hinder us from encountering You in a fresh way. We pray that our view of You would be transformed and that we would leave this time with a deeper understanding of Your character and a greater desire to serve You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is the most impressive or awe-inspiring sight you have ever witnessed in person, and how did it make you feel?
Key Verses
- Isaiah 6:1-8
- Jeremiah 9:23-24
- John 4:24
- 1 Timothy 6:16
- Philippians 2:9-11
- Psalm 46:10
Questions
- Isaiah saw this vision ‘in the year that King Uzziah died.’ Why do you think the timing of this vision was significant, and how might difficult circumstances in our lives create opportunities for us to see God more clearly?
- The seraphim covered their faces and feet in God’s presence, even though they were holy beings. What does this teach us about approaching God, and how should this affect our attitude in worship?
- The angels sang ‘Holy, holy, holy’ – the only attribute of God mentioned three times in Scripture. Why do you think God’s holiness is emphasized so strongly, and how does this compare to how we typically think about God today?
- Isaiah’s immediate response to seeing God was ‘Woe is me, for I am lost.’ Why is recognizing our sinfulness essential before we can truly understand God’s grace?
- The cleansing of Isaiah’s lips was both gracious and painful (a burning coal). What does this teach us about the nature of repentance and spiritual transformation?
- Isaiah volunteered for service without knowing the details of his assignment. What prevents us from having this same attitude of availability to God’s calling?
- The sermon states that ‘your view of God is everything.’ How does having a low view of God affect other areas of our lives, relationships, and decision-making?
- The angels declared that ‘the whole earth is filled with his glory’ despite all the evil we see in the world. How can we maintain this perspective when we’re surrounded by darkness and difficulty?
Life Application
This week, spend time each day reflecting on one aspect of God’s character (sovereignty, holiness, or grace) and ask yourself: ‘How does this truth about God change how I should approach this day?’ When you face challenges, decisions, or opportunities to serve, remember Isaiah’s response: ‘Here am I, send me.’ Look for one specific way you can make yourself available to God’s calling this week, whether it’s serving someone in need, sharing the gospel, or stepping out in faith in an area where God has been prompting you.
Key Takeaways
- Your view of God is everything – without a proper understanding of who God is, you cannot see anything else in life correctly
- God is sovereign – He is eternal, transcendent, and majestic, sitting on His throne high and lifted up with ultimate authority over all creation
- God is holy – His holiness is His defining attribute, so pure and perfect that even the angels must cover themselves in His presence
- God is gracious – Despite our sin and unworthiness, He provides cleansing and forgiveness through the atoning work of Jesus Christ
- A true encounter with God’s character leads to willing surrender and availability for His service, regardless of the cost or assignment
Ending Prayer
Lord God, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word today. Like Isaiah, we have been reminded of Your awesome sovereignty, Your perfect holiness, and Your amazing grace. We confess that too often our view of You has been too small, and we ask for forgiveness for the times we have approached You casually or taken Your grace for granted. Help us to carry this vision of who You are into our daily lives this week. When we face trials, remind us that You are sovereign and in control. When we are tempted to sin, help us remember Your holiness. When we feel condemned or discouraged, help us rest in Your grace. And like Isaiah, may our response to Your character be one of willing surrender and availability. Use us for Your glory, wherever and however You see fit. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.