Introduction: God knows that we are imperfect people. Because we are human, there is sin, regrets, struggles, grief, etc. This message is not to make excuses and stay where you are in your sin. This is to show that if you repent, that is, to turn from your sin, God can still use you for his glory.
- God used a Disobedient Man– Exodus 17:5-6, Numbers 20:7-12. This man was Moses. the first time God told him to strike the rock in order to get water to come out miraculously, the second time God told him to speak to the rock and Moses disobeyed God and sinned in Anger.
- God used Moses to lead the Nation of Israel out of Egypt; to write the Ten Commandments; to institute the passover. He was shown the pattern to the tabernacle. Numbered the people; gave instruction concerning inheritance; conquered Midianites; died in full strength at 120 years old.
- God used a Harlot– Joshua 2:1-21; 6:1-5, 17. This woman was Rahab. This woman lived in Jericho and God had commanded Joshua to go and kill everyone and posses the land.
- Rahab hid Joshua’s spies; was included among the faithful hall of fame of Hebrews chapter 11; was cited as an example in James 2:25; was included in the lineage of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5. Hebrews 11:31 “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace”.
- God used a fearful and Doubtful Judge– Judges 6:27-30; 36-40. This man was Gideon, a mighty man of valor. Gideon destroyed Baal’s altar; refused to be a king; judged faithfully for 40 years; was called a man of faith in Hebrews 11:32.
- God used an Adulterer and Murderer– II Samuel 11:1-5, 14-15. This man was David. David lies with Bathsheba, conceives a child, and then has her husband Uriah the Hittite Killed in the battle field. After David repented of his sin and God dealt with the sin, David was used mightily by God.
- A great King in Israel that reigned for 40 years; author of many Psalms; a type of Christ; escorts the Ark to Jerusalem; strikes down the Philistines; subdued many nations. Acts 13:22 God said “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will”.
- God used a Prophet who Feared a Woman– I Kings 19:1-5; 9-10. This man was Elijah. The woman’s name was Jezebel. Elijah did the miracles of providing the widows oil; raised a dead child; caused it to rain in a drought; caused fir to consume soldiers; overthrew Baal’s prophets.
- God used a Denier of Jesus– Matthew 26:69-75 /Luke 22:54-62. This man was Peter the Apostle who denied, cursed and swore when confronted about being a follower of Jesus Christ. Preached a great message where many came to Christ; Pronounced judgment; healed people; raised Dorcas; was imprisoned and delivered for preaching the gospel.
- God used a Persecutor of Christians– Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-6. This man was Saul later changed to Paul. Wrote most of the New Testament; worked to sustain himself; preached in many places, straightened churches, disciples young men; cast into prison because of his faith.
Conclusion: God knows that we are not perfect. This message is about God using sinful people to accomplish God’s purpose in this earth. God uses people and He knows we are sinful, flawed, disobedient, prideful, etc., yet he still uses us. If you’ve messed up, repent, get up, and keep being used by God. Before you criticize someone for their past, consider that God is always at work and he may be trying to accomplish something through a sinner saved by grace.
What is the sin that has been keeping you from giving your all to God? Romans 11:29 “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance”.
Anchor Baptist Church 