Joshua McGuire | Becoming an Appraiser | Austin CFC | 2021-09-19
Summary
The speaker draws an analogy between professional appraisal, which requires adherence to strict standards (like using 'us pap'), and spiritual life. He argues that just as a home appraisal is worthless without following established rules, our understanding of God's will or truth is invalid if it does not align with scripture. The central message is derived from 1 Corinthians 2:15, suggesting that only the Spirit-filled person can truly appraise all things.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Working as a state regulatorJoshua shares his background working in the standards and enforcement division for the Texas appraiser licensing board, where his job was to ensure home appraisers strictly followed guidelines.
What does it mean to appraise?To appraise means to put an opinion of value on something, just like a jewelry appraiser determines the monetary worth of a family heirloom.
The importance of following the rulebookAppraisers must follow a thick rulebook called USPAP; if they fail to follow the rules, their opinion of value becomes completely worthless.
The spiritual person appraises all thingsA person who is spiritual and filled with the Holy Spirit appraises all things, yet they themselves are appraised by no one.
Finding our true worth in God aloneRather than measuring our worth through social media likes, career success, or human opinions, a spiritual person finds their true worth solely in the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Considering the liliesJesus points us to flowers like lilies in creation, reminding us that if God clothes temporary flowers with beauty, He will certainly clothe and take care of us.
Considering the birdsJesus tells us to look at the birds of the air, which do not work a standard job yet are fed by their heavenly father, proving we are worth much more than sparrows.
Appraising our timeA spiritual person learns to appraise time correctly, asking the Lord how to manage finite hours for eternal purposes rather than just keeping busy.
Counting worldly accomplishments as lossPaul concluded that everything he accomplished in his career and life is like garbage compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.
Appraising our strugglesWe learn to evaluate the trials and adversity of life as light and momentary afflictions that produce an eternal weight of glory.
Valuing the churchJust as Paul considered his earthly life of no account compared to ministry, we must value our brothers and sisters in the church because they were purchased with the blood of Christ.
Seeking wisdom over social media validationA brother shares how being convicted about social media validation highlights the contrast between seeking temporary thumbs-up and gaining true wisdom from God.
Learning from the Master AppraiserAnother brother reflects that just like an apprentice learns an appraisal trade from an expert mentor, we must spend time with the Master Appraiser to learn His values.
Having our hearts changed by the Holy SpiritA final speaker notes that true transformation and a godly value system begin in the heart, where the Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God.
