Usefulness
E.A. Johnston teaches that true usefulness and significance in life begin after an extraordinary encounter with God, as exemplified by Moses' transformative journey.
In this biographical sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the life of Moses to illustrate how true usefulness and significance in life begin after an extraordinary encounter with God. By examining the three distinct 40-year periods of Moses' life, Johnston reveals the transformative power of God's calling. Listeners are encouraged to seek a personal encounter with God to live a life marked by divine purpose and impact.
Full Transcript
In Deuteronomy 34, 7 we read, And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. So Moses lived to be a hundred and twenty years old.
A man's usefulness is often marked after that man has had an encounter with God. The study of the life of Moses in Scripture will reveal the following startling details. The first forty years of Moses' life in Egypt is covered by only fifteen verses of Scripture.
The next forty years of Moses' life on the backside of the Midian Desert is covered by only ten verses of Scripture. But the last forty years of Moses' life after his encounter with God is covered by approximately 4,252 verses of Scripture. Surely this clearly demonstrates that the significance of a life begins after an ordinary man has had an extraordinary experience of God.
And from that point forward, his life is never the same again.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Moses' life span and vitality
- Significance of age and strength at death
- Setting the stage for Moses' usefulness
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II
- First 40 years in Egypt briefly covered
- Next 40 years in Midian desert briefly covered
- Last 40 years after encounter with God extensively covered
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III
- The encounter with God as a turning point
- Transformation from ordinary to extraordinary life
- The impact of divine encounter on usefulness
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IV
- Lessons from Moses' life for believers today
- Encouragement to seek God for transformation
- Living a life marked by divine purpose
Key Quotes
“A man's usefulness is often marked after that man has had an encounter with God.” — E.A. Johnston
“Surely this clearly demonstrates that the significance of a life begins after an ordinary man has had an extraordinary experience of God.” — E.A. Johnston
“And from that point forward, his life is never the same again.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Seek a personal encounter with God to transform your life.
- Recognize that your true significance begins when you respond to God's calling.
- Live intentionally with purpose after experiencing God's presence.