THEME: THE CHOSEN INSTRUMENT ( TEXT: ACTS 9:15)
Introduction:
God has called each and every one for a purpose. There is an assignment for you to accomplish in life. You and I must trust stay connected to the Holy Spirit and for God’s guidance. You are solution provider, a weapon to heal, strengthen and bless others. Wherever you are needed you must seek to carry out your assignment.
The instrument or vessel that God wants to use
a. An Obedient Vessel.
The tragedy in the life of king Saul was that God rejected him 1 Sam 15:26; 16:1 even though favor located him for assignment 1 Sam 9:21, he did not obey the word of the Lord. 1 Sam 15:22-23. That brought a sudden end to his assignment. Did God not choose him?
b. A Vessel that Stays with the Lord
The Lord Jesus our Master was prepared for the assignment that He came to carry out. He was thought of the Father John 8:28. While He was on earth doing the ministry, He assembled to Himself twelve in Mk 3:14-15. Look critical at the procedures used for the ordained disciples of Christ. The order of these are:
- They should be with Him,
- He might send them forth to preach, and
- To have power to heal the sick and cast out demon.
The critical process is being with the Lord. That helped the disciples get to know the Lord. Yet Philip still asked Jesus “Show us the Father” to which Jesus responded “Have I being with you so long and yet you have not known Me, Philip?” John 14:9. Do we know Him enough?
c. A Clean Vessel
Any and every vessel that must be used of God must be clean. Is 52:11 “Depart! Depart!! Go out from them. Touch not unclean thing, Go out from the midst of her. Be clean, you who bear the vessels of the Lord”. Is 1:16 “Wash yourself and make yourself clean”
“The solid foundation of God stands…..let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Tim 2:19. Whatever you are doing in the house of God, you must be a clean vessel. Any service from a defiled vessel of instrument is unacceptable to God
d. A Vessel at its best
God wants to use vessels for noble course and purpose. It behooves on you to be that instrument that God can use. What should this instrument do? God’s desire is that you will be used for His highest purpose which also depends on you. 2 Tim 2:20-21.
e. A Humble Vessel
You cannot be in the service of God and be proud. Pride goes before destruction Prov 16:18. Phil 2:5-8. He must have the mind of Christ vs 5 and is be ready to learn obedience as Jesus learnt.
f. An Abiding Vessel
The effective use of the instrument is when it is connected to the ones that own it. John 15:5-8 Jesus said without me you can do nothing. Remember, you are just an instrument to be used by the owner who decides what to do and when to do it.
f. A Pleasing Vessel
John 8:27 “He who sent is with me…….for I always do those things that please Him”. And to do that you do not engage in the affairs of the world 2 Tim 2:4 “and as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army”. TLB
Conclusion
God can make out of you a vessel of honor only if you put yourself in His hands. You do this with every humility.
