First Baptist Church

Fairbanks, Alaska

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(907) 456-4923

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“The Insignificants”

Can “Insignificant” people make a difference?

 Luke 9:46-48 

Mark Howdeshell (December 9, 2007)

Luke 9:46-48   46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all — he is the greatest." 

Introduction

Have you ever thought of yourself as “insignificant?”  That your “vote didn’t count.”  “Who cares about me, anyway?”  “I’m a nobody….and nobody sees me.” 

In a lot of ways, this is an epidemic amongst our culture today.  There is a big difference between the “haves” and the “have nots.”    

The epitome of this type of feeling of being insignificant too often leads to depression, anger, or may lead to the ultimate in “who cares”…suicide.  The state of Alaska was #1 in the nation in 2004…in the suicide death rate per capita.  In all, 155 Alaskans and 32, 439 Americans took their own life.  As depressing as this sounds…especially during this time of year…today I want to bring you good news!! 

Jesus loves you.  There are no insignificants in His eyes, in fact, the opposite is true! 

Heart of the Matter 

Jesus has used the “insignificants” to touch the lives of millions of people.  In fact, there are no “insignificants” in the Maker’s eyes! 

The Meat of the Message 

  1. Where does the feeling of being insignificant come from?

Matt 16:23  23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan ! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 

    1. The feelings of inadequacy comes from Satan himself.  If he can make you feel less important, less worthy, or less secure than you are, then he can tempt you and get the upper hand.
    2. The world we live in, at the prompting of Satan, has defined “success”, “worthiness”, and “significance” for most people. 

                                          i.    These yardsticks are the things of men.

1.    money

2.    power

3.    physical beauty

                                         ii.    Can even be “good” things turned bad…

1.    type of education/ degree

2.    who you married

3.    position in the community

 

  1. God’s definition is totally different

Luke 9:46-48   46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all — he is the greatest." 

    1. God doesn’t look at ANYTHING we can obtain as an adult as a measure of worthiness or success.
    2. Child’s heart

                                          i.    Pure

                                         ii.    Totally dependent

                                        iii.    Fully trusting

    1. God deemed you worthy enough to die for!

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

  1. God uses “insignificant” people to do the most significant things.
    1. What is the one common factor in all of the people below?

                                          i.    Noah-

1.    laughed at by everyone

2.    built the ark

3.    all of mankind are his descendents

                                         ii.    Zachaeus-

1.    hosted Jesus in his house

2.    repented of his sin

                                        iii.    Mary-

1.    teenage mother of Jesus

                                       iv.    Moses-

1.    adopted

2.    murderer

                                        v.    Joseph-

1.    hated by his brothers

2.    sold as a slave

3.    accused rapist

4.    “felon”

                                       vi.    David-

1.    shepherd boy

2.    laughed at by his brothers and the soldiers

    1. The common factors in all of these “super significant” people were the love and confidence of God and the open willing heart needed by God to work.

 

  1. Does God still use “insignificant” people today?
    1. Lottie Moon-

                                          i.    International missions

    1. Annie Armstrong-

                                          i.    North American missions

    1. Billie Graham-

                                          i.    Born on a dairy farm

                                         ii.    Kicked out of his youth group for being too “worldly”

                                        iii.    Most recognized preacher of all time

1.    2.5 million salvations after his preaching (1993)

2.    over 2 billion have listened to him

                                       iv.    led to the Lord by a revivalist--- Mordecai Ham

    1. James Dobson

                                          i.    Preacher’s kid

                                         ii.    Founded Focus on the Family

1.    heard by over 220 million people in 164 countries DAILY

2.    "The Most Influential Evangelical Leader in America" by Christianity Today magazine

 

  1. Closer to home, please.
    1. Pastor Mark

                                          i.    Retired soldier

                                         ii.    Ordained by local church when God called to be a Youth Pastor

    1. Tom

                                          i.    Deacon

    1. Sylvia

                                          i.    Organist

    1. Ethel

                                          i.    School teacher

                                         ii.    Pianist

    1. EACH OF US ARE SIGNIFICANT AND PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN GOD’S PLAN        

 

  1. Roles may change………..but God doesn’t!
  2. People may change………but God doesn’t!
  3. Places may change………but God doesn’t!
  4. Our view of ourselves may change……………..but God’s view of you doesn’t!

 

  1. Rejoice in the knowledge and truth that God loves you, wants to use you, and sent His Son to die for you.  Remember that during this time of Christmas, God loved you so much and deemed you significant enough to give you the gift of Jesus, born in a manger.  REJOICE!!!

The Bottom Line   We are all special in God’s eyes.  He may use us to reach one person or millions, that is His decision to make.  All He asks of us is an open, willing heart.  “Here I am Lord, send me.”   

INVITATION

Have you felt insignificant lately?  Come shed it at the cross.

Have you felt unworthy?  Come renew your sense of worthiness.

Have you been called…but turned away?  Repent and be willing.

Are you being called now?  Answer His call.

Jesus is waiting for each of you to respond…respond to Him now.

 

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Last modified: 11/30/08