On December 10, many of us will be going to the theaters to see the next movie about the chronicles of Narnia. Yes, although it is about entertainment, there are many biblical principles from the writings of CS Lewis. The Chronicles of Narnia are actually 7 books and it can be said that the whole series works out like this:
The Magician’s Nephew
- tells the Creation and how evil entered Narnia
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- the Crucifixion and Resurrection,
The Horse and His Boy
- the calling and conversion of the heathen,
Prince Caspian
- restoration of the true religion after a corruption,
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
- the spiritual life (especially in Reepicheep),
The Silver Chair
- the continuing war against the powers of darkness,
The Last Battle
- the coming of Antichrist (end of the world/judgement)
Narnia is a world that is part of a larger world. Narnia is like our world being part of God’s world. Narnia has many creatures, some are evil, some are good, some are still trying to figure things out. Because there is good and evil in Narnia, there is a battle and those who knew their “calling” and responsibilities and did them well were victorious and honored. I mention Narnia because we are to think about the Kingdom of God we live in!
Here’s the question for us as Christians: Do we know our role in the Kingdom we are in at the moment?
We all need to understand the time we are living in and where are we living at this very moment! You see, even as Christians, we can put on blinders and not live in the present or in reality. Many Christians are still living in the past, some are so caught up with the future, and many live in fantasy (by the way, be careful of entertainment such as movies we watch, because they can easily draw us into fantasy land) Christians are to know and live according to God’s clock and Christians are to live in the reality of this present world. Until Jesus returns, all Christians have a role in the Kingdom of God on earth!
Today, we will learn how the Apostle Paul did it. Please open your Bibles to Romans 15. Read along with me verses 15-33……….
The Apostle Paul knew his calling and purpose (v15-16). Paul was a minister of Christ by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. And not only did Paul knew his calling, he knew what the results are to be, v16……………
How did the Apostle Paul do it? It’s all there in v17-23! Simply, Paul did 3 things:
1. Everything he did was focused on God’s glory!
2. Paul depended on the words and power of God!
3. Paul took action by going and speaking!
And we can note from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 the results of the life of the Apostle Paul: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Let us note that this is God’s Word; i.e. God told Paul to write what God thought about Paul’s life for the Kingdom of Christ!
What will God say about our lives for the Kingdom of Christ?
Let us commit to following the example of Paul’s life!
1. We are to know our purpose!
Like the Apostle Paul’s, every Christian’s purpose in life is to glorify God and help others glorify God.
2. We are to know our calling!
God’s Word is consistent in telling Christians their primary calling and purpose. Christians are to love the Lord God with everything through Jesus Christ. And so, the number one calling for every Christian is to a. be a disciple (a student and an imitator) of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, our second calling, which is the same as the 2nd greatest commandment, is to love our neighbor as ourselves. If you are married and have a family, you’re second calling is to b. love your spouse and your kids if you have them. If we are married, we all need to learn what it means to be a godly husband or wife. What does it mean to be a godly father or mother?
What are other calling?
c. Ministry at church is a calling.
Am I committed to a church which teaches Jesus Christ and the Bible?
d. jobs that God has provided for us is a calling. Do you treat your job as God ordained? For those of you in school, that would be your job at this time.
e. other close relatives are a calling to us.
f. friends whom God has brought to us are a calling. Am I praying for my friends?
g. you may have special callings which God has called you to be involved in (organizations, sports, hobbies, etc…). These can be godly calling. However…….
Let us note that there are only 24 hours in a day and only 7 days in a week, God doesn’t call us to do everything. Therefore, we must pray and prioritize before taking action. Yes we must have margins if time in our lives for flexibility and we must have rest and relaxation but we must pray, then plan, then prioritize our callings. I encourage all of you, especially if you are married, make it a habit to regularly pray, plan, prioritize your lives; do it at least every two weeks or sooner. Have regular family meetings with the family calendar and pray.
And all of us whether married or single, review your calendar often and see if you are following the Apostle Paul’s example of the Christian life:
1. Am I focused on God’s glory?
2. Am I depending on the words and power of God?
3. Am I taking godly actions?
As we commit to these things like the Apostle Paul did, one day the Creator of the entire universe will look you in the eye and tell you, “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you now and forever!”
As we prepare for communion, let us take note of v30-32...
The devil, our enemy in our Kingdom of God fears nothing but our prayers through Jesus Christ! Prayer is power! Please take a moment now to quietly pray to Jesus Christ, make a commitment to your calling and purpose, and pray for someone in the church for their encouragement.
