Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about giving ourselves as a vessel.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”
– Acts 1:8
In this verse, Jesus Christ explains the power and ability that comes to us when we give our lives to Him. Asking God to use us as a vessel allows us to be used as a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to offer guidance and direction to others. The Holy Spirit can give us words to speak to others but also put us in a position to hear words we would not otherwise have heard.
Can you recall a time that you were aware of the work of the Holy Spirit in you and through you? Share your experience in the comments.
Here is our next verse.
“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.“
– Matthew 5:14-16
In this verse, Christ explains that we are like a light to the world. The symbolism here of a lamp and a city on a hill illustrates the importance of allowing others to see our posture of behavior and deeds in plain sight. When we ask to be used as a vessel, we may find ourselves assisting someone directly but also demonstrating a type of behavior and support to many others in the process. In doing so, we can be a ‘light’ to the world by setting a tone of godliness and moral excellence in our communities.
Can you recall a time that you assisted someone in need in an open environment where others could observe your actions? Did you feel nervous or hesitant to assist out in the open? If so, why?
Let’s look at one last verse.
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
– Galatians 5:22-24
In this verse, Paul reminds us of the attributes of one who gives himself or herself as a vessel to God. We see the importance of love, patience, and self-control among other things. It is these things that are considered foundational qualities of serving God. While none of us are perfect, these are qualities we can strive for to serve God and be a vessel to serve others.
Being a vessel for God is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our faith and our spirit. Serving God in this way also allows us an opportunity to learn parts of ourselves that otherwise would remain hidden. Ask God to use you as a vessel today.
Thank you for your time in reviewing these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you to give yourself as a vessel.
Thank you for the opportunity to share encouragement. Here @walkinginstepwithGod we truly appreciate your support. We are fully committed to Christ and the community. We invite you to join us in fellowship and to seek opportunities for fellowship in your local community as well.
