HOW AN ORDINARY MAN LIVED AN EXTRA-ORDINARY LIFE

Pastor Rick Jackson

Andrew is mentioned by name 13 times in the NT. 8 of those times he is referred to as Simon Peter’s brother, 3 of those times he is mentioned in a group of the disciples, and the other 2 he is named with Philip. There are several things about Andrew that commend him to us and are worthy of being in our own lives. He was an ordinary man like us, he lived an extra-ordinary life and so can we.

I. HE WAS NOT A SELF-RIGHTEOUS MAN

1. He Heard of the Person of Christ [Jn. 1:30-36]

2. He Heard of the Power of Christ [Jn. 1:29, 33, 36]

3. He Hearkened to the Invitation of Christ [Jn. 1:37-40]

II. HE WAS WILLING TO PLAY A SMALLER ROLE [Rm. 12:1-16]

Tom Rahner said, There are no small parts, there are only small actors.” Likewise, in God’s will there is no such thing as second fiddle. Joshua, Aaron, Elisha, Paul, Silas, Timothy, and John the Baptist himself are all proof of that. R.A. Torrey, D.. Moody and Dr. James M. Gray illustrate that truth well.

-you have to be “big” on the inside

-you have to be satisfied living in the shadows

III. HE DID GOD’S WORK GOD’S WAY [Phil. 4:13, 19]

-that is, he never tried to be anyone but himself.

-could a man like Peter have led Peter to the Lord?

IV. HE DIDN’T LET LITTLE THINGS BOTHER HIM

“Some Christians live on the corner of Bitterness Lane and Despondency Blvd.” - Dr. Bob Kelley

Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother and co-workers with James & John but they were in the inner circle and Andrew wasn’t. There is no hint that he was offended by it, hurt, or even jealous.

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

V. HE KNEW WHAT WAS REALLY BIG IN LIFE - BRINGING FOLKS TO JESUS!

-Peter [Jn. 1:41] -boy [Jn. 6:8-9] Greeks [Jn.