From Ordinary to Extraordinary

HOW JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF THROUGH THE ORDINARY

Story of Idi Amin of Uganda: Our desire to be known and adored drives us. It is the fruit of an inward disposition that all things should revolve around me. People should see my greatness and be impressed. They should tailor their lives to accommodate me. This attitude in a word is sin. We may laugh at Idi Amin’s inability to see himself, but we are a lot like like his cabinet member, let’s see if God’s Word can correct our hearts tonight in a way that will help us to aspire for greatness in a different way.

Acts 4:13 “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

God is not looking for exceptionally talented, gifted people. He doesnt need people to be great. He needs them to be humble. He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. He uses us in the greatest ways when we are dependent on Him.

Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Power of God in You

Bible Passage: Acts 4:13

Summary: In Acts 4:13, we see the boldness of Peter and John, two ordinary men transformed by their encounter with Jesus. This passage emphasizes how God can use anyone, regardless of background or status, for His glory and to impact the world.

Application: This sermon reminds Christians that God works through ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results. It encourages believers to embrace their daily lives as platforms for God's power, knowing that their perceived ordinariness does not limit their potential to make a significant difference.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on how personal encounters with Jesus can empower ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes. It elucidates that authenticity and faithfulness in mundane tasks are integral to being used by God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the larger biblical context, this theme points to Christ as the one who equips and empowers His followers, showing that through His spirit, even the most unassuming among us can be vessels of His miraculous work, akin to Christ's own humble beginnings.

Big Idea: God transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies when we fully surrender to Him and allow His Spirit to work through us.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on Acts 4:13, consider exploring the original Greek terms and their implications for understanding the boldness of Peter and John. Use your Logos library to delve into commentaries that discuss the cultural context of religious leaders in Jerusalem at that time. Additionally, examining how other biblical figures identified as ordinary were chosen for significant roles could enrich your narrative and application.

1. Recognize Your Calling

Acts 4:13

You could explore how Peter and John's ordinary background did not hinder their powerful testimony. Through Christ’s enabling, their perceived ordinariness became a backdrop for God’s extraordinary work. Suggest focusing on how their courage stems from their experience with Jesus, challenging the audience to recognize that their own daily interactions with God can fill their lives with divine boldness. This encourages believers to see their potential in being vessels for God's purposes, no matter their status or background.