Sermon Notes, February 19, 2012

Sermon Notes, February 19, 2012

C.M. Pruitt

            Pastor C.M.’s message was titled “How To Be Used By God.”   God has a plan and a purpose for each of us.  You’re not on this planet by accident: God has a plan and a purpose for your life.  “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you.  Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.  (Jeremiah 1:5, NCV)  He has a purpose for you.  He can draw up a new plan, whatever you’ve done.  Jesus said, “In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” (John 17:18, (Mes)  He has something for each of us to do.  Nothing is more important than doing something to make a difference in someone’s life.  What does it take to be used by God? 

            I must abandon all distractions. Ask Him daily “What do you want me to do?”

Push distractions aside.  “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62, LB)  Put aside the desire for money and the things that help you get it. “Turn me away from wanting any other plan than Yours.” (Psalm 119:37, LB)  Put aside wallowing in past mistakes—don’t get hung up in guilt.  Put aside worrying about what someone else thinks about us.  We are who we are.  “We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back.” (Hebrews 12:1, NCV)  Put aside hobbies, sports, even church activities that distract you from doing what God wants you to do.  The biggest distraction of all is MY plans; put them aside and focus on Him.

            I must adopt God’s purpose.  “…give yourself completely to God—every part of you…for you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for His good purposes.” (Romans 6:13, LB)  “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the Good news about God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24, NCV)  Like Paul, as Christ’s followers, our job is to let other people know.  “Through Christ, God has made peace between us and Himself, and He gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with Him…So we have been sent to speak for Christ!” (2 Corinthians 5:18,20, NCV)  People need to know that God is not mad at them.  Our job is to care about them, because God does.  The best investment of  time and money, the greatest value in eternity, is the investment in making a difference in the life of others.  “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends.  In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.”  (Luke 16:9, NLT)

            I must anticipate God’s help.  “God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)  Don’t focus on your need, focus on God and His power and ability.  “…Go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.  And don’t be afraid of people, for I will be with you and take care of you.” (Jeremiah 1:7-8, NLT)  He will give you what you need to do it.  “The eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward Him, so that He can show His great power in helping them.” 2 Chronicles 16:9, LB) 

There is no investment as big as being used by God.  “Jesus replied, ‘Let me assure you that no one has ever given up anything…for love of me and to tell others the Good News who won’t be given back a hundred times over… All these will be his here on earth, and in the world to come he shall have eternal life.’” (Mark 10:29-30, LB)  Courage is not being free from fear.  It is doing what is right in the presence of fear.  “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’  And I said, ‘Here am I.  Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)