In fact, in one place in scripture, God said that what He was doing could not be understood even if He explained it. Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. According to the number of days which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day you shall bear your guilt a year, even forty years, and you will know My opposition. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12: 3). WebJohn 3:16. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. In spite of all this they still sinnedAnd did not believe in His wonderful works. The fact that God ordains both the means and the ends should surely encourage us as we face our own trials. Now if You slay this people as one man, then the nations who have heard of Your fame will say,read more.Because the Lord could not bring this people into the land which He promised them by oath, therefore He slaughtered them in the wilderness. But now, I pray, let the power of the Lord be great, just as You have declared, The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations. Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness, just as You also have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. So the Lord said, I have pardoned them according to your word; but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord. God commissions the invalid retiree to uphold dozens, even hundreds of missionaries on the field. 2:11). I have not written a New York Times Bestseller, and no one has publicly endorsed, recommended, or vouched for me. Prayer is one of the means God uses to accomplish His sovereign will and get glory for himself. Including those who dont believe He exists. I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me. Thus they plundered the Egyptians ( Exodus 12:36 ). Gods Ability To Use Unlikely People Even Unbelievers. Even those who dont believe and even speak against. Judas didnt know itand doesnt get any credit for itbut his dastardly deed actually fulfilled predictions given by the Holy Spirit hundreds of years before he was born. Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites live in the valleys; turn tomorrow and set out to the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.. But most of the time we wont see it fully until we finally arrive in heaven. In the beginning Satan challenged Gods right to rule. Remember my imprisonment. Habakkuk learned that the material success of the ungodly is not a reliable measure of their true success. God asks us to do things we cant do, because it makes us trust IN HIM, not ourselves. God strengthened Cyrus so that he could conquer nations and overcome opposition Thus says the Lord God to His 2. Those who turn in humble trust to the Lord, who rest in His work of redemption, who seek to walk in his ways, and who turn in humble repentance when they fail, will receive His righteousness, and blessing forever. The new Pharaoh saw the Israelites as a plague in the land. It doesnt mean everything will also go perfectly or the way we hope. What does it mean that the righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4)? So He brought their days to an end in futility And their years in sudden terror. Jump to Previous In our text, Ex. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. He does this for obvious reasons. Another unlikely person used by God was King Cyrus of Persia. Everything else in the story fits into Gods plan: The crown of thorns, the scourging, the trials, Pilates testimony, his verdict of death, a man to help carry the cross, the place of deathGolgotha, and the moment of death3 PM, the time when the Passover lambs were sacrificed at the Temple. This warning was made clear in the ancient covenant revealed long before through Moses in Deuteronomy 28. God strengthened Cyrus so that he could conquer nations and overcome opposition Thus says the Lord God to His 2. Though absolutely sovereign, all knowing, all wise, and everywhere present, God uses sinners to accomplish His will. Often in the confusion of life, we cant see the ends, much less the means God intends for us. You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. As far as Pilate was concerned, he was ordering an innocent man put to deathwhich is why he tried to wash his hands of the whole affair. That pagan nation was struggling against Egypt for dominance. They sweep through like the strong winds from the East gathering up captives that number like the grains of sand. What Jesus Wants Emphasized In His Church! In the beginning Satan challenged Gods right to rule. So continue to trust in Him and you wont be disappointed. This truth about Judas illustrates Gods control of every event in the universe. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. We concluded that the Bible doesnt give us a final answer regarding why Judas betrayed Jesus Christ. Everything fits into Gods plan. Having all the wisdom in the world didnt guarantee fidelity. Summary Because God does miracles by His own power. I might preach to 100 people on Sunday morning in my own little church, but I preach to thousands over the internet. Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. The Lord can never be blamed for evil, but evil does not take p. God never does evil Himself. Romans 8:28 says, For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. All things includes both good and bad things. One final point is in order. Zechariah 11:13Judas would give the money back. But as for you, your corpses will fall in this wilderness. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. I, the Lord, have spoken, surely this I will do to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. God scoffs at any attempt by me or you to prove our worthiness. Everything was planned by God down to the tiniest detail. There is no better example of Gods providence at work through the actions of a sinful man. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12: 3). During our conversationwhich lasted two hours and was both cordial and very frankI told him that his religion could not save him. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience sake. Christianity is not about religion, its about a life-changing relationship with the Son of God. In heaven, each mans praise will come to him from God, and God will be glorified for sovereignly using sinners for His good purposes (I Cor. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. He dealt with his doubts and confusion in the right way, he turned to God, not to his own understanding. Later Pilate gave in to pressure and ordered Jesus crucified. Eternity will reveal how your faithful service was used by the Lord in amazing ways. It becomes all the more bold in lawlessness. And that is okay. All of it happened according to Gods plan. To put the matter that way raises several other questions: Was Judas predestined by God to betray Jesus? But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it. How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? How beautiful! We know from the sowing and reaping principle that t here will be degrees of torment in the lake of fire. The manner of the judgment would be unexpected. 12:35-36). 14:11). WebGod Can Use Unbelievers part 1: Cyrus 1. Each time Moses would perform a mighty sign to convince Pharaoh of Gods power but each time God would harden his heart. 28:25, The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them; and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth. Gods Ability To Use Unlikely People Even Unbelievers. Do not lament your insufficiency. 10 people that God used to accomplish his purposes I. Paul: The one with a shameful past and challenging present (4:18) Colossians 4:18 - I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Does God sometimes use evil to accomplish His plans (Habakkuk 1:5-11)? Holman Old Testament Commentary: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah by Trent Butler. All of these people are unlikely choices to be used by God since they didnt truly know or believe in Him. Third, it is necessary for us to remain silent, to not fret, grumble, or complain, while we wait for the Lord to deliver us from whatever trial we are suffering. I am not a rising star in any field, industry, or arena. But what a privilege it is to be used by God! God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne ( Psalm 47:8 ). But God did just that and used a sinning Gentile to begin the process of restoring Israel. I dont speak on any circuits, have given no TED talks, and have been the keynote speaker less than once. Jesus responded to the false testimony by saying nothing at all. As Christians, we have nothing to fear or worry about because we know that God is in control. For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son for those who believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.. God answered him. Do you merely profess Christ and trust in your religious habits to save you, or do you possess Christ in your heart by faith? 1:21). Were they to voluntarily all drown? Jesus says much the same thing in his famous prayer just before Judas arrives: None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that the Scripture would be fulfilled (John17:12b). 2) If Jesus did descend into hell, why? They move ahead as a determined army spreading violence. Philippians 3:4-7 - although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. Everyday Apostolic 2019 | All Rights Reserved, Gods Ability To Use Unlikely People Even Unbelievers, Canceling Church On Christmas Removes Christ From Christmas, Great Resources On Baptism In The Name Of Jesus, A Diluted Christianity: Oneness, Trinitarian, Or Is It All Just Irrelevant, Youre Not David Pastor Raymond Woodward, The Walking Bible Pastor Raymond Woodward, Wait On The Lord by James Wilson NAYC 2019, If I Shout/Lets Testify Medley FAC Sanctuary Choir. The coming of Messiah was unexpected. Though used of God to complete his plan, those who crucified our Lord were still personally wicked and godless in what they did. Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it. God is not the author of sin, but He can use sinful men to attain an objective. Anyone who resists God risks falling into spiritual deception (2 God doesnt need men, but God chooses to use men at times to accomplish His sovereign will. We pray because we believe God, because we want to trust in God, praise God, ask God for things we cant do ourselves. But we need to grow in faith and obedience. Paul, in writing to Corinth, corrected the Churchs misuse of speaking in foreign tongues. They have no respect for the leaders of other nations. Jump to Previous for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. If your rsum is sparse, your intellect feeble, your skills unimpressive, and your wisdom just average, fret not. Romans 8:28 says, For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. All things includes both good and bad things. Judas served Gods purposes even though what he did was wrong and he ended up in hell. Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation., Truth Of God Is denied by Unbelievers, the Truth of God Is denied by Unbelievers, Unbelievers Are blinded by the God of this world, Unbelievers Will be classed with outbreaking sinners in eternity, Unbelievers Their lifetime spent in vanity, Unbelievers Shall be judged by God's word in the last day, Will be classed with outbreaking sinners in eternity, Shall be judged by God's word in the last day. God uses pathetic people for his glorious purposes to show his superior power. They scoff at kings, And princes are scorned by them. Fifth, and the point I want to focus on, is that the Lord tells Moses, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. I find this very interesting and encouraging. Paul also made this clear in Romans 9-11. Two questions stand out: 1) Did Jesus actually descend into hell? Those who were rebelling against God had become apathetic. We might be a life-hacking, productivity guru. Jump to Previous The gospel writers record many Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. Judas didnt know it, and neither did the disciples, but Gods fingerprints were all over his act of betrayal. We all understand that God intended that Jesus would die for the sins of the world. Thats where the judgment will come from. so that they might escape from the devil's snare, even though they've been held captive by him to do his will. Summary Often in the confusion of life, we cant see the ends, much less the means God intends for us. Before the Apostle Paul wrote his letter he was known as Saul. He has many means to accomplish that holy purposeincluding some that are difficult to understand. The ungodly show the futility of their rebellion, the awful penalty of sin, and the just wrath of God. Moses had great faith! Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? Grace be with you. Causing a sacrifice to take place that would open salvation up to all people. in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. He stands behind it indirectly, but He directly stands behind good. My ministry is small locally, but gigantic because of the faithful service of others. When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who destroyed the people, It is enough! Amen. By his treachery he established the very cause he set out to destroy. They make a joke out of those who dare to not submit to them. Covenant judgment was about to be poured out upon Israel. But He is unique and who can turn Him?And what His soul desires, that He does. Solomon was given a mind like no one before and like none even after him (1 Kings 3:12). When God desires to save someone, He raises up Christians to preach the gospel. That literally means, I find no basis for any of the charges brought against this man. In modern terms, you might call it a Summary Judgment in favor of Jesus. Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse, gave the parable of the sheep and the goats. (Video #2), Lesson 2: Gods Use of the Ungodly Habakkuk 1:5-11. Egypt made his brother, Jehoiakim, the new king over the Jews. Though Israel was many, only the remnant will be saved (Romans 9:27). Gods plan even extended to having Jesus buried in a borrowed tomb (see Isaiah 53:9). Herod the Great tried to kill him in Bethlehem. In Acts 2 God poured out His Holy Spirit on the disciples who spoke on the streets of Jerusalem in the languages of the Gentiles who were present. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience sake. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth (Isaiah 53:7). Dont get me wrong, wisdom is important. WebGod never does evil Himself. The glory of His nature and attributes will be made known in full. But Habakkuks confusion was not doubt. During this period, foreign powers invaded Israel again and again, and inside the nation known as Gods people, evil and immorality raged. Zechariah 11:1230 pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:15). And, "Who Are The Sons of God in Genesis 6? He has not brought us this far to cause us to fail. When we reach a dead end in our own resources, God can part the sea of the impossible and get us through, but I digress. God didnt want to lead the people around the Red Sea by the way of the Philistines knowing they might get scared and run back to Egypt (Ex. He stands behind it indirectly, but He directly stands behind good. Then we read this in Exodus 14:13-16: But Moses said to the people, Do not fear! But Moses said to the Lord, Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for by Your strength You brought up this people from their midst, and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. A second reason, related to the first reason, is that God knew that by doing His miracles through Moses, Moses would then in turn give glory to God. I didnt attend an Ivy League school. Things may seem impossible, and for men, they might be impossible, but nothing is impossible with God (Lk. Two questions confront us as we consider the story of Judas: Last weeks sermon dealt with the first question. He stands behind it indirectly, but He directly stands behind good. the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers. God uses all those who humble themselves before the cross, boasting only in him his strength, his wisdom, his righteousness, his accomplishment. WebJohn 3:16. by Bob Burridge 2013, 2015 They mock authority and law, and believe that might makes right. They still look to their own strength and ability as if they were divine and answer to no authority above their own. Gods plan even extended to having Jesus buried in a borrowed tomb (see Isaiah 53:9). The sheep representing believers who did Gods will and the goats representing unbelievers who do not do Gods will. The Lord did it, but He did it through Moses. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask 4:5). 10:14-15). WebGod was about to turn to the Gentiles as He judged Israel as a nation for her unbelief. Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, We see, your sin remains. They had been in Egypt under Egyptian task masters for 400 years. The unbelievers, become confused, not remembering ever having the opportunity to serve Jesus. I believe that t he Lord is here suggesting that the eternal torment that unbelievers will experience will be on a scale from more tolerable to less tolerable. WebGod also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. This seems to be one of the reasons God had Moses lift up his staff and hands to divide the Red Sea. How can I believe in the goodness of God when there is so much evil in the world? Be encouraged Christian, God intends to use you in all your multifaceted weakness and obscurity for his glory. His son Jehoahaz became king. The sad story of Judas stands as a warning to religious people not to trust in their religion. In spite of all this they still sinned And did not believe in His wonderful works. 10 people that God used to accomplish his purposes I. Paul: The one with a shameful past and challenging present (4:18) Colossians 4:18 - I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. We see the same thing after the Israelites cross the Red Sea and are attacked by the Amalekites (Ex. Your children, however, whom you said would become a preyI will bring them in, and they will know the land which you have rejected. He sent His son to pay a most costly price for the sin of His people, for those who trust in Him. God blesses those in whom he stirs to obedience, and judges disobedience. But the fact of the matter is it wasnt me! We know from the sowing and reaping principle that t here will be degrees of torment in the lake of fire. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. Gods Ability To Use Unlikely People Even Unbelievers. WebGod will never set man's will aside and use him for a good purpose without his being willing to be used. WebGod will never set man's will aside and use him for a good purpose without his being willing to be used. Soon they will be raised up from that struggle to full power. God didnt need to have Moses lift up his staff. God chooses the custodian with a heavy accent to share the gospel and save lives. The mind of evil changes from bad to worse being taken in by successes in conquest. Recent events may not have gone how you hoped and the signs may seem bleak. Understanding God in Troubled Times God uses pathetic people for his glorious purposes to show his superior power. From the earliest days of Jesus life we find the Jewish leaders conspiring against him. I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me. We see this all the way through the Bible. WebThe one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. He reminded Peter that he could call for 12 legions of angels72,000 highly trained, heavily armed members of the Angelic Defense Leagueto come to his rescue at any moment. Were on a mission to change that. They probably said things like, See, God isnt doing anything no body ever gets punished, it cant be very serious. They had forgotten the longsuffering of the True God who made all things, and who rules as King over all kings. Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. It even included the price Judas would receive for his act of treachery30 pieces of silver. The purpose of www.drivennails.com is to help train expository preachers in sermon construction and delivery, to train inductive Bible study writers and teachers, and to edify the saints with the Word of God. Say to them, As I live, says the Lord, just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will surely do to you; your corpses will fall in this wilderness, even all your numbered men, according to your complete number from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against Me. The terms Neo-Babylons and Chaldeans are used interchangeably for the people of that Empire. Acts 2:23 tells us that Jesus was delivered up, by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death. The Israelites and the church did face some tough times and we may too. God sovereignly saves sinners, yet, He often uses sinners to accomplish His sovereign will. Unbelievers Are blinded by the God of this world 2 Corinthians 4:4 Verse Concepts But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For he sees that even wise men die;The stupid and the senseless alike perishAnd leave their wealth to others. A most astonishing way of fulfilling that prophesy. Yet, God used him to rebuild the temple and allow Jews to return to their land. God is not the author of sin, but He can use sinful men to attain an objective. In the eyes of the Jews, Saul would be seen as a warrior of the faith. Who would have had his own beliefs and gods that contradicted much of the Bible. Although Judas appears to be acting solely on his own initiative, it is clear that his betrayal fits into a larger pattern of eventsone that is orchestrated by the unseen hand of the Living God. Why bother praying to a God who isnt? Anyone who resists God risks falling into spiritual deception (2 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 28:49, The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand. We live most of our days in Good Fridayenduring confusion, opposition, disappointment and the many tragedies of life. Click here. In 609 Judahs King Josiah was killed in battle against Egypt. In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives. This is the grace of God as revealed in His merciful covenant. He didnt accept evil apathetically, he was appalled by it. This week were looking at the other side of the equation. I find it remarkable how consistently the New Testament writers see the hand of God in the events surrounding the death of Christ. He was ready to die for his Master and intended to take a few of the bad guys with him. How will they preach unless they are sent? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. First, the people of Israel were for the most part leaderless. And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away. But he chose instead to allow himself to be arrested, knowing that this would fulfill Gods plan. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. They heap judgment on themselves. Causing him to not let the people go. It was the tech team, the web master, the secretary, or whoever posted my sermon on line. Psalm 109:8Replaced by another manMatthias (see Acts 1:20). Moses didnt have any power to divide the Red Sea. Philippians 3:4-7 - although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. Grace be with you. International Standard Version. When you find yourself in a tight spot and you cant see any way of deliverance, have faith in God, obey His Word, and wait for the salvation of the Lord. Finally, they suborned perjury by putting forward false witnesses who produced contradictory testimony. shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it. When Isaiah 53:1 speaks of the future coming of the Messiah, literally it says, who would have believed the thing reported? His birth as a baby who would grow up, suffer and die was most unexpected. In the healthiest churches, we find a holy conspiracy between pastors who gladly care for the sheep, and sheep who do what they can so that the pastors might serve joyfully. They will be held guilty. Steven Lee is the Pastor of Preaching & Vision at. A God who can bring something good out of betrayal can be trusted to accomplish his work in your life. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall. also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,But He does according to His will in the host of heavenAnd among the inhabitants of earth;And no one can ward off His handOr say to Him, What have You done?. The people of Jacob were trapped. Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. His words imply that all the torment will be tolerable. God had not yet told Moses what He was going to do, but Moses knew the Lord did not redeem the Israelites from Egypt to have them slaughtered. Matthew 26:3-5 informs us that the leaders of the Jews were looking for an opportunity to arrest Jesus and put him to death. Solomon was DaVinci, Einstein, Bach, Jordan, Augustus, and Shakespeare rolled into one superior man. You have entered an incorrect email address! Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? Pastor, Expository Preacher, Author, Trainer of Preachers and Bible Teachers. But it does mean everything will happen as God sees fit. Is that a contradiction? If youd like an interesting Bible study, take a look at the trials of Jesus.