God's Surprising Choices: Embracing the Unexpected
Summary
In his sermon titled "Spirit of Christmas: Surprising Selections," Pastor Tim Bond explores the theme of God's unexpected choices throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Jesus' birth and ministry. He begins by discussing how God often chooses the foolish, weak, and lowly things of the world to shame the wise and strong, as stated in 1 Corinthians. This is exemplified in God's decision to include ordinary individuals in His divine plan, a choice that should inspire reflection and gratitude among believers.
Pastor Bond then contrasts the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth with His divine nature, as described in Colossians. Jesus, the creator of all, was born in a manger rather than a palace, and the good news of His birth was first announced to shepherds, individuals on the fringes of society. This pattern of God choosing the least and the last continues throughout Jesus' life, as He calls disciples who were slow to understand, as well as outcasts, prostitutes, and tax collectors.
The pastor expresses gratitude for God's inclusion of flawed individuals in His Kingdom purpose, reminding the congregation that even those who feel unqualified are part of God's plan. He encourages the congregation to celebrate this through song, acknowledging the transformative power of Jesus' birth.
The sermon also delves into the surprising selections made by God in the story of Jesus' birth, such as choosing Mary, a young girl from an obscure town, and the three kings, who were outsiders. Pastor Bond questions why God would choose seemingly insignificant individuals for such pivotal roles in the redemption narrative.
Finally, Pastor Bond engages the congregation with a light-hearted game, asking them to choose football players and singers for hypothetical teams and bands. This interactive element serves as a prelude to a discussion about selection and preference, setting the stage for the deeper theological insights that follow.
Key Takeaways:
- God's preference for choosing the unexpected and overlooked is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. This divine pattern is meant to challenge our human expectations and remind us that God's wisdom and strength are made perfect in weakness. The Christmas story, with its humble beginnings, serves as a powerful example of this principle, encouraging believers to find strength in their own perceived inadequacies. [51:44]
- The announcement of Jesus' birth to shepherds, rather than to the societal elite, underscores the universal nature of the Gospel. It demonstrates that God's message of salvation is not bound by social status or importance but is intended for all people, everywhere. This inclusive approach to the divine message is a call for Christians to embrace and share the Gospel with every segment of society. [49:22]
- The inclusion of flawed and seemingly unqualified individuals in God's redemptive plan offers hope and reassurance to all believers. It is a testament to God's grace and the transformative power of His love, which can work through anyone's life, regardless of their past or present imperfections. This aspect of God's character invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that we are all chosen and valued. [54:58]
- The Incarnation, God becoming flesh, is perhaps the most profound example of God's surprising selections. This act of humility and solidarity with humanity reveals the depth of God's love and His willingness to enter into the human experience. The Incarnation challenges believers to consider the ways in which God might be calling them to embody His presence in the world. [45:53]
- The interactive elements of the sermon, such as the selection games, serve as a metaphor for the choices we make in life and how they reflect our values and priorities. As Christians, we are called to align our choices with God's surprising selections, valuing the things He values and seeking to understand His perspective. This alignment can lead to a life that is more in tune with God's Kingdom purposes. [42:49]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NIV)
> "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
2. Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)
> "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
3. Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
> "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, what types of people and things does God choose to use, and why?
2. How does Colossians 1:15-17 describe Jesus' nature and role in creation?
3. In Luke 2:10-11, to whom is the good news of Jesus' birth first announced, and what is the significance of this choice? [49:22]
4. What are some examples of surprising selections made by God in the story of Jesus' birth mentioned in the sermon? [44:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God choose the "foolish" and "weak" things of the world to accomplish His purposes, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29? How does this challenge our human expectations? [51:44]
2. How does the humble birth of Jesus, as described in Colossians 1:15-17 and Luke 2:10-11, reflect God's approach to revealing His message to humanity? [47:56]
3. What does the inclusion of shepherds and other marginalized individuals in the announcement of Jesus' birth tell us about the nature of the Gospel? [49:22]
4. How does the concept of God choosing flawed and seemingly unqualified individuals for His purposes provide hope and reassurance to believers today? [54:11]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified or overlooked. How does knowing that God often chooses the unexpected and overlooked encourage you in your current situation? [54:11]
2. The sermon mentioned that the good news of Jesus' birth was first announced to shepherds, who were on the fringes of society. How can you share the Gospel with those who might feel marginalized or unimportant in your community? [49:22]
3. Pastor Bond highlighted the surprising selection of Mary, a young girl from an obscure town, to be the mother of Jesus. How can you embrace and celebrate the unique roles God has given you, even if they seem insignificant? [46:33]
4. Considering the Incarnation, where God became flesh and dwelt among us, how can you embody God's presence in your daily interactions with others? [47:14]
5. The sermon included an interactive game about making selections. Reflect on your own choices in life. How can you align your values and priorities with God's surprising selections? [42:49]
6. Pastor Bond mentioned that God chose flawed individuals like the disciples, outcasts, and tax collectors. How can you extend grace and inclusion to those who might feel unworthy or excluded in your church or community? [50:59]
7. The sermon concluded with a reminder that God has chosen each of us for His Kingdom purpose. What specific steps can you take this week to walk confidently in the knowledge that you are chosen and valued by God? [54:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Contrasts
God's choices often defy human expectations, selecting the humble to display His glory. This divine contrast is vividly portrayed in the Christmas story, where the mighty King of Kings is born in a lowly manger, reminding us that God's ways are not our ways. The world may value power and prestige, but God cherishes humility and faithfulness. [51:44]
1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, focusing less on outward appearances and more on inner character?
Day 2: Gospel Without Borders
The Gospel transcends social boundaries, reaching out to all, regardless of status. The shepherds, a group often marginalized in society, were among the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth, illustrating that God's message of hope is for everyone. This inclusive nature of the Gospel calls believers to share God's love without prejudice or discrimination. [49:22]
James 2:1-4 - "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
Reflection: Is there someone you know who might feel excluded or marginalized that you can reach out to with the love of Christ today?
Day 3: Chosen Imperfections
God's redemptive plan includes imperfect people, offering hope to all. The biblical narrative is filled with flawed individuals who God used for His purposes, demonstrating that our weaknesses do not disqualify us from His calling. This truth reassures us that we are valued and can be vessels of His grace, regardless of our past. [54:58]
2 Corinthians 4:7 - "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
Reflection: What perceived imperfection in your life can you offer to God, trusting that He can use it for His glory?
Day 4: Incarnation's Humble Lesson
The Incarnation teaches us about God's solidarity with humanity. God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ is a profound demonstration of His love and humility. This act invites us to consider how we might live out God's presence in our own lives, embodying His love and compassion to those around us. [45:53]
Philippians 2:5-7 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Reflection: How can you follow Christ's example of humility and service in your interactions with others today?
Day 5: Aligning with God's Choices
Our choices reflect our values and priorities. The interactive elements of the sermon remind us that our daily selections should mirror God's own surprising choices. By valuing what God values, we align ourselves with His Kingdom purposes, leading to a life that is more fulfilling and impactful. [42:49]
1 Samuel 2:8 - "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world."
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that aligns with God's values, and how can you implement it in your life?
Quotes
"God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise... God chose the weak things of this world to shame the strong." This reminds us that God's ways are not our ways, and His wisdom far exceeds our understanding. [51:44] (Download)
"One of the most surprising selections of all that God makes is to choose you to choose me to be part of his plan... the god of the universe intimately involved and interested in my decisions and my thinking." This highlights the personal nature of God's relationship with us. [52:33] (Download)
"Not one promise from God is empty of power; nothing is impossible with God." A powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the certainty of His promises. [53:31] (Download)
"Thank you so much for the surprising selections that we see in scripture where you choose people who are Outsiders and you use them for your Kingdom Purpose." [54:58] (Download)
"If you think you're not qualified, if you can still make a mirror go dull by breathing on it, you're in." [56:22] (Download)
"God continually making surprising decisions, surprising selections... He chose the outcasts, the prostitutes, those caught in sin, the tax collectors. This continued God made surprising selections to choose the least and the last." [50:59] (Download)
"God's plan for Redemption of the whole world held by a late teenage girl from an obscure Town who describes herself as a servant girl that for me is a surprising selection." [46:33] (Download)
"Why would God make that surprising selection? The second surprising selection extends to the what we call the Incarnation, that's that God himself became flesh." [47:14] (Download)
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