The Kind Of People God's Uses

THE KIND OF PEOPLE GOD USES

Luke 1:26-38

INTRODUCTION:

A. The Bible shows that God is looking for people to use

1. So, what kind of people does God use to build His Church„Ÿto build His Kingdom

B. Well, we do know that God chose to use Mary for a very special purpose„Ÿto bring His Son into the world and to be His mother

1. It is interesting to note that there was really nothing special about Mary

a. Not once in the Bible does it say we are to worship her

b. Does not say she was perfect or sinless

2. Why did God chose Mary?

a. Wasnft because of her education, because she didnft have any

b. Wasnft because of her wealth, because she was poor

c. Wasnft because she was mature, because she was just a teenager

3. Here is the reason„ŸGod chose Mary because she trusted God

a. She was as ordinary as you or I

b. God chose a plain ordinary peasant girl to become the mother of His child

c. Even though she was ordinary, God used her in an extra-ordinary way

d. This is what you need to understand„ŸGod wants to use you, too

ILL> Rick Warren

gIf youfll just get useable, God will wear you out.h

e. It is a real blessing when God uses you to bless the life of someone else

C. Too many times we allow our fears to keep us small

1. When we canft figure everything out„Ÿwhen we must rely on God

a. Too many times we are unwilling to take the step needed in order to allow God to bless

b. Too many times when God say gGOh we say gWHOAh

ILL> Carl Sagan passed away last week. He was known for his supposed knowledge of the solar system and to his dying day believed that the world is 4.3 billions of years old. He never believed in religion except for the moral standards that religion promotes. He said, gFaith is believing in something that you cannot prove.h He chose to believe that God does not exist.

Faith is more than that. Faith if believing in something that you cannot prove and going forward anyway.

c. Faith takes us beyond our fears

2. Do you think Mary was afraid of what was going to happen„ŸI do!

3. Fear of criticism

a. gWhatfs everybody going to think?h

b. gIfm a virgin and Ifm having a babyh

4. Fear of the supernatural

a. What will happen to me?

5. Fear of inadequacy

a. How can I handle this?

6. Fear of change

a. how will this change my life?

7. These are the same fears that can keep you from being used by God in 1997

a. What will people think if Ifm really committed to the Lord„Ÿwill they think Ifm some kind of Jesus freak or something?

b. What could I do? I canft do anything for God. Ifm inadequate

c. How is this going to change my life?

8. God tells you and I the same thing He told Mary

a. Do not be afraid

READ: Luke 2:26-38

I> GOD USES PEOPLE WHO DESIRE TO DO HIS WILL

A. God has a plan for your life„Ÿbut itfs not automatic

1. God never takes away your freewill

a. You have the right to waste your life and not make it count for anything

b. Do you have the desire to go to God and say, gI want to be what you want me to be.h

B. Try to imagine how Mary must have felt when an angel appeared too her and said, gMary, Godfs going to come to earth to show the world what Hefs like„Ÿand Hefs going to use you.h

1. Mary did not say...

a. gItfs not a good career choice.h

b. gCanft you get somebody else.h

c. gBut, God, Ifve got my goals, my dreams, my desires...h

2. Mary desired to do Godfs will

a. LUK 1:46-48

C. Do you want to be used by God?

1. Or do you want to do as little as possible to get by

a. Do as little as possible and still be called a Christian

2. We must desire Godfs will

a. David - PSA 40:8

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

b. Paul - 2CO 5:9

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

3. Do you have to desire to know what Godfs will is for your life?

a. I believe that the reason that many people do not have a quiet time with the Lord is because they donft want to know Godfs will, His desires

b. LUK 2:19

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.