Here I am – use me!

In the beginning God wanted man to rule His earth – Gen 1:27-28. Gen 2:19 - We named
animals so rule over them. Naming theme in the Bible – God named humans so rules
over them, God named stars so rules universe (keep in mind 20 billion trillion stars).
(Psalm 147:4). So God wanted to share all this power and glory with us – He wanted us
to rule with Him – Psalm 8:4-6. Then man sinned and gave the world over to Satan.
How do we know that Satan took the world from us? – Luke 4:5-6. Satan isn’t in hell
right now, he’s on the earth: Rev. 2:13 – I know where you live – where Satan has his
throne. Job 1:7 – The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan
answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”
Well how did Satan get it? – We gave it to him – We were told by God to subdue the
earth, or continue to rule over it but we became slaves instead of masters when Adam and
Eve sinned (Gen 4:7 – we were supposed to master sin, instead we became slaves to sin –
2 Peter 2:19). Well this was outside of God’s will, so God wanted us to take a stand and
take the world back – just like in the beginning, and He still gave man a chance to
reclaim the earth – He wanted mankind to step up: But we didn’t – Ecc. 7:20. Because of
this – Isaiah 59:15-16. Jesus had to armor up and come do it Himself (Isa. 49:6) – so
Jesus won the world back on the cross – Romans 5:17. – Rev 2:26 (completed and now
wants to give it back to us again). Those who now rule with Christ are those who accept
what Jesus did for them – John 1:12. If children then heirs and co-heirs ruling with Jesus
(Titus 3:7). 1 Cor. 6:2-3. But this time it’s for over-comers.

So who will God rule with?

First, God is really looking for people to be on His team: Isaiah 6:8. Jesus made it clear
about being in the family business – John 5:17. Acts 9:15 reiterates that God uses people
to complete His plan.

What does it take to be on God’s team?

Let’s take a look at some of the people God used in the past – (Exodus 2:11-15). God
used Moses the murderer to rescue His people from Egypt, (Judges 6:14-16) God used
Gideon the weakling to rescue His people from the oppressive Midianites, (2 Samuel
11:2-4 and Psalm 89:24-29) God used David the adulterer to set up His everlasting
Kingdom. God will use anyone who’s willing, even sinners – Zechariah 3 (He takes our
sins away – no more filthy rags like Isaiah 64:6, now its fine linens white and clean Rev
19:8, Isaiah 1:18). You see, God doesn’t show favoritism – Romans 2:11. He doesn’t
need perfect people, just willing people – Acts 10:34-35. He needs people who say
Romans 1:16, will stand up for His Name Matthew 10:32-33 and will be ready at all
times to do His work 2 Timothy 4:2.

How can you go up the chain of command more quickly?

If you’re willing to join God’s team then here’s what you’ll need to become higher in
rank: Jeremiah 33:3 you begin to learn from God by talking to God, Psalm 119:11 you
make God’s Word part of your life in order to increase your holiness, Psalm 119:9 you
increase in holiness by living out the Scriptures – this results in a closer relationship
with God (show video clip), Hebrew 11:6 you won’t be pleasing to God until you grow
in faith. Hosea 4:6 you need to increase your knowledge and wisdom – James 1:5. A
good wisdom starter is Proverbs 1:7 fear God with a reverent fear – why? The man
who truly fears God won’t sin against God (The same is true of the man who truly loves
God) How do I know? - Fear = Exo. 20:20, Love = John 14:15. James 4:10 you humble
yourself and let God exalt you – Numbers 12:3 Moses was the most humble man on
earth and God spoke to him face to face (Exodus 33:11). Philemon 1:6 sharing with
others about Jesus increases your understanding of Jesus – why? – Acts 9:20-22.

If you work on and master each of these areas then before you know it you’ll be a general
in God’s army – a good and faithful servant that God can trust and give multiple
responsibilities to.