Jeremiah 18:1
God is the Potter who shapes us into vessels that express His mind and character through trials, circumstances, and our submission to Him.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the metaphor of God as the potter and believers as the clay, illustrating God's absolute power and interest in shaping our lives. He discusses how God molds us through trials and circumstances, urging us to remain pliable and receptive to His will. The sermon highlights the importance of yielding to God's design, as our potential is realized through His skilled hands. Smith reassures that even when we are marred, God can create us anew, transforming our worthlessness into vessels of beauty and value. Ultimately, he calls for submission to the potter's touch to understand His purpose for us.
Text
"THE POTTERS HOUSE"
I. THE POTTER - GOD.
A. The absolute power over the clay.
1. He can make any type vessel He pleases.
2. The destiny of the clay is in His hand.
3. What are the determining factors?
a. Need.
b. Pliability of clay.
B. His intense interest in the clay.
1. As He works with the clay He breaks down the hard lumps.
2. He is seeking a certain pliability.
3. He wants that clay to become an expression of His mind.
a. Eph.2 - "We are His workmanship (Poema.."
C. His patience with the clay - "the clay was marred".
1. God desires to lift you to the highest level.
a. If you refuse - "clay is marred"... "He will make again another
vessel." He will do as good for you as you allow.
II. THE WHEEL - "CIRCUMSTANCES OF MY LIFE."
A. How does God mold and shape us?
1. By trials.
2. By chastenings.
3. By circumstances.
B. Remember, the wheel is controlled by the potter.
1. It is necessary in shaping the vessel.
2. To complain against your circumstances, is to complain against God.
a. The children of Israel murmuring.
3. To be disappointed is to have unbelief in His Word.
a. "And we know that 'all things'..."
III. THE CLAY - ISRAEL - ME.
A. The worthlessness.
1. One of the most plentiful substances on earth.
2. In raw state practically of no value.
B. The drabness - ugly shapeless mass.
C. The potential.
1. With the potters touch - transformed into a beautiful vessel.
2. By potters skill - vessel of priceless value. "The touch of the masters
hand."
D. How can I know what is in the mind of the potter?
1. Yield - submit.
One of the final mentions of the potter in the scriptures is when Judas returned the 30 pieces
of sliver to the High Priest.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Potter - God - The Potter's Power and Interest - The Potter's Patience
- II points: - The Wheel - Circumstances of My Life - The Potter's Control
- III points: - The Clay - Israel - Me - The Worthlessness of the Clay - The Potential of the Clay
Key Quotes
“He can make any type vessel He pleases.” — Chuck Smith
“We are His workmanship (Poema...)” — Chuck Smith
“The touch of the masters hand.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should submit to God's will and allow Him to shape us into vessels that express His mind and character.
- We should not complain against our circumstances, but rather see them as opportunities for growth and transformation.
- We should yield to God's patience and trust that He desires to lift us to the highest level.