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The People God Use
Song: 1. Here am I, here am I, use me (2x) 2. Lord I want to be like Jesus inner my heart (x2) Introduction “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:20). “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” (Hebrews 2:4). This message is meant for those who want to the extra mile with the Lord, committed, dedicated and zealous people. See Enoch who was taken straight into heaven without returning to dust, he was not an ordinary man. Jonah an ordinary prophet, but Isaiah was extra-ordinary. Also Daniel who was though not the only Jew on exile, but he was extra-ordinary. “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” (Daniel 1:8). Abraham God’s friend, of which God could not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah without Abraham’s consent: Abraham Pleads for Sodom 16 When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. 17 Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." (Genesis 18:16-19). In our time too – Marin Luther, John Wesley etc. The man or woman God uses beyond his gifts and generation, nothing gets done whether in the Church or secular society without using people, it has to by people. The attributes (qualities) and characteristics of the person God uses Who are these people? What happens to these people? What are the various events in the lives? 1. They are called Moses, Joshua, David, Jesus, Aaron, Paul … were all called, so you must be called. “No one takes this honour upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.” (Hebrews 5:4). You can recognise God’s call by (i) Internally led, (ii) opportunity, (iii) door wide open, (iv) uneasiness “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:16). 2. They are cleansed These people receive special and different/unique cleansing from the general cleansing that every child of God receives. “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3). “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.” (Ezekiel 36:25). There are certain things that God regards in the lives of these people as sin and not in the lives of ordinary Church member by and large. “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” (Psalm 19:12). “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1). 3. They are cut, pruned and cultivated “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2). God continually disciplines you in all aspect: diet and dressing. Some Christians are like candle light and others light from the star, though both are useful, but the later is/are more useful. 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:7-11). “But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48). 4. They cleave unto the Lord All days and every time; in joy or in sorrow. You can hardly tell when they are in sorrow or in joy. They always remain consistent! "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5-6). The God of All Comfort 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13). 5. They are consecrated and sanctified They resist temptation and self-controlled. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7). 6. They are crucified They tolerate all things, never demoralise by side comments (gossips). “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14). 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' " 12When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." (Acts 21:10-14). 7. They are clothed with humility and power The secret of greatness is humility. But those who parade themselves or self-advertisement of wisdom are the worst part of egotism. People like that are never great but mere empty barrel. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49). “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20). Some are proud and arrogant of their ministries/gifts : healing, preaching, teaching, singing etc: “Because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Pride is an abomination before the Lord: 16 There are six things the LORD hates, 17 haughty eyes, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, 19 a false witness who pours out lies 8. They are willing to serve They are not tricky; complaining, not playing an eye-service, not lazy. "A curse on him who is lax in doing the LORD's work! A curse on him who keeps his sword from bloodshed!” (Jeremiah 48:10). “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24). “Do everything without complaining or arguing,” (Philippians 2:14). 9. They are people of vision and foresight They have a clear-cut picture of what they want to do and where they are going. They are ambitious, zealous and open to learn new things. They want to experience God the more. “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). 1 O God, you are my God, 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary 3 Because your love is better than life, 4 I will praise you as long as I live, 5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; 6 On my bed I remember you; 7 Because you are my help, 8 My soul clings to you; “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:10). A reflection on these men: Moses i. Through him God preserved a generation. He trained other leaders in Israel to take over after him by writing Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Giving instructions on how to live. Small wonder, God told Joshua, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8). God was literally saying, ‘study the book of Moses.’ ii. Divine revelation was recorded. His life and example were shinning like a bright star “For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.” (Deuteronomy 34:12). St. Paul i. The Church was preserved because of him, e.g. building the Gentile Church (which we are part of), wrote 14 books and also trained Luke wrote both the gospel of Luke and the Acts. So indirectly, St. Paul wrote 16 books. He trained Titus and Timothy. ii. Divine revelation was recorded and transmitted to other generations. In Christianity, a tree can make a forest! And yes you can!
God bless you. Evang. John B. Oseh |