GOD IS CALLING

YOU

1. God’s initial calling is to a restored relationship and fellowship with him through faith in Jesus.

The Call to Salvation. This is the first and most basic.

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1Cor. 1:9

“Come all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28

“To all who received him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God.”John 1:12

How this happened for me.

2. God then calls you to “follow” Christ through obedience and holiness.

The Call to Sanctification and Discipleship.

Jesus called disciples to follow him. (Matt. 4)

God requires obedience as a sign of love. “You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14

God desires that we become more like his Son in moral purity. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life…” (2 Timothy 1:9)

How this happened for me

• To be witnesses• To be disciplers• To do good works

3. God calls all Christians

4. God has a unique purpose and calling for your life, separate from your job.

A calling is God’s personal, individual invitation to carry out the unique task he has for you.

5. The Call to Service.

Your calling is permanent and is for a God-designed purpose. (Rom. 11:29)

God gives us at least one spiritual gift to equip us.(1 Peter 4:10-11)

whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies— in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

• Apostles• Prophets• Evangelists• Pastor/Teachers

Different gifts of service:

• Faith• Serving• Giving• Leading• Encouraging

Different gifts of service:

God also gives us desires and passions that motivate us. (Philippians 2:13)

God empowers us to carry out our calling. (2 Thess. 1:11)

Following our calling is personally fulfilling.

We will have to give an accounting of our faithfulness to our purpose.

God calls some to be pastor/teachers (missionaries, etc.) in Full-time Christian service.

• An INNER call • AN OUTER call

Call to Full-time Work

Know your Bible and saturate your mind with it.

Know your spiritual gifts.

Ponder the needs of your community and world to awaken a desire.

Read the biographies of great Christians.

George Muller

JohnNewton

JimElliot

Ask, “For what people/group are YOU burdened?”

Know your own circumstances and limits.

Pray for God to direct you where you can best be used for His glory.

Do not neglect Christ-exalting worship and faith building group Bible study.

Listen humbly to the spiritual people in your life to confirm your gift(s) and calling.

Cultivate an attitude of surrender of all you are and have to Christ

Take advantage of various opportunities of service to try out different gifts.