Called, Part 3
gtcotr/ws041206
A calling is an invitation to come and be prepared for use.
We prepare ourselves by studying to show ourselves approved as workers who need not be ashamed because we can rightly divide the word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15
Preparation takes time, effort and dedicated resources. It is an investment in the future, both of the called and of the kingdom.
Many people who are called never qualify for their greatest day of use. Why? Because:
Matthew 22:14 Many are called, but few are chosen.
Such was the case of the young rich ruler … he was just as called as Matthew or Peter, however he did not answer the call.
Each person has a proper response to the call of God. For some it means leaving a secular occupation, like Matthew, for others it is adjusting their priorities, like the young rich ruler, yet for others it is only returning home to be a living testimony of what God has done, as in the life of the man delivered from a legion of devils in:
Luke 8 NKJV
38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying,
39 "Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
Both Matthew 10 and Luke 9 show Jesus calling, preparing, empowering and sending the 12.
Then Luke 10 shows Jesus calling, preparing, empowering and sending another group of 70.
You may benefit from accessing the messages from the last two Wednesday evenings on either the internet or by tape/cd which can be ordered at our information booth in the foyer.
In part two of this series we studied the life and call of Philip throughout the book of Acts.
Like I said last week, Philip, the deacon, evangelist, friend and father, was one of us. A believer who answered the call to come and be prepared in the house of God for the work of the Lord.
The best place for any person to get prepared for the work God has called them to do is the local church.
While we are on this subject, let me say a word about: The Local Church
Scripture teaches that The Church is God’s representational authority on planet earth.
Follow me on this one:
From a logical point of view:
The Church is the:
Bride of Christ
The Body of Christ
The Family of God in the earth.
What better representative can one get than this?
From a scriptural point of view:
Matthew 18 NKJV
15 ¶ "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
16 "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’
17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
18 "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
The church in Jesus’ day, the synagogue of Nazareth for example, was the seat of community, education, worship and benevolence.
The church is meant to be more important than we see it today. However, a community which does not respect God will certainly not respect the church.
But, we are talking about callings … so let me finish my rabbit trail and make my point - my point is this: The local church is the best place to discover one’s purpose, prepare for one’s destiny and, out from which, to pursue one’s call. (The Antioch Principle of Acts 13)
We, upon whom the ends of the world are come, are the best wine which has been reserved until these last days. We are called to this privilege and duty. We are those people spoken of in:
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
What need we do?
We who have been called, must be prepared
We who have been prepared, must be empowered
We who have been empowered, must be sent
As the voice of heaven declared in
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
How shall others know unless someone tell them and how shall someone tell them except one be sent. Romans 10:14 & 15
Take your next step with God.
Offer yourself to your calling, to His equipping, to be empowered and sent. It may mean leaving one field of work for another … or it could require a change of priorities … or perhaps only that you go back home to your regular life with the testimony of what God has done for you. Whatever the call for this next season of your life:
Say with me, “Here am I Lord, send me!”
If we are faithful, God shall make us able - 2 Timothy 2:2
Answer the call,
Submit to the preparation, embrace the power and you will be chosen and sent
Go when and where you are sent
Stay for the season of God’s grace and glory
Then take the next step when chosen.
Like the life of Philip
Deacon, Evangelist, Missionary, Father and Friend
Don’t stop growing and answering the call.
It will prepare you for your next step.
The journey is your friend.
Take the steps, climb to the highest calling
God has already prepared you for your next step.
If you want to know what God wants you to do just look behind you and see what He has prepared you for.
