(Needed-Men of God) 1. Men of Spiritual Calibre
God is looking for men of spiritual calibre who will allow Him to be sanctified in their lives, making an impact on others for His Name.
Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of men and women of spiritual caliber whom God can use to make a significant impact against darkness and to glorify His name. He reflects on the historical precedent of God's small remnant, citing Gideon's army as an example of how few are willing to pay the price for true discipleship. Poonen highlights that God is actively seeking individuals who will allow Him to be sanctified in their lives, thereby making a visible impact on those around them. He draws parallels to the life of Elisha, illustrating the characteristics that should define modern servants of God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to spiritual integrity and the willingness to be used by God in a world that often dishonors Him.
Text
Throughout the centuries, the men and women whom God has been able to use to rout the forces of darkness, to make a lasting impact upon the heathen for His Name and to establish a testimony for His glory, have always been few in number. The blessings of God are received by many but the working remnant that labours together with God has always been a small group. Out of Gideon's army of 32,000, God could use only 300. The proportion has been about the same throughout church-history. Few are willing to pay the price of being part of that remnant.
The eyes of the Lord, I believe, are running to and fro throughout our land today looking for such men-men of spiritual calibre-whom He can use to glorify His great Name where it is at present being reproached.
In a similar day in Israel 2500 years ago, when the Name of Jehovah was being dishonoured, God sent a message to His people saying,
The heathen shall know that I am the Lord....hen I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes (Ezekiel 36:23).
Implied in that message was a promise, but a promise dependent on a condition. The heathen would know that Jehovah was the true God, but only when He was sanctified in the lives of His people.
God is looking today for men and women who will allow Him to be so sanctified in them that people around begin to recognise it and an impact is made upon them for His Name. We find this exemplified in the life of a man of God who lived in the 9th century B.C. As we look at his life, we shall find at least three things that should characterise the 20th-century servant of God.
Elisha was a man of like passions as we are, yet he made an impact upon his generation for God. In the record of his life given us in the Scriptures, there are three occasions where we read of the impression he made upon others. Let us look at these one by one.
Sermon Outline
- The Remnant of God
- God's desire for men of spiritual calibre
- Characteristics of men of God
- Allowing God to be sanctified in their lives
- Making an impact on others for God's Name
Key Quotes
“The blessings of God are received by many but the working remnant that labours together with God has always been a small group.” — Zac Poonen
“The heathen shall know that I am the Lord....hen I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes (Ezekiel 36:23).” — Zac Poonen
“God is looking today for men and women who will allow Him to be so sanctified in them that people around begin to recognise it and an impact is made upon them for His Name.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Allow God to work in your life and make a commitment to serve Him.
- Be willing to pay the price of being part of the remnant, which requires a deep commitment to God.
- Make an impact on others for God's Name by allowing Him to be sanctified in your life.