God is Calling Yet
08/14/05 AM
Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
INTRODUCTION
In Ephesians 4:1 Paul talks about the Christian’s “vocation,” or “calling.” The Bible mentions several different callings that God gives us as believers:
1. There is THE CALL TO SALVATION.
2. THE CALL TO SANCTIFICATION, And
3. THE CALL TO SERVICE.
Every Christian receives these three calls from God. If we would “walk worthily” of our calling as Christians, then we must be faithful and true to what God has saved us for, and called us to be.
I. THE CALL TO SALVATION
A. Everyone who is a Christian at some time in his or her life first heard a calling from God to salvation.
1. Romans 1:6-7 “among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ...”
2. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
3. Romans 8:29-30 “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”
B. God’s purpose is that everyone be saved through faith in Jesus.
1. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
2. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
3. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
4. 1 Corinthians 1:20-30
II. THE CALL TO SANCTIFICATION
A. Having called us to salvation, He also calls us to separation and holy, righteous living. 2 Corinthians 6:11-18
B. The words “sanctify,” “saint,” “hallow,” and “holy’ all come from the same Greek root hagizo (ha-geed-zo). Sanctification has to do with separation, and this separation is subsequent to, or because of, something else. The sanctified person or thing has been chosen first and then separated.
C. Paul has much to say in his letter to the Ephesians that encourages our sanctification.
1. There is the instruction to put off our old sinful natures, and to be clothed with our new spiritual nature. Ephesians 4:7-16
2. There is the instruction to imitate God and to separate ourselves from darkness Ephesians 5:1-8
3. He emphasizes not lying to each other, not holding grudges, not giving the Devil any door of opportunity in our lives, working hard, controlling our tongues, and following the leadership of the Spirit.
4. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
Which brings us to our final call…
III. THE CALL TO SERVICE
A. If we are to walk worthily, we must serve Christ in all that we do. We must do what we do for His glory, and not our own. We are here to serve God, and serve others, and this is the only kind of walk that God will deem worthy of His blessings and power.
1. Matthew 20:25-28 “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
2. John 13:12-15
3. Philippians 2:1-8
4. Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
5. Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
CONCLUSION
Conclusion-We have a Saviour who demands and deserves our very best. We all need to “walk worthily,” of God’s calling upon our lives.
Invitation
