In today’s sermon we are emphasizing “preparation”
It is important for all of us to make our lives count for something.
Before you were born, God made preparation for you to live a significant life.
He provided you with all the tools, both natural and supernatural, and the opportunities needed to do something of eternal significance
This includes:
1. Where you were born
2. To whom you were born
3. Your physical and mental makeup
4. Your childhood and education
5. Your teenage years and young adult life.
How did God prepare you?
A. Before you were born, God prepared you by giving you a measure of faith.
Faith is a tool God has given you with which you relate with him.
The apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:12:
“in him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Also in 1Corinthians 16:13 we read:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”
B. Before you were born, God prepared you with truth, by giving you His Word, The Bible.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us:
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
When tempted, Jesus used scripture:
After 40 days of fasting the devil tempted him to make bread of stones. Jesus answered, “it is written: ‘man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:5:
when the devil took him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down.’” Jesus answered him, “it is also written: ‘do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’”
Third, when the devil tempted Jesus to fall down and worship him:
Jesus said to him, “away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Notice each time Jesus used scripture to fight off temptation.
Paul to the church at Ephesus said:
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God.”
C. Before you were born, God prepared you by giving you the Holy Spirit to help you.
When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came on him.
Later in his ministry Jesus said in John 6:63:
“the Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.”
Before his leaving earth Jesus said in John 14:16:
“and I will ask the Father, and He will give you another counselor to be with you forever— but when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
D. Before you were born, God has prepared us with prayer.
Prayer is communication with God that fosters a relationship with God.
When Jesus prayed He first prayed for communion with his Father.
Also, Jesus prayed His way through difficult times.
Jesus prayed His way through ministry, He prayed all night before choosing the twelve.
We can’t make it without prayer. We must begin every day with prayer
E. Before we were born, God prepared the circumstances of our lives to maximize our “Do Something” opportunities.
God has placed circumstances in your life that are tailor made for you. This week, why not do something special for someone? Make that call, send that card, stop and make that visit. God will bless you for it.
It’s a “Do Something” time.
The more faithful we are in this, the more our lives will count for something.
May God bless you as you serve Him today?
