Difference Maker - Week 2

Topic: Moses is dependent on God to lead Israel out of Egypt.

Passage: 1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 17:1-11, 1 Samuel 17:31-37, 1 Samuel 17:45

Big Idea: We are dependent on God to be a difference maker.

Two main applications:

God calls us out of our comfort zone

Surrender your doubts and insecurities to God

Idea:

Notecard on every seat

On 1 side, put your insecurities/doubts

On the other side, write out 1 way God is calling you to make a difference

What are my students dealing with/saying?

I’m busy with school, sports

I have some trouble with friendships

My parents aren’t doing so well/are getting a divorce

I don’t know how to make a difference when I’m at home all day

I don’t know how to share the gospel

I struggle to manage my anger

I get jealous really easily

I enjoy gossipping and have trouble not talking bad about people

I don’t like school

I like to sit in my bed and watch tv shows, youtube, play video games

I’m anxious or depressed

I don’t like people who are different from me

Introduction:

Activity: A student holds 2 water jugs, but first they have the help of their friends to hold their arms up, and then they are forced to see how long they can do it without the table.

Recap:

David was called to be king

God looked at the heart of David to see that he would be a Difference Maker

We are all called to be Difference Makers, no matter what.

Even when we think we can’t do it, or we are insecure in our own abilities, God gives us all we need to do what He’s called us to do. (Ephesians)

David was given the strength and faith to defeat Goliath.

Activity: Alright for this next part, I’m going to ask the friends to go sit down, and the student will continue to hold up the water jugs on their own.

This week, we are going to turn our attention back to Moses!

Now I know we talked about him a couple times in our last series, but I think it’s important to revisit his interaction with God one more time to point out something.

There’s this pattern in Scripture. I don’t know if you’ve noticed it yet, but God uses people that you wouldn’t expect to make a difference.

Moses wasn’t so sure of his own abilities, and we are going to see more of that in today’s story, and David was looked down upon because of his age, size, and appearance.

But God can and will use anyone to do what He’s called them to do!

Activity: We see here that [student] was very dependent upon the help of their friends, and when they left, it was more difficult to hold up the water jugs on their own.

To be a difference maker we need to be totally dependent on God. Just like [student] was dependent on [friends], we are to depend on God. Many times, I’ve heard people make excuses, and I’ve even made excuses because I’m afraid and I have these insecurities that seem to cause me to doubt my own ability.

Here’s the thing though, God doesn’t call us to make a difference on our own strength. He gives us what we need, and asks that we depend on him.

Scripture:

Exodus 4:1-17

God Reminds Doubting Moses

Often we need to be told by God that He is the one who causes our hearts to change, and that He is faithful and in control of all things.

God has done all these things in the past, and He’s given us His Word to remind us of how powerful, loving, and in control He is.

God Defines Our Dependence

C.S. Lewis writes, “You may forget that you are at every moment totally dependent on God.”

V. 12, “Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

We are called to Obedience, Not Comfort.

The Lord gets a little angry…

Moses has become fearful, anxious, and now has become obstinate

Anyone ever been in this situation? You are challenged to do something outside of your comfort zone, and you lock down inside because you’re so nervous and you think you can’t do it.

God has given you all that you need to do what He’s called you to do!!!

Often we become complacent, or ignorant…

God Assures Us That He Will Take the Lead

Philippians 4:19 - And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

You see, God provides Moses with everything he needs!

He gives Moses the miraculous signs that display His power.

He reminds Moses that He is capable of doing far more than Moses is capable of

He provides Aaron since Moses doubts his abilities.

He provides instructions on how to go about the task.

He gives Moses the staff “with which you will do the signs” (v.17)

The Great Commission is where we see Jesus command his disciples and all believers to make disciples of all nations. He does this after saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”

Jesus has all the authority we need, and His Holy Spirit lives inside of us, and gives us what we need to make a difference.

Conclusion:

As we have seen with Moses tonight, God will call us to do things that are far beyond our comfort zones.

For some of you, it may be far out of your comfort zone to admit that you need God’s grace or to confess that you are struggling with sin.

For others, it may be the fear of actually inviting your friend to church instead of just thinking about it or offering to pray for someone who is struggling.

As we close tonight, I want to challenge you to think about ways that you doubt God, fail to trust God, or maybe areas of your life that you are just outright afraid to surrender to Him.

Write those doubts or insecurities that you have about yourself on that notecard.

Then on the flip side, I want you to write what it is that God has called you to do to make a difference.

Then, keep this card, and pray that God would remove the doubts and insecurities, so that you can depend on Him, and do what He’s called you to do.

Maybe stick it on your mirror at home with the side that says how you are going to make a difference facing you, so that you are reminded you can make a difference!