DO YOU WANT TO BE USED OF GOD?

Acts 16:1-15

Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men. Christians are called to a life of service. If we are willing, God will provide a place of service for each of us. If we will follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, our lives can take on a distinctive service orientation. The Holy Spirit will help us in four distinct ways:

GOD GIVES HELPERS (vv. 1-5).

God brings the right workers together to work for His Kingdom.

If we are to be effective and continue the work of Jesus Christ, we must build ministry teams.

To serve Christ effectively means to accept the role of servanthood (v. 3).

GOD GIVES GUIDANCE (vv. 6-8).

The Holy Spirit leads by closing some doors.

The stops - as well as the steps - of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.

If we are divinely guided, we shall be divinely guarded.

God will explicitly open some doors.

God guides in at least five ways:

By a strong conviction of certainty about some specific assignment.

By closing doors: by unexpected developments that hinder progress.

By opening doors: providing opportunities.

By His inner voice: a distinct impression or communication in the inner being.

By His revealed will in the Bible.

GOD GIVES INSPIRATION (vv. 8-9).

The visions of God are only seen through the lens of an obedient heart.

A vision from God will lift our horizons and give us a holy purpose.

GOD GIVES FRUITFUL MINISTRY (vv. 10-12).

The vision that leads to no action is not a vision - only a daydream.

God can use the person with intentional service (v. 13).

God will use those who are obedient and available (vv. 14-15).

As we determine to serve Him, to respond with instant obedience, and to make ourselves available to Him, God will give each of us a fruitful ministry.