Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purposes: Trusting God's Plan
Summary
The sermon explores the theme of God using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, emphasizing that despite human flaws, God's wisdom and purpose prevail. Biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, Peter, and Joshua are cited as examples of ordinary individuals who achieved greatness through God's guidance. The speaker stresses the importance of believing that God can use anyone and encourages the congregation to have confidence in this belief.
The sermon also delves into spiritual warfare, urging the congregation to don the full armor of God, which is Jesus Christ, to combat spiritual wickedness. The armor includes salvation, righteousness, truth, the Word of God, faith, and the gospel of peace. The speaker reassures that nothing can separate believers from God's love and that Jesus provides strength.
Seeking God's guidance is highlighted as crucial, with the story of the Gibeonites serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on one's own understanding. The speaker advocates for trusting in God's wisdom and resting in Him, using Moses as an example of someone who found success by doing so.
The importance of acknowledging God in all decisions is underscored, with the speaker warning against manipulation and advocating for faith and action, even in imperfect conditions. The congregation is reminded of God's promises and encouraged to take steps of faith, as Joshua did.
Testimonies of God's provision, such as a church raising funds by selling Bibles, illustrate the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection and the new beginnings it offers. The speaker also emphasizes giving one's best effort when following God's instructions and the significance of internal resolve before facing external challenges.
The sermon addresses the issue of discouragement and failure, offering God's mercy and second chances as a source of hope. The congregation is encouraged to focus on their destiny in Christ rather than their past. The speaker challenges the congregation to be willing to be used by God, to banish doubts, and to trust in His promises.
Personal testimonies of selling Bibles and raising money demonstrate the trust individuals have in God and the importance of recognizing one's purpose. The speaker also discusses the negative impact of doubts on potential and the need to choose faith over doubt.
The sermon concludes with an emphasis on letting God fight our battles and the futility of comparing oneself to others. The speaker encourages the congregation to focus on their individuality and God's unique purpose for them, assuring that God will provide everything needed to fulfill that purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- God's history of using ordinary individuals for His purposes serves as a reminder that human imperfections do not limit divine potential. The transformation of figures like Peter and John after their encounters with Jesus exemplifies the confidence and change that comes from walking with God. [02:48]
- Spiritual battles require spiritual armor, and the armor of God is embodied in Jesus Christ. Believers are equipped with salvation, righteousness, truth, faith, and the gospel of peace to stand firm against spiritual forces. The assurance of God's unbreakable love and Jesus' strengthening presence provides comfort in these battles. [15:23]
- The necessity of seeking God's guidance and resting in His wisdom is paramount. The story of the Gibeonites and Moses illustrates the consequences of self-reliance and the success found in trusting God's direction. Believers are encouraged to lean on God's understanding rather than their own. [54:49]
- The power of Jesus' resurrection offers believers new beginnings and the ability to overcome challenges. The story of a church's financial breakthrough through the sale of Bibles is a testament to God's provision and the unexpected ways He can work through His people. [09:45]
- The sermon calls for a rejection of doubt and an embrace of faith, urging believers to trust in God's promises and to be bold in their convictions. The example of Joshua's obedience and faith, despite initial fear, serves as an inspiration for believers to confront their internal conflicts and trust in God's plan. [22:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:13 - "Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."
2. Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Pharisees and scribes to Peter and John’s confidence, and what did they recognize about them? ([02:48])
2. According to Ephesians 6:10-11, what are believers instructed to do to stand firm against the devil’s schemes?
3. In the sermon, what story was used to illustrate the importance of seeking God’s guidance rather than relying on one’s own understanding? ([52:06])
4. How did the church in the sermon experience God’s provision through the sale of Bibles? ([09:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the transformation of Peter and John after their encounters with Jesus serve as an example for believers today? ([02:48])
2. What does it mean to put on the full armor of God, and how can this be applied in daily spiritual battles? ([12:16])
3. Why is it crucial to trust in God’s wisdom and not rely on our own understanding, as illustrated by the story of the Gibeonites? ([52:06])
4. How can the story of the church raising funds by selling Bibles inspire believers to trust in God’s provision in unexpected ways? ([09:45])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified or ordinary. How can the examples of Peter, John, and other biblical figures encourage you to believe that God can use you for extraordinary purposes? ([02:48])
2. What specific steps can you take to put on the full armor of God in your daily life? Consider each piece of the armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-11. ([12:16])
3. Have you ever relied on your own understanding instead of seeking God’s guidance? What practical changes can you make to ensure you acknowledge God in all your decisions? ([52:06])
4. Think of a recent challenge or need in your life. How can you trust in God’s provision and look for unexpected ways He might work through you or others? ([09:45])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of internal resolve before facing external challenges. Identify an internal conflict or doubt you are currently facing. How can you address it with faith and trust in God’s promises? ([23:16])
6. How can you apply the lesson of giving your best effort when following God’s instructions in your current responsibilities or tasks? ([19:50])
7. Reflect on a past failure or discouragement. How can you embrace God’s mercy and second chances to focus on your destiny in Christ rather than your past? ([36:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Potential in Ordinary Lives
God delights in using the unlikeliest of people to fulfill His extraordinary plans. Ordinary lives, when touched by the divine, can lead to remarkable journeys of faith and transformation. This is a reminder that one's current status or past does not determine their ability to be used by God for great purposes. [!!02:48!!]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - "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. He 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."
Reflection: Who do you consider a 'hero of faith' in your life, and what ordinary qualities do they possess that God has used in extraordinary ways?
Day 2: Armored with Christ's Presence
The spiritual realm is real, and believers are called to engage in this unseen battle with the full armor of God. This armor is not physical but spiritual, representing the qualities and gifts that come through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a divine provision for protection and strength against spiritual adversity. [!!15:23!!]
Ephesians 6:14-17 - "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
Reflection: Which piece of the spiritual armor do you feel you need to strengthen in your life, and what practical steps can you take to do so?
Day 3: Trusting God's Unseen Guidance
The wisdom of God often leads His people in ways that defy human understanding. Trusting in His guidance requires faith and a relinquishment of self-reliance. The stories of biblical figures who depended on God's wisdom remind us that His ways are higher than our ways. [!!54:49!!]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you need to trust God's guidance over your own understanding? How can you actively demonstrate that trust today?
Day 4: Resurrection Power in New Beginnings
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith, offering new life and hope. It empowers believers to overcome obstacles and to experience God's provision in unexpected ways. This transformative power is available to all who believe and are willing to step out in faith. [!!09:45!!]
Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Reflection: What new beginning is God calling you to embark on, and what is one step you can take today to move towards that new start?
Day 5: Embracing Faith Over Doubt
Doubt can paralyze potential, but faith propels us into the promises of God. Believers are called to trust in God's faithfulness and to act boldly on His word. The biblical account of Joshua's courage and obedience serves as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when faith overcomes fear. [!!22:23!!]
Hebrews 11:8-9 - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise."
Reflection: What fears or doubts are holding you back from stepping into the fullness of God's plan for your life, and how can you confront them with faith today?
Quotes
"You cannot underestimate what God can accomplish through those who really trust in Him." [11:33] (Download)
"We are created with a purpose, to bring honor and glory to Him, and in every battle we face, whether it's with our insecurities, finances, or family problems, we must remember our true strength comes from the Lord." [12:16] (Download)
"When God tells you to do something, you give your best, and by giving your best, you banish your doubts, you inquire of God for His promise, you seek your rest in God and take the step of faith." [20:29] (Download)
"It is one thing to know that God uses ordinary people, but it is another thing to believe that God will make use of you, of me." [02:10] (Download)
"We don't we cannot explain everything but one thing for sure our armor is Christ himself. Helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, sword of the Spirit, shield of faith, sandals of the gospel of peace; our armor is Jesus Christ himself." [14:42] (Download)
"In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through him who loved us. I am convinced neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [15:23] (Download)
"If Jesus Christ rose again from the dead, he's giving everybody a new beginning. He can make use of you, no matter how impossibly you might see yourself." [06:41] (Download)
"Volunteering is a powerful act of faith. When we step forward to serve, we become part of God's plan to accomplish His purpose, often in ways we could never have imagined." [08:41] (Download)
"Whatever failures you had, God is giving us a new beginning. God is full of mercy, God is full of second chances." [36:42] (Download)
"God wants you to rest in him... no one will be able to defeat you just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you." [54:49] (Download)
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