A Look At Men That God Can Use
And God used them…
Jn. 21:12-22

INTRO: This morning looked at Peter and Paul and how God used them despite their different backgrounds, abilities, and their different areas of ministry. Since I have established their being used by God, tonight I want to take time to look at the things that they did in their lives to get close to and be used for the Lord. As it was my goal this morning to show us that we all are usable, tonight I want to see some of the things that made them so usable by God.

  1. Seek a closeness with the Master

    2.  
    1. Spend time with the Lord Jn. 21:12

      2.  
      1. Commune early (morning and life)
      2. Commune often
      3. Commune through prayer, meditation, Word

       
    2. Listen to the Lord as He communicates vs. 15-17

      3.  
      1. Search with prayerful sincerity to know the truth
      2. Search the scripture in hopes of gaining growth

       
    3. Obey His voice

      4.  
      1. Feed (tend) my lambs bosko
      2. Feed (shepherd) my sheep poimaino
      3. Feed (tend) my sheep bosko

       
    4. Follow His example vs. 19

      5.  
      1. Blind faith
      2. Selfless faith
      3. Single faith (regardless of what others do) vs. 22

     
     
  2. Seek a commission from the Lord - Acts 1

    3.  
    1. For the right reason USE ILL. 142

      2.  
      1. With a desire to help Him
      2. With a desire to help others
      3. With a desire to fulfill His agenda
      4. With a desire to simply do more (our reasonable service)

       
    2. With the right expectations

      3.  
      1. Knowing God can bless us
      2. Knowing God wants to bless us
      3. Knowing that God will bless us in His cause

       
    3. With the right company

      4.  
      1. We are stronger together Acts 2:1
      2. We need brotherly and sisterly help & love
      3. We need to be surrounded by His love (and brethren)
      4. We need good Godly support and examples in our lives

       
       
    4. With the Right Results

      5.  
      1. God gets deserved glory
      2. God gets proper praise
      3. God gives supreme salvation to others (through us/believers)


So we find Peter and Paul were Sincere in their approach; Strong in their morals; Servants in their demeanor; Selfless in their desires; Stable in their relationships (without guile, envy, etc.), in fact they were just plain superb, splendid and sensational Christian leaders that simply loved the Lord!!!

All because they were Men That God Can Use!

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist - 050398pm