The Evidence Of The Call Of God

The Evidence of the Call of God from the Life of Timothy

II TIM 1:1-7

Introduction: There is a great mystery among God’s people about the call of God. Some people ask me "WHY SPAIN?" How do you know you are called to Spain? Why are you going to a country that you don’t know, to a people you don’t know, to speak a language you don’t know? Why would you do this? That is a VERY GOOD QUESTION!! Let me tell you why we are going to Spain. This is how it happened. I was in college, and one night I just needed to get outside and get some fresh air. I looked up in the sky, and there it was! The stars spelled out "S-P-A-I-N!!" Sometimes we wish it were that easy. Sometimes we think, "Well if God wants me to do something, He will strike me with a lightening bolt." NO, the ONLY reason Jill and I are going to Spain is because God CALLED US! And when we get to Spain, and times get tough as they will, and persecution comes, and it will, and when our flesh wants to come back home to America to Mom and Dad, and we will, there is only ONE THING that will keep us in Spain. And there is only one thing that will keep you right on track in your life. And that is THE CALL OF GOD. And so, WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE FOR THE CALL OF GOD IN OUR LIVES? For this answer we must go to Scripture. Please turn to II Timothy 1.

I. EVIDENT BY OUR FAITH II Tim 1:5 “I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee”

When we think of the call of God, we must realize that it IS the call OF GOD! This call can never come from man, from a church, or from a friend. The call comes from a deep inner conviction of faith that it is GOD ALMIGHTY Creator of the Universe that has given the call.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Transition: God plants our faith, and usually He does it in various ways. First, it is . . .

A. BY THE FAITHFUL II Tim 1:2 “To Timothy, my dearly beloved son"

Paul had prayed for Timothy, preached to him and his family, and prepared and groomed him for the ministry. ACTS 14

You remember the one who pointed you to Christ?

Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him

B. BY THE FAMILY II Tim 1:5 "unfeigned faith . . . which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice"

The real key to Timothy’s faith was not just missionary Paul. It was Missionary Grandma and Mom! The greatest mission field in all the world is not Spain or Russia or China. The greatest mission field is the HOME! JILL’S TESTIMONY

C. BY THE FATHER II Tim 1:9 “Who [God] hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

It’s not us who can bring faith to a person! We can plant, we can water, but GOD GIVETH THE INCREASE!

Transition: The call of God goes a step further. It is not only evident by our FAITH, it is evident by our FIRE.

II. EVIDENT BY OUR FIRE II Tim 1:6 “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance

that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”

Insight: As Timothy grew in his faith, it was obvious that there was this certain overwhelming desire. And any one who is called into the ministry won’t be happy doing anything else. We can say with Paul in1 Corinthians 9:16, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!