Excellent, and important, truth. 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. We’re all qualified in Christ Jesus to preach the gospel to every creature. God can use you scripture shows that God can use anybody – God can use me, God can use you! Peter says if you’re such a person, you’re doing that to your own destruction as you do “the other scriptures!”. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. Qualifying the Unqualified Read More » Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our work can give us no qualification! Close. What joy there is in knowing that it is God Himself who must save sinners, sanctify them, and then transform the unqualified into instruments He can use. Paul is the greatest evangelist in human history. Jesus (from Heaven) said to Paul on his way to Damascus, “I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. The person who is completely overwhelmed by the idea of the position but is on fire for the Lord is God’s first choice. God does not look at the external qualifications men look at in choosing the best people for the job. From the truth we’ve found by comparing scriptures, we find out that not only was Jesus considered an unlikely Messiah because of where he was from, among other things, but also Peter likewise was considered an unlikely candidate for church leadership. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. It is the One who called that is important not the one who is called. Now, do you remember Paul said God took him to the third heaven? GOD QUALIFIES THE UNQUALIFIED March 21, 2016 Tettei Shahday NEW CREATION REALITIES “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. No wonder Peter also made it clear that Paul’s letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant people distort. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers … God sure like a ‘Ugly’. Being with God is the sole defining quality of great workers for the Lord. He had been the biggest enemy of the church and thought he was righteous when he was killing Christians. There is only one star of the show in God’s theater and it is not us. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” These few passages make us learn we’re not to make too little of ministers of the gospel, nor too much. the world has taught us. If the job requires organization, they look to a winning coach or a leader in the professional world. Consider Saul of Tarsus’ qualifications when he was chosen by God. Paul reflects on his calling saying, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. God chose Rahab for a starring role in the Bible. For another excellent example read here about the shoe saleman with the 3rd Grade education who preached to millions  DL Moody and Focus. If a man is with God, He will give that man the ability to do His will. 6:3-10). We live in the earth but operate from a different set of rules. Don’t see yourself unqualified for the Work of God. A lot of God’s children are suffering for nothing! I’m grateful for how God used me, but there are times I doubt, but I know I shouldn’t. But in Judea among the religious elite there was so much prejudice against anything associated with “Gentiles” that they overlooked this messianic prophecy. Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. plan, His purpose. That’s remarkable! If it requires handling money, they look at the successful businessman or banker. '” (Mathew 3:7). As he spoke, I realized he was against the books that Paul wrote so I tried to find out if that was what he meant and he told me “yes!” He said, “Paul is a hypocrite!” I looked at him in the eyes and tried to find out where he fellowships but he never told me. There are days that I feel inadequate as a leader too but I remember that God chose because He saw something in me and that He can teach me. Now in Jesus’ time Israel was divided into Judea in the south and Galilee in the north separated by Samaria. This is exactly how God wants it. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 17:1-12, 2 Chron. ). God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Say there is an opening on the elder board of a church. You are unqualified—at least in some way—and that’s a very good thing. His will does not have to be our will, go inline with our will, reasoning or what. Then Peter made no mistake by saying that some of the words of Paul’s letters were difficult to understand. What then should hinder you from preaching the Gospel; Sin? So who would you consider to be the most unlikely to become a Christian, and who among the Christian community would be the most unlikely that God would use? Looking first for anything other than Godliness is setting up the church for disaster. If you have, then it's time that you know that it is not our faithfulness, but God's faithfulness and the presence of Jesus in our lives that empower us to live out the greatness God has meant for us. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. Be like Paul who said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). And I would see all these wonderful posts and see how these bloggers SEEMED to have this deep walk with God and here I was feeling like a mess. What then do you need to be able to preach the Good News? God is not looking for us to be perfectly capable, but for us to be available, touchable, moldable, and willing to get our hands dirty doing God’s work while feeling we might be unworthy and unqualified. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. But at the same time it is important not to make too much of individuals – even that of Peter and Paul – which can lead to denominational divisions. The blacks on average score 85 per cent on IQ and it is accurate, nothing to do with culture. If you think God can’t use you, think again. Without a rock solid relationship with Jesus, even the most well-intentioned expert can do nothing for God. Most of them didn’t even think they could do the job. Read the letters of Paul and you’ll gain more understanding about righteousness. I saw a great quote from Hudson Taylor that addressed this – All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them. Don’t miss that this was not because Paul was a diamond in the rough. It makes sense according to man’s logic but is a terrible error in God’s eyes. 5. Let me encourage you. When we are reliant on Him, God is happy to show His power in abundance. Bible says, “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7). 7:1-13, 1 Kings 8:14-20, 1 Chron. If you have felt unqualified to serve, guess again. God often calls on unlikely candidates to fulfill His purposes. But as I started to want and thirst for God I saw him putting me in positions I would never imagine. He is the example of faith millions have tried to emulate throughout history. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. You are hired! I believe you’re aware Paul was a Pharisee because he testified himself: “I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee” (Acts 23:6) he was “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (Philippians 3:5, 6). Your email address will not be published. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Isaiah 9:6, 7). Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Praise God you are following Him. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath … The bottom line is, God has a history of choosing messy people with problems. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. But we forget what how horribly unqualified he was when he went by his Hebrew name of Saul. Have you been out trying to destroy your church and killing Christians and forcing them to renounce Jesus’ name? That’s also the main reason why it’s important to receive the Holy Spirit because He alone brings us revelations, the truth behind scriptures as we study. Concerning John the Baptist Bible says, “when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Thank God for all the people and families who joined Nehemiah in God’s good work! They compared me with a wild animal tearing at its prey. You can read an article where I throw more light as we being the righteousness of God in Christ. That’s why Bible says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). It is only when we think we are strong that God’s stage becomes cluttered. You should never allow your mind to control you. Thank you and God bless you too. I stated in one of my articles, that there’re more revelations in the Word of God than the written pages. We are weak so He needs to work or we have nothing. Yet, when he was chosen to lead and serve, Paul was totally unqualified. We tend to depend on our conscience so much that we fail to actually function in the house of God as He (God) wants us to. Indeed, Jesus made Paul open our eyes as He promised. It’s no surprising some Jews are still waiting for the coming of the Messiah which is a total ignorance from the truth. The kind of attitude Peter demonstrated are the essential prerequisites for salvation. I am glad it helped Lady D. I think part of the reason we struggle is the same reason we are usable by God – we are aware we are not equipped to do it on our own. They are living like they did before they came to Christ and that’s a very serious problem. From this statement, we may liken Peter to a valley which was lifted up, and to a rough way made smooth. Even around my church friends I would always lie and say I was extremely popular. It was God’s power working through a desperately unqualified but willing servant….not Paul and his qualifications. I am not a writer. Paul’s encounter with Jesus led to his conversion and soon thereafter the Lord commissioned him an apostle to the Gentiles; Glory to God! God chose David because he trusted God not anyone else and he expected David to fight his way. But God had other plans. Prior to Paul’s conversion, we all know he was called “Saul.” We first learn of him in Acts 7 where he is involved in the murder of Stephen – the first Christian martyr. God’s leaders are very different than man’s. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1Tim 1:15, 16). Of course! “Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. The purpose of this site is to allow God to use my story as an example of what a person of faith can do, no matter you position in life. The Lord says, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). He does not look at the outward appearance, but at the heart and He is never wrong. God calls the man who is devoted to God and equips him for the tasks ahead. We have nothing on our own and it’s by the nature of Christ, imparted into our spirits that qualifies us for the work of God. The verse above continues on a few verses later to say, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. God’s leaders are very different than man’s. In other words, it’s in Christ Jesus that we’re forgiven and are qualified to partake in His holy works. Saul interview before the official Antioch evangelist search committee would go something like this: Interviewer Ananias:  So you want to be hired by our church, what were you doing in your last position? His resume boils down to the fact that he was totally unfit for the job. You see, I was holding the clothes of those who were stoning your friend Stephen to death, stoning being hard work and all and I heard him talking. I overthink when I should think simply., but this message truly encourages me to keep fighting for Gods glory. God bless you. May His words through you bless many indeed, for the sake of His kingdom and for His glory. Jonah was a prophet who was called by God to go and minister to the people of Nineveh. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:16-23). You're hired to do God's … Paul converted thousands and taught holiness to the thousands more in the early church. Jonah: A Man who Ran from God. We make a mistake in church life if we judge the qualities of the Christian based on the world’s standards. I said in one of the articles posted on this blog that your educational qualification doesn’t matter. Bible says “when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. If the calling of Apostle was  based on worldly wisdom, he would have been thrown out of the interview and perhaps into jail. ‘God chose’ this means He intentionally selected you being aware of your weakness and incompetence. Pastors wife is a job with no job description but a million responsibilities. God’s strength is your power over any weakness. Intelligence, wit, charm, strength, wealth, fame, power – such are the things that make us put our faith in men. Even if you have the degree or the credentials, no one makes a difference for Christ whether it’s in medicine, ministry, business, or botany because they feel totally qualified. There’s a higher calling in Christ brethren, so run for it, forgetting your past. I’m glad God’s words through me blessed you. I am glad you were encouraged. His will is not hindered by humans will. Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? It is both humbling and awesome. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. This was not Paul discovering his untapped potential. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:3). And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. The standard operating procedure in response is to form a search committee. Interviewer Ananias:  Ok, so I will write down that you are a real self-starter. Do you feel worthless in your church, like you can’t do anything and have nothing to add? Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Surprisingly, it was this kind of religiously elite people that Jesus often criticized – as in his parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector of Luke 18:9-14 and like parables, and as in Matthew 23 where He explicitly points out their hypocrisy. He writes much of the New Testament. Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task. Look at Paul – a zealot who was actively persecuting believers for their faith . Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Look at Mary - a young woman with no experience beyond her own faith. When I was just becoming older I thought of my self as so low. If you have received Christ and made Him the Lord and Saviour of your life, then you’re qualified to preach the Gospel. I met a guy who tried to share the Word with me and I allowed him to. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. What are these qualifications we look for? Often in our lives, we want to preach the Good News to people we come across but what holds us back is our conscience. That’s the exact reason why when he became a spokesman in Acts, it was to the amazement of the religious elite. How did you find out about our advertisement for a position? Interviewee Saul:  Well Sir, I spent the last few years, up until a couple of days ago actually, doing my best to destroy other churches. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. Even Peter is exhorting Paul in this scripture for writing with the wisdom that God gave him. Thankfully, God is faithful. Before a person can receive Christ and be truly born again, he must think as such. 2. In this article we’ll be finding out the qualification needed to preach the Gospel. Downloads are available at http://www.ignitermedia.com. God calling the unqualified is a dying to self because the impossible is only possible through God. The thing is He makes what was useless useful, what was fruitless fruitful, what was painful gainful, in fact making the impossible possible is God’s … They were, like Elijah, men "with a nature like ours" ( James 5:17 ). Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 15:16). Bible says, “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up” (Job 22:29); “let the weak say, I am strong” (Joel 3:10) and so on and so forth. His reaction is a good one in that he shows that he is well aware that the LORD is holy and doesn’t like to be around sin. The reasoning is that they are used to handling people, leading people and raising money so they can transfer their skills into the church version. The reason why a lot of God’s children have not been able to live the kind of life God’s called them to is because of their sin consciousness. Required fields are marked *. Adam and Eve should have just taken God’s word for it at the Tree. It was God’s plan, God’s mission and God’s power that carried it out, not Paul. David is also a great example of the decision makin of God. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said in an interview that he told President Donald Trump that he was God's "chosen one" to lead the United States, just as he chose … Unqualified: The Story of God’s Chosen For being omnipotent and all, God seems to make some pretty big mistakes when it comes to choosing the right person for the job. From the verse we just read, Paul was actually speaking about himself; his encounter with the Lord in the third heaven. But God picked Paul and made him His chosen vessel to use for the remainder of his lifetime. When Jesus was on earth, many overlooked Him as the Messiah, the very Son of God, because He didn’t meet their expectations. I think it is when we stop feeling totally inadequate that the problems start. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). But God knows better. Understanding and remembering this is the key to our every step in faith. There is … And what is Paul? •• This is a remarkable message. I feel so not quality for this position, but the article has helped. The devil has no power and the only way he keeps God’s children in bondage is to accuse them of sinning. I was really good at it too! God never judges a man by the world’s standards. The most successful CEO will be an utter failure running a church without a heart for Jesus. Jerusalem was located in Judea, and there was a general sense of prejudice the Judeans had against the Galilean Jews. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 15:16). It is often when a man is totally weak and completely without ability that God does his best work. One thing we learn from this is not to be too presumptuous of what kind of a person will convert to Christ, nor based on his background, what kind of Christian is appropriate for a given ministry because God often chooses the most unlikely candidate.
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