God's Extraordinary Work Through the Ordinary
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound message of how God chooses the ordinary to accomplish extraordinary things. Reflecting on the story of the shepherds in the Gospel of Luke, we delved into the significance of their role in the nativity narrative. These shepherds, often overlooked and undervalued by society, were chosen by God to receive the first announcement of Jesus' birth. This choice underscores a powerful truth: God values the humble and the unseen, and He often works through those whom the world might dismiss.
The shepherds' experience is a reminder that God meets us in our ordinary moments and transforms us for His purposes. Just as the angel appeared to the shepherds, bringing light into their darkness, God brings hope and transformation into our lives. This transformation is not just about changing our circumstances but about renewing our minds and aligning us with His will. It is a call to move from being mere observers to active participants in God's plan, sharing the good news of Jesus with others.
We are encouraged to embrace our roles as modern-day shepherds, recognizing that God has placed something unique within each of us. Despite our perceived ordinariness, we are called to be witnesses of His love and grace. Our faith and obedience make us credible witnesses, and like the shepherds, we are to respond to God's call with action, sharing what we have seen and heard.
As we reflect on this message, let us be reminded that God is still speaking to us today. He desires to use us, with all our imperfections, to bring His light into the world. We are invited to be available for His purposes, to let our light shine, and to glorify Him in all that we do.
Key Takeaways:
- God Values the Ordinary: God often chooses the humble and unseen to fulfill His purposes. The shepherds, considered lowly by society, were chosen to receive the first announcement of Jesus' birth, highlighting that God sees value in what the world might overlook. This reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or background, to accomplish His will. [22:40]
- Transformation Through Encounter: The shepherds' encounter with the angel brought light into their darkness, symbolizing the transformative power of God's presence. This transformation is about renewing our minds and aligning with God's will, moving us from being mere observers to active participants in His plan. [25:44]
- Faith and Obedience as Witnesses: The shepherds' faith and obedience made them credible witnesses of Jesus' birth. Our faith and obedience are crucial in making us effective witnesses for Christ, as we are called to share the good news with others. [29:54]
- God's Call to Action: Like the shepherds, we are called to respond to God's call with action. We are to be doers of the word, sharing what we have seen and heard, and being witnesses of God's love and grace in our lives. [31:13]
- Availability for God's Purposes: God desires to use us, with all our imperfections, to bring His light into the world. We are invited to be available for His purposes, to let our light shine, and to glorify Him in all that we do. [36:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:31] - Call to Praise
- [03:16] - Reflection and Thanksgiving
- [05:49] - Opening Prayer
- [07:38] - Community Welcome
- [08:58] - Introduction to the Word
- [19:46] - The Story of Silent Night
- [20:28] - Life of the Shepherds
- [21:31] - God's Choice of the Ordinary
- [22:40] - God Meets Us in the Ordinary
- [24:11] - The Midnight Shift
- [25:01] - Heaven Speaks to the Ordinary
- [25:44] - Transformation of the Ordinary
- [28:00] - Participation in God's Plan
- [29:54] - Faith and Obedience
- [31:13] - From Fear to Faith
- [32:13] - Responding to God's Call
- [36:56] - God's Use of the Ordinary
- [38:18] - Invitation to Salvation
- [39:26] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-9, 17-18
Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial reaction of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them, and how did this encounter change their actions? [25:44]
2. How does the sermon describe the societal status of the shepherds, and why is it significant that God chose them for the announcement of Jesus' birth? [21:31]
3. What role did the shepherds play after witnessing the angel's message, according to the sermon? [28:00]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might God choose to reveal significant events to ordinary people like the shepherds rather than to those in positions of power or influence? [22:40]
2. How does the transformation of the shepherds from observers to active participants reflect the transformative power of encountering God? [25:44]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith and obedience contribute to being credible witnesses for Christ? [29:54]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt ordinary or overlooked. How might God be calling you to step into a role of significance in His plan? [22:40]
2. The shepherds responded to the angel's message with action. What is one way you can actively participate in sharing the good news of Jesus in your community this week? [31:13]
3. Consider the areas of your life where you feel God is calling you to be transformed. What steps can you take to align your mind and actions with His will? [25:44]
4. How can you cultivate a spirit of availability for God's purposes, even amidst your imperfections and busy schedule? [36:56]
5. Identify a specific way you can let your light shine in your workplace or family this week. How can you glorify God through this action? [36:56]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience. What is one area in your life where you need to exercise more faith or obedience to be an effective witness for Christ? [29:54]
7. How can you encourage someone who feels ordinary or undervalued to see their potential in God's eyes? What practical steps can you take to support them in their journey? [21:31]
Devotional
Day 1: God Sees Value in the Overlooked
God often chooses those whom society deems ordinary or insignificant to fulfill His divine purposes. The story of the shepherds in the Gospel of Luke illustrates this truth. These shepherds, who were considered lowly and unimportant by the world, were the first to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth. This choice by God highlights a profound message: He values the humble and unseen, and He can use anyone, regardless of their status or background, to accomplish His will. This is a reminder that God sees potential in what the world might overlook, and He calls us to recognize the unique gifts and roles He has placed within each of us. [22:40]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking or undervaluing? How can you begin to see them through God's eyes and recognize their potential?
Day 2: Encountering God Transforms Us
The shepherds' encounter with the angel brought light into their darkness, symbolizing the transformative power of God's presence. This transformation is not merely about changing our external circumstances but about renewing our minds and aligning our hearts with God's will. When we encounter God, we are invited to move from being mere observers to active participants in His plan. This transformation calls us to embrace our roles as modern-day shepherds, sharing the good news of Jesus with others and allowing His light to shine through us. [25:44]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's transformative power? How can you open yourself to His renewing presence today?
Day 3: Faith and Obedience as Witnesses
The shepherds' faith and obedience made them credible witnesses of Jesus' birth. Their willingness to act on the angel's message and share what they had seen and heard is a powerful example for us. Our faith and obedience are crucial in making us effective witnesses for Christ. We are called to share the good news with others, not just through our words but through our actions and the way we live our lives. As we respond to God's call, we become vessels of His love and grace, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. [29:54]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your faith and obedience in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to be a witness for Christ today?
Day 4: Responding to God's Call with Action
Like the shepherds, we are called to respond to God's call with action. It is not enough to simply hear God's word; we must also be doers of the word, sharing what we have seen and heard. This involves stepping out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging. God invites us to be active participants in His plan, using our unique gifts and experiences to bring His light into the world. As we respond to His call, we become witnesses of His love and grace, impacting the lives of those around us. [31:13]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can respond to God's call in your life today? How can you let your light shine in your community?
Day 5: Availability for God's Purposes
God desires to use us, with all our imperfections, to bring His light into the world. He invites us to be available for His purposes, to let our light shine, and to glorify Him in all that we do. This requires a willingness to be used by God, even when we feel inadequate or unworthy. As we make ourselves available to Him, we become vessels of His love and grace, impacting the world around us in ways we may never fully understand. God is still speaking to us today, and He longs to use us to accomplish His divine purposes. [36:56]
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
Reflection: Are you available for God's purposes in your life? What steps can you take to make yourself more open and willing to be used by Him?
Quotes
"Isn't God amazing? When folks have counted you out and scratch your name off the list and move your folder to another department, God comes through and God has chosen you and I to be witnesses." [00:20:49] (16 seconds)
"Like those shepherds, we too can go from fear to faith. We can go from routine to revelation. Ordinary becomes extraordinary. From watchers to witnesses. They moved." [00:31:13] (17 seconds)
"They didn't just take it in, but they told somebody about the goodness of Jesus. Isn't that amazing today?" [00:31:24] (5 seconds)
"Yes, you with your ordinary self you who didn't think you could be used you who has something to say to someone and just the voice that God wants to use." [00:32:23] (10 seconds)
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