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How to be used
by God
Three Seasons Community
Church– 1-7-07
Ephesians. 1:5 (Living) His unchanging plan has
always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to
die for us. And he did this because he wanted to!
3 Requirements to be used by God
1. God uses people who want to do his will.
Enthusiasm– Shortly after an angel
tells Mary that she will give birth to the Messiah, she sings,
"Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior!"
(Luke 1:46-47a NLT)
Mary focused on God– and not on all the issues
surrounding her pregnancy!
When God asks you to do the "unexpected" how do
you respond?
None of us deserve to be used by God. We're all
trophies of God's grace. Mary understood this. God works in our lives
and blesses us because he wants to, not because we deserve it. We show
God we want to do his will when we are humble.
What does the Bible tell us to seek first?
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) But seek first his kingdom
and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.
What does our culture tell us to seek first?
Do you listen to God or to culture? What are
you really, truly, secretly seeking first?
Matthew 6:31-32 (NIV) So do not worry, saying,
'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
[32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father
knows that you need them.
Do you listen to God or to culture? What are
you really, truly, secretly seeking first? What is the true desire of
our heart?
Would God choose you because of your humility?
2. God uses people who decide to pay the cost.
There is always a cost in following God's plan
for your life. You’ll have to give something up. And there will always
be risks that will require you to step out in faith. That’s just part of
being used by God.
Mary decided to take the chance, to risk, and
to pay the cost. In Luke 1:38, she says, "I am the Lord's servant, and I
am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said
come true." (Luke 1:38 NLT) Mary was willing to do anything – regardless
of the cost. God knew that. That’s one of the reasons he used her in
such a powerful way.
Are you willing to pay the cost?
What is the cost for you to serve Christ?
Physically; Emotionally; Spiritually; Mentally; Financially; Spiritual
Fruit; Reputation; Comfort; Obedience; Lifestyle changes; Faith;
Priorities....
What is involved in taking the next step to
draw closer to Christ?
1. God uses people who want to do his will.
When God asks you to do the
"unexpected" how do you respond?
Do you listen to God or to culture?
What are you really, truly, secretly seeking first? What is the
true desire of our heart?
Would God choose you because of your
humility?
2. God uses people who decide to pay the cost.
Are you willing to pay the cost?
What is the cost for you to serve
Christ? Physically; Emotionally; Spiritually; Mentally;
Financially; Spiritual Fruit; Reputation; Comfort; Obedience;
Lifestyle changes; Faith; Priorities....
What is involved in taking the next
step to draw closer to Christ?
Where are you spiritually? What must
you do, What is God calling you to do to go to the next level
with Him?
Thank God for the distance you’ve traveled and
prepare for an awesome new journey! Living for God is never boring!!
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