BECOMING AN INSTRUMENT OF WONDERS.
TEXT: 2Tim.2:19-23; Rom.9:18-24; Luke 9:23-26; Jer.51:20-23
Being an instrument of wonders can be understood in the context of being an agent through which extraordinary or miraculous events occur.
1. Conveying God’s Power:
Example: Moses parting the Red Sea to lead the Israelites to safety.
Scripture: Exodus 14:21–22
“And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”
2. Healing and Restoration:
Example: The Apostle Peter healing a man who was lame from birth in the name of Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Acts 3:6–7
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”
3. Proclaiming God’s Messages:
Example: The prophet Isaiah prophesying about the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
4. Demonstrating God’s Love and Mercy:
Example: The parable of the Good Samaritan, where a man shows compassion to a stranger in need.
Scripture: Luke 10:33–37
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
5. Manifesting God’s Glory:
Example: The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on the mountain, where his divine nature and glory were revealed to Peter, James, and John.
Scripture: Matthew 17:2
“And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.”
INTRODUCTION
The earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God, who will make exploits and show the glory of God (Rom.8:19).
These are men who, through their light, will deliver nations from the captivity of sin and flesh (Isa.60:1-3).
However, God’s standard for recruiting men into the place of power and wonder has never changed (heb.13:8).
God’s standard is sanctification and consecration (Isa.66:2; 2Tim.2:19).
While nations seek God, God seeks for a man who is purged of all filthiness, and desires God to be an instrument in His hand (Ezek.22:30).
Until Abraham was emptied of all but faith in God, the promise was not fulfilled (Rom.4:3);.
the Israelites had to wait for over 400years until Moses surrendered what was in his hand, esteeming the reproach of Christ as greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Heb.11:26); .
the heavens and the earth were kept in silence until Jesus, as a lamb, was slaughtered for the salvation of all, and to open the book and lose the seal (Rev.5:2-7).
The freewill of man has left him with two options: either to be a vessel of dishonour, or that of honour, which is cleaned and consecrated to God for noble purposes.
The choice you make depends on who you believe and whose instruction you follow, whether the corruption of the flesh or the path of life in Jesus Christ through the fellowship of the Spirit (Gal.5:16-17)
DISCUSSION
- Who is an instrument of wonder, and what are the good works they are prepared to do?
An instrument of wonder is someone who is willing and prepared to be used by God to bring about extraordinary, miraculous, or wondrous acts for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
In a broader sense, an instrument of wonder is someone who allows God to work through them to bring about positive and transformative change in the lives of others and to further God’s purposes on earth.
Good works that instruments of wonder are prepared to do include acts of compassion, kindness, mercy, healing, proclaiming God’s message, demonstrating God’s love, and serving others in ways that reflect God’s character and purposes.
They are willing to be vessels through which God’s power, love, and goodness can be demonstrated to those around them.
In being prepared to do good works, instruments of wonder seek to align their hearts, minds, and actions with God’s will and to be responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
They are characterized by a readiness to be used by God, a willingness to step out in faith, and a commitment to living in obedience to God’s word.
- God’s standard for recruiting men into the place of wonder is sanctification and consecration.
How can one prepare one’s vessel in readiness for wonderful works?
1Thess.4:3-7; 2Tim.2:22-23; Isa.52:11-12; Zech.3:6-7, 2Pet.1:5-8, Prov.25:4-5, Heb.12:1-2; Rom.12:9-13.
1. Cultivate a Strong Relationship with God:
– Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and direction.
– Regularly study the Bible to understand God’s character, His purposes, and His will for humanity.
– Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through worship and meditation.
2. Develop a Servant’s Heart:
– Embrace a selfless attitude and a willingness to serve others without seeking recognition or reward.
– Look for opportunities to serve and help those in need, demonstrating love and compassion.
3. Build Faith and Trust in God:
– Strengthen your faith by reflecting on God’s faithfulness in your life and through the testimonies of others.
– Trust in God’s ability to work through you and to accomplish wonderful works in and through your life.
4. Surrender to God’s Will:
– Be open to surrendering your desires and ambitions to God’s will for your life, trusting that His plans are ultimately for your good and the good of others.
– Seek to align your goals and aspirations with God’s purposes and desires.
5. Develop Spiritual Gifts and Talents:
– Identify and develop the spiritual gifts and talents that God has given you, using them to serve others and bring glory to God.
– Seek opportunities to grow and mature in the gifts and callings that God has placed on your life.
6. Stay Humble and Teachable:
– Maintain a posture of humility, recognizing that you are an instrument used by God to accomplish His purposes.
– Be open to learning and growing through experiences, both positive and challenging, acknowledging that God will use them to shape and prepare you for His works.
7. Practice Obedience:
– Seek to live a life of obedience to God’s commands and principles, knowing that obedience opens the way for God to work through you.
– Promptly respond to God’s leading and promptings in your life, acknowledging His sovereignty.
8. Surround Yourself with Like-minded Individuals:
– Connect with a community of believers who will encourage and support you in your journey to prepare your vessel for wonderful works.
– Seek out mentors or spiritual guides who can provide guidance and wisdom as you grow in your faith and readiness to serve.
- An instrument of wonder must be fervent in spirit (Rom.12:11).
It is when the anointing of the Lord come upon your Life that you will become an instrument of wonders.
WHAT DOES THE ANOINTING OF GOD DOES .
1 . The anointing opens doors that have long been shut.
2.The anointing makes you succeed when other people fail.
3. The anointing empowers you to press on.
When everyone tells you to stop, when everything is hindering you from moving forward, the anointing will empower you to move.
4. The anointing makes you another man entirely.
5. The anointing replaces inabilities with abilities.
6. The anointing causes the purpose of God to be revealed in your life.
7. The anointing gives you direction.
8.The anointing gives you an uncommon victory.
9. The anointing adds excellence to your endeavour.
10.The anointing bestows divine favour upon you.
11. The anointing gives you unique acceptability.
12.The anointing changes your status.
CONCLUSION
God has no regard for the beauty, qualification and value of a vessel according to human wisdom; His eyes are on the godly, sanctified and obedient to His will to set them as light to many people
