Let’s start with scriptures that emphasize the difference between just being used of God and the righteous and even holy living, which ultimately is the goal of any ministry. Evangelism is necessary for it seeks the lost. Bible teaching refines that which has been found and brought into God’s fold.

[James 1:22] But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

[James 2:26] For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

[John 15:8] My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

[Matthew 7:16-20] You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.

[Luke 10:17; 20] The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

We do not know about any other disciples of Jesus but the seventy He sent out and who returned with great news.

[John 6:60] Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?”

They did not humble themselves to the point of asking questions as to the meaning of Jesus’ words.

[John 6:66-67] As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?”

Now, the twelve are also being challenged. Peter responds with a question.

[John 6:68) Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.

The difference between the seventy and the twelve is this: the seventy did not ask questions, they did not search and therefore did not find. And although they were used of God they were not after the fruits and righteousness, but more after power. When challenged they left Jesus and followed Him no more.

God used Balaam and even his donkey.

[Numbers 22:28; 32] 28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

32 The angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary (Hebrew Satan), because your way was contrary to Me (the LORD’s way not the angels’ way).

Being used of God does not mean to be holy or even righteousness in God’s eyes. I have been used of God since I was twelve. I brought tens of thousands of souls to Christ. God raised four people from the dead, healed epilepsy, made the lame walk and created nonexistent eyes, and healed numerous cancers worldwide through my prayers, word and my hands. Am I proud of it? There is nothing to be proud of. It is His work and not mine, nor is it my righteousness. I only obeyed Him and yielded to His will for that moment; and this is my fruit.

[Luke 10:2] …beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

He did not say sons, but laborers or hirelings.

God uses many hirelings, hired hands the laborers, but He also has sons who do not work for rewards for they have always been in God’s house and to them belongs everything.

We have glorified faith as something magical, but faith is a gift (1Cor. 12:9) and it comes when we prepare a place for it. The gift of faith to believe in Christ the Savior also comes the moment Christ is preached (Romans 10:17), and yet it comes.

There is nothing of us. God used Balaam’s mouth to utter blessings instead of curses—as he in his heart had planned to do—but although God changed the contents of Balaam’s mouth the son of Beor died for his own wickedness. 

Read the story.