12-04-2025 PART 3: Chosen on Purpose How God Uses Imperfect People for His Perfect Plan

Section 1

This passage from 1 Corinthians 1 draws us back to Paul’s reminder that when God called us, very few of us were in a place of influence, strength, or nobility. The Lord did not wait for us to become impressive before extending His grace. Instead, He chose us in the midst of our weakness, confusion, and inadequacy. Scripture emphasizes that God intentionally selects the foolish, the weak, the lowly, and the despised so His transforming power can be unmistakable. The testimony shared here parallels this truth perfectly: once caught in a destructive lifestyle, and far from being a figure of moral influence, the change that took place was so profound that friends later remarked, “You are a completely different person.” That is what it means to be born again. The rebirth is not theoretical—it manifests through a changed life, a renewed mind, and a new identity shaped by Jesus Christ.

Section 2

Paul’s message is not that no one was wise, strong, or noble, but that not many were. This distinction highlights God’s purposeful approach. Instead of depending on worldly qualifications, He delights in transforming lives that appear least likely to succeed by human standards. Many of us can testify that we were far from “ideal vessels” when God intervened. Yet that is exactly the point. God wanted to reveal that genuine spiritual change comes only through His initiative, not our merit. Even the discussions about free will and predestination rest on this reality: nothing begins without God’s breath into the dust. Before human decision, before human capability, there was God’s creative and sustaining action. That truth eliminates boasting. No believer can take credit for originating the work of salvation. What we choose afterward matters deeply, but everything begins because God moved first.

Section 3

This understanding of humility and divine initiation leads directly into the heart of Christian life. Servanthood becomes the model for greatness because Jesus Himself taught that true leadership is grounded in service. Modern voices like John Maxwell echo this, but the foundation comes from the teachings of Jesus. Walking humbly before the Lord keeps our priorities aligned and reminds us that God sees through every performance we attempt to offer others. He desires sincerity, honesty, and a heart willing to acknowledge dependence on Him. The closing reflection on the law reinforces this same truth. The law served as a tutor, guiding us to recognize our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. It prepared humanity to receive the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ by faith. Everything—our calling, our transformation, our leadership, and our justification—flows from His grace.