God using imperfect people

Imperfect but Impactful: God’s Choice of Us

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:27–29, Exodus 4:10–12, 2 Corinthians 12:10–12

Summary: In these passages, we see how God purposely chooses the weak and imperfect to fulfil His divine purposes. From Moses’ reluctance, to Paul’s thorn in the flesh, the scripture emphasizes that it's not our strength but God’s power that truly matters.

Application: This message reminds us that our flaws and limitations don’t disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, they can be a platform for His grace and strength to shine through, encouraging us to embrace their true selves and rely on God’s calling.

Teaching: This sermon could teach that God purposefully selects those whom the world might overlook to carry out His plans, challenging the audience to see their weaknesses as opportunities for God’s strength and glory.

How this passage could point to Christ: In Christ, we see the ultimate example of God using what seems weak to achieve the greatest victory. His life and sacrifice on the cross exemplify that God’s purposes are often fulfilled through humility, suffering, and seeming defeat.

Big Idea: God chooses the imperfect for His perfect plans, illustrating that our weaknesses can highlight God’s unmatched strength and purpose in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider delving into the cultural context of the Corinthian church to understand why Paul emphasized God's use of the weak. Examine commentaries in your Logos library that address the theological implications of God choosing flawed individuals. Additionally, explore textual variations in the passages about Moses to enrich your understanding of his insecurities and how they relate to youth today.

1. Confounding the World

1 Corinthians 1:27–29

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

You could draw attention to how God confounds the wise and the strong by using those whom the world considers weak and foolish. By highlighting this paradox, encourage teens to see their own limitations not as obstacles but as avenues for God to demonstrate His power. Through this perspective, they might understand that being imperfect doesn't diminish their potential for impact in God's Kingdom.

2. Calling through Inadequacy

Exodus 4:10–12

“But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.””

Perhaps focus on Moses' protestations about his lack of eloquence and God's response that He will aid and teach him. This reassurance is pivotal for teens, underscoring how God equips those He calls, transforming inadequacies into platforms for His strength. Encourage faith in God's provision and readiness beyond our self-perceived limitations.

3. Conquering through Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9–10

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Maybe center on Paul embracing weaknesses, insults, and hardships as a means whereby Christ's power rests upon him. This teaches that our weaknesses can amplify God's power and glory, shaping a mindset where trials are a source for divine growth and endurance. Inspire teens to grasp the notion that their struggles can yield spiritual strength through Christ. hi