We are Called

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ . . . And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE" Romans 8:17,28 (see also verses 29-30).

God has a plan for the life of every individual believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only does His call involve a wonderful purpose for us throughout eternity, but we also have an expression of that call upon the earth now.

GOD HAS CALLED US

From the Foundation of the World

''For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" Ephesians 1:4-5 (see also 2:10; Matthew 25:34; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

To be Separated unto Him

''But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" 1 Peter 2:9 (see also Romans 9:23-26; Titus 2:14).

To Fulfil His Purpose

"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . . who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace . . . " 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (see also Romans 8:28; Philippians 3:14).

OUR CALL ON EARTH

"Paul, a servant (slave) of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God'' Romans 1:1.

In describing his own ministry, the Apostle Paul gives us an example of the call that is upon EVERY believer. It has three aspects:

1. The General Calling- "A Slave of Christ"

Jesus paid a high price for us: His own life.

"For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price . . . '' 1 Corinthians 7:22-23 (see also 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 6:6).

When Paul calls himself a slave of Jesus Christ he is pointing to an even deeper meaning. According to the custom of his day, if a slave came to the time when he could be set free, but because of love for his master chose not to accept his freedom, he then received a mark pierced in his ear. This was the sign that he was a "love-slave'' to his master for life (Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:16-17). The Apostle Paul, by his own choice, declared himself a love-slave of the Lord Jesus.

2. The Special Calling - "Called to be an Apostle''

Just as the Apostle Paul had a special calling upon his life, so does every believer. Paul was called to be an apostle, but there are many different callings in the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:716). The special part that God has for us to play will be revealed to us as we earnestly seek His will.

3. The Particular Calling - ''Separated to the Gospel''

Within each special calling there is a particular calling. For example, Peter and Paul were both apostles, but one was the apostle to the Jews and the other to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13; 1 Timothy 2:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

We only move into our special and particular callings as we prove ourselves as ''love slaves'', for we must first learn to be wholly under the authority of Christ before we can be SENT by Him (see Matthew 28:18-19).

WHY DOES HE CALL US?

Because the world is in Darkness

''We know that we ourselves are children of God, and we also know that the world around us is under the power of the evil one'' 1 John 5:19 (Phillips) (see also Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; 1 Peter 2:9).

Because People are hungry and in Need

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd'' Matthew 9:36.

To Prove His Wisdom

''His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms, according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord'' Ephesians 3:10-11.

Because the Time is Short

''Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest'' John 4:35 (see also John 9:4).

HOW ARE WE CALLED?

We are made by Him

'' 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I WILL MAKE YOU fishers of men' " Matthew 4:19 (see also Jeremiah 18:1-10).

We are taught by Him

''But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you'' John 14:26 (see also 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 John 2:27) .

We are sent by Him

''As you sent me into the world, l have sent them into" the world" John 17:18 (see also Mark 16:15; Acts 13:2-4; Isaiah 6:8).

When God calls, He comes and interrupts our lives. Some examples of this in the Scripture are:

Moses (a shepherd in the desert):

''Go - set my people free'' (Exodus 3:1-12).

Samuel (a boy serving in the temple):

"Wake up - speak for me" (1 Samuel 3:1 -19).

Ezekiel (a captive in a foreign land):

''Stand up - I am sending you'' (Ezekiel 2:1-7).

Disciples (businessmen, fishermen):

''Come, follow Me" (Luke 5:27-28; Matthew 4:18-22).

Saul (an enemy of the Church):

''Go, I will tell you what you must do'' (Acts 9:1-9).

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Copyright © 1981,1996 Paul, Bunty and David Collins. All rights reserved. This study may be freely used and reproduced, wholly or in part, except for profit, provided copyright and contact information is included.

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