Paul and his writings, new very well about being used of God. To help us understand, Paul uses the word vessel over and over. The meaning of the word vessel is implement or equipment. Jesus used the word when he described Paul in Acts 19:15. Paul knew he could reach a place of not being used of God. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, castaway, unapproved, rejected, and worthless are used. The word used has a twofold meaning. When referring to something is not new it could imply that it is worn out. For example, a used car. When used as a tool it can be used for necessity. A Carpenter uses his tools daily.
An unused tool is a worthless tool. Christians ought to work to be used, and God wants to use them every day. Do you know what it is to have a favorite tool? It may not seem like much to others, but it is your favorite. I wonder if God has favorite tools. Phillip, Acts 8, Ananias, Acts 9, Paul. using an acrostic outline where each letter of a word is used to make a word or a point. We're going to discover how to be a used vessel for God.
I. U – Unblemished
1. Ephesians 5:25-27
2. Unblemished in appearance, Leviticus 21:17-18
a. We know this could not be physical appearance.
b. Not associated with the world.
3. Unblemished in association
a. 1 Corinthians 6:14-20, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
b. Friends
1) Romans 16:17, Philippians 3:17-19
2) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14
c. Fun
1) 1 Timothy 6:11
2) We are responsible for our conduct with others.
3) We are accountable to God.
4) We are to avoid materialism.
5) We are to be honest in all things. Romans 12:17
6) We are not to be joined with evil.
d. Family
1) I wonder how many have blemished family relationships.
2) Husbands and wives.
4. Unblemished in attitude
a. Deuteronomy 28:47-49
b. Doubt is a blemish.
1) James 1:6-8
2) Thomas, John 20:24-29
c. Despair is a blemish.
1) Despair is to abandon hope
2) To become hopeless or discouraged.
3) Galatians 6:9, Deuteronomy 20:3-8
d. Depression is a blemish
1) Elijah
2) 1 Kings 19:2-4
II. S – Sensitive
1. Sensitive to the fact of our unworthiness.
a. Ecclesiastes 7:20, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Isaiah 53:6, 64:6
b. 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:2
c. 1 Corinthians 15:10, Philippians 3:4-9
2. Sensitive to the world needs.
a. what is the world needs?
1) Salvation
2) Love
a) God
b) Neighbor
3. Sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
a. John 16:7-8
b. Ephesians 4:30, grieve not
c. 1 Thessalonians 5:19, quench not
d. Hebrews 3:8, 13, 15; harden not
III. E – Empty
1. Empty of preconceived ideas.
a. We have never done it like that before! God doesn't have to.
b. The sovereignty of God. God can do what he wants with our life.
2. Empty of fleshly goals. Luke 9:23
3. Empty of self-esteem
a. We must be empty of our needs.
b. We must be filled with the needs of God.
IV. D – Dedication
1. Dedicated to a person, John 14:12
a. John 3:30, John said, “He must increase, I must decrease.”
b. John 3:14, lift it up
c. Galatians 2:20
2. dedicated to a purpose, 1 Corinthians 10:31
a. Philippians 3:4-9
b. 2 Corinthians 4:5-11
c. Philippians 1:15-21
In Closing, How to be used of God?
a. Be Unblemished.
b. Be Sensitive.
c. Be Empty.
d. Be Dedicated.
If you follow this formula, you will be used by God!
