Seizing Divine Opportunities for Eternal Impact
Summary
Today marks the beginning of a five-week series on opportunities, focusing on how we, as followers of Jesus Christ, can seize the opportunities God presents to us for eternal impact. The essence of this journey is encapsulated in the simple yet profound prayer, "Lord, here am I, use me." This call to action is not just a passive request but a commitment to be ready for God to use us in ways we might not expect. Just as God used a donkey and unlikely individuals throughout history, He can use each of us to fulfill His divine purposes, bringing glory to His name.
As we step into 2025, we are reminded that while God's Word remains unchanging, we are the ones who need to be updated and transformed by it. The greatest opportunity we have is to reach people for Christ, to win lost souls for the kingdom of heaven. This mission requires focus, akin to using binoculars to see clearly at a distance. Hebrews 12 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, as we navigate a world filled with distractions.
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well serves as a powerful illustration of how God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to make a significant impact. Despite her status as an outcast, the Samaritan woman became the first evangelist in her community, simply by sharing her encounter with Jesus. Her story reminds us that our testimonies, no matter how unlikely, can ignite a chain reaction of salvation.
To seize the opportunity to reach the lost, we must fully devote ourselves to God, engage in worship, serve in ministry, pray daily, and share the good news. Our relationships, both existing and new, are fertile ground for sowing seeds of faith. We are called to be intentional in building bridges to those who do not know Christ, stepping out of our comfort zones to cultivate new relationships for the sake of the gospel.
In this collective effort, we are reminded that some are called to sow, while others are called to reap, but together we rejoice in the harvest. The power of a changed life, as seen in the Samaritan woman and countless others, is a testament to God's ability to use us to transform our communities and beyond. As we embrace this opportunity, let us be encouraged that God delights in using those we might consider least likely, for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. God Uses the Unlikely: God often chooses to use those we consider least likely to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the story of the Samaritan woman. This reminds us that our past does not disqualify us from being used by God; rather, it can be a powerful testimony of His grace and redemption. [09:31]
2. Focus on Jesus: In a world filled with distractions, maintaining a singular focus on Jesus and His mission is crucial. Just as a football player must focus on the ball, we must fix our eyes on Jesus to effectively reach the lost and make an eternal impact. [06:20]
3. The Power of Testimony: Sharing our personal encounters with Jesus can lead others to faith. The Samaritan woman's simple invitation, "Come and see," demonstrates the profound impact of personal testimony in evangelism. [20:22]
4. Devotion and Service: Fully devoting ourselves to God through worship, ministry, and prayer strengthens our faith and equips us to serve others. Engaging in these practices not only fuels our spiritual growth but also positions us to be effective witnesses for Christ. [14:59]
5. Cultivating Relationships: Building intentional relationships with those who do not know Christ is essential for sharing the gospel. By stepping out of our comfort zones and befriending others, we create opportunities to introduce them to Jesus and His transformative power. [28:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - God Uses the Unlikely
[02:36] - The Unchanging Word of God
[03:48] - The Greatest Opportunity
[04:52] - The Power of Focus
[06:20] - Distractions and Focus
[07:37] - Encounter at the Well
[08:29] - Living Water and Compassion
[09:31] - The First Evangelist
[10:27] - The Disciples' Return
[11:56] - The Harvest is Ready
[13:28] - Five Challenges for 2025
[14:59] - Devotion and Worship
[16:22] - Serving in Ministry
[17:28] - The Power of Prayer
[19:24] - Sharing the Good News
[20:22] - The Impact of Testimony
[22:29] - Recognizing Opportunities
[23:13] - Leveraging Relationships
[24:44] - True Friends and Eternal Life
[26:28] - Cultivating New Relationships
[28:00] - The Urgency of the Harvest
[28:58] - Intentional Friendships
[29:44] - Sowing and Reaping Together
[32:03] - The Power of a Changed Life
[32:46] - Starting a Chain Reaction
[34:32] - The Story of Edward Kimball
[37:03] - Are You the Next Billy Graham?
[42:36] - The Impact of Saying Yes
[44:04] - The Urgency of the Gospel
[46:04] - Dreaming of Impact
[46:59] - Encouragement for 2025
[47:58] - The Least Likely Can Be Used
[48:21] - Taking Advantage of Opportunities
[49:46] - The Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Seizing Opportunities for Eternal Impact
Bible Reading:
- John 4:27-42
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- Matthew 24:35
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 4:27-42, what was the reaction of the disciples when they found Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman, and how did the woman respond to her encounter with Jesus? [10:27]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Samaritan woman leaving her water jar and going back to the village? [10:27]
3. How does Hebrews 12:1-2 encourage believers to maintain their focus, and why is this focus important according to the sermon? [06:20]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of personal testimony in evangelism, as demonstrated by the Samaritan woman? [20:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of God using unlikely individuals, like the Samaritan woman, to fulfill His purposes? How does this challenge common perceptions of who can be used by God? [09:31]
2. How does the concept of "fixing our eyes on Jesus" from Hebrews 12 relate to the distractions mentioned in the sermon? What might this look like in a believer's daily life? [06:20]
3. The sermon highlights the power of testimony. How can sharing personal encounters with Jesus lead others to faith, and what might be some barriers to sharing one's testimony? [20:22]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between devotion to God through worship, ministry, and prayer, and the effectiveness of witnessing to others? [14:59]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel unlikely to be used by God? How can the story of the Samaritan woman encourage you to step out in faith? [09:31]
2. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and fix your eyes on Him? [06:20]
3. Think of a personal encounter with Jesus that has significantly impacted your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who does not know Christ? What might be a first step in doing so? [20:22]
4. Consider your current level of devotion to God through worship, ministry, and prayer. What is one specific area you can commit to strengthening this week to better equip yourself as a witness for Christ? [14:59]
5. Who in your current circle of relationships needs to hear about Jesus? How can you intentionally build a bridge to share the gospel with them? What might be a first step in cultivating this relationship? [24:44]
6. Reflect on the idea of sowing and reaping in evangelism. Are you more naturally inclined to sow seeds of faith or to reap the harvest? How can you partner with others in your church to effectively reach the lost? [29:44]
7. The sermon challenges believers to seize opportunities for eternal impact. What is one opportunity you can pursue this week to make a difference in someone's life for the kingdom of God? [48:21]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: God Uses the Unlikely
God often chooses those we least expect to fulfill His purposes. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is a powerful reminder that our past does not disqualify us from being used by God. Despite her status as an outcast, she became the first evangelist in her community by simply sharing her encounter with Jesus. This illustrates that God delights in using those we might consider least likely, turning their stories into powerful testimonies of His grace and redemption. Our own stories, no matter how unlikely, can ignite a chain reaction of salvation when we allow God to use us. [09:31]
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: Think of a part of your past that you feel disqualifies you from being used by God. How can you offer this to Him today and allow Him to transform it into a testimony of His grace?
Day 2: Focus on Jesus
In a world filled with distractions, maintaining a singular focus on Jesus and His mission is crucial. Hebrews 12 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Just as a football player must focus on the ball, we must fix our eyes on Jesus to effectively reach the lost and make an eternal impact. This focus requires intentionality and discipline, helping us navigate through life's distractions and remain steadfast in our mission to share the gospel. [06:20]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Identify one distraction in your life that often takes your focus away from Jesus. What practical steps can you take today to minimize this distraction and refocus on Him?
Day 3: The Power of Testimony
Sharing our personal encounters with Jesus can lead others to faith. The Samaritan woman's simple invitation, "Come and see," demonstrates the profound impact of personal testimony in evangelism. Our stories of transformation and encounters with Christ can serve as powerful tools to draw others to Him. By sharing our testimonies, we invite others to experience the same grace and redemption we have found in Jesus, creating opportunities for them to encounter His love and truth. [20:22]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent encounter with Jesus that has impacted your life. How can you share this story with someone who needs to hear about His love and grace today?
Day 4: Devotion and Service
Fully devoting ourselves to God through worship, ministry, and prayer strengthens our faith and equips us to serve others. Engaging in these practices not only fuels our spiritual growth but also positions us to be effective witnesses for Christ. As we devote ourselves to God, we become more attuned to His voice and more willing to step out in faith to serve those around us, sharing the good news of the gospel with those who need it most. [14:59]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Consider your current level of devotion in worship, ministry, and prayer. What is one area where you can deepen your commitment to God this week?
Day 5: Cultivating Relationships
Building intentional relationships with those who do not know Christ is essential for sharing the gospel. By stepping out of our comfort zones and befriending others, we create opportunities to introduce them to Jesus and His transformative power. Our relationships, both existing and new, are fertile ground for sowing seeds of faith. As we cultivate these connections, we become bridges for others to encounter the love and truth of Christ. [28:58]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV): "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you intentionally build a deeper relationship with them this week to create an opportunity to share the gospel?
Quotes
If God used a donkey, he can use you. God has used people that we look at in life and say, how in the world did he use them to fulfill his plan and purpose? Well, I believe it's because God is a God that uses things that we don't normally think of being used or people we don't normally think that he can use because it's not about that person. It's not about that thing. But it's about God. God receiving all the glory. Amen. [00:00:55] (35 seconds)
And so as we enter into 2025, it's a time for us to focus on opportunities that God gives us for eternal impact. So over the next five weeks, we're going to be looking at five different opportunities that will engage us as individuals to make a difference. In eternity, an eternal impact for heaven and for the hearts and the souls of mankind. [00:01:36] (27 seconds)
And so when it comes to reaching the loss for Jesus Christ, we have to narrow in. We have to narrow in our focus. And the first thing we have to do is keep our focus, as Hebrews 12 says, on Jesus Christ. Fix your eyes. Focus in on Jesus and the cross. [00:05:50] (21 seconds)
And an amazing thing happens because he showed her compassion, because he offered her living water. This woman actually becomes the first evangelist in her community. She becomes the first person to evangelize those in her own town. And she runs back to the town and listen to these words she says. She says, come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ? [00:08:52] (28 seconds)
You see, Jesus used her story to transform an entire community. He used her story, a story of a woman that was looked down upon, a woman that had basically given up her body in so many ways and so many different men. And yet God said, I can use you because I'm going to give you living water. [00:09:25] (23 seconds)
In order for us to reach the lost, number one, we need to fully devote ourselves this year to God. We need to fully develop, devote ourselves to the Lord this year. 2025, it's a fresh start. You know, the calendar turned over and I'm going to have this resolution or that resolution. I might do this or that. Friends, can I tell you the greatest thing you can do is to say, Lord, I want to devote my life to you this year. Commit fully to him. Commit fully to him. What does that mean? Well, it means we commit fully to engage in worship. It means we commit fully to receive the word of the Lord. It means we commit fully to serving in ministry. It means we commit fully to praying on a daily basis. [00:13:51] (46 seconds)
When you get involved in serving in ministry, it changes your perspective on things. According to religious teachings, particularly within Christianity, it says this people involved in ministry. Tent this blew me away. People involved actively involved in ministry tend to complain less because their focus is on serving others more. Fostering gratitude and relying on faith. To navigate challenges, which can discourage a complaining attitude. [00:16:22] (35 seconds)
The Samaritan woman's message was simple. Come and see. That's all she did. Come and see. Come and see Jesus. Come and see this man. Listen. I'm not completely sure who he is. He says he can offer living water. But man. He knew everything about me. He knew that I had 500. Husbands. He knew the guy I was with now wasn't my husband. He knew everything about me. Come and see. I don't know exactly who he is. But wow. [00:18:46] (30 seconds)
As followers of Christ, we need to start building bridges to those who don't know Christ. It means stepping out of our comfort zone, possibly to befriend somebody that's different than us. But they're different. I don't know about that. Yeah, well, guess what? We're all different. We all are quirky. We all are strange. We all have our own little things that somebody looks at us and goes, man, they're different. [00:26:27] (30 seconds)
When you look at this passage here, you see that Jesus is talking about sowing and reaping. He says, just as one person is sowing and another person's reaping. But I love what he says. He says, but both of them rejoice together at the harvest. Someone is sowing the seed, but then comes the reaper after several months, and he reaps the harvest, but they both celebrate at the end. [00:29:26] (27 seconds)
When we look at this story, we can ask the question, can one person really make a difference? Can one person make a difference? The Samaritan woman's testimony wasn't just her testimony alone, but it became the testimony of her community. You see, her testimony led many in her town to faith. And similarly, God can use you. Yes, even you. [00:31:34] (36 seconds)
You see, God used Edward Kimball so that we can look back and say, because of his faithfulness, to share with us, that most likely millions of people have been saved. So let me ask you, are you the next Billy Graham? Are you the next Billy Graham, or maybe you're the next Edward Kimball that God wants to use? [00:37:03] (30 seconds)
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