How can we apply Paul's divine calling to our own ministry and purpose? The Source of Our Calling • “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead—” (Galatians 1:1) • Like Paul, our ministry rests on God’s initiative, not human endorsement. • Acts 9:15—“He is My chosen instrument…” God still chooses and appoints today. • 2 Timothy 1:9—“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling…” • Recognizing God as the Author of your purpose brings security and courage. Living from Resurrection Power • The same Father who “raised Him from the dead” (Galatians 1:1) empowers our service. • Romans 8:11—“He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies…” • Resurrection power means: – Confidence when tasks seem impossible. – Hope that setbacks are never final. – Joy that our labor cannot be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Guarding the Gospel Trust • Galatians will stress defending the true gospel; our calling includes the same charge. • 1 Thessalonians 2:4—“Entrusted with the gospel… not to please men but God.” • Practical ways: – Know the message thoroughly. – Speak truth with grace, resisting pressure to dilute it. – Encourage accountability within the body of Christ. Grace-Fueled Humility • 1 Corinthians 15:10—“By the grace of God I am what I am.” • Paul never confused divine calling with personal merit. • Our attitudes: – Gratitude for being included in God’s plan. – Willingness to serve unnoticed. – Readiness to credit every success to grace. Purpose Expressed Through Good Works • Ephesians 2:10—“For we are God’s workmanship… prepared in advance for us to do.” • God crafts unique assignments; no comparison game needed. • Identify the “good works” prepared for you: – Gifts and skills you already possess. – Doors God keeps opening. – Burdens He places on your heart. Practical Steps to Walk Out Your Calling 1. Seek confirmation in Scripture and wise counsel, yet let God’s voice carry final weight. 2. Start where you are—faithful in small tasks (Luke 16:10). 3. Keep the gospel central; methods may flex, the message never does. 4. Rely on prayer and the Spirit’s filling daily (Ephesians 5:18). 5. Evaluate fruit and adjust—Paul revisited churches to strengthen them; assess and refine your ministry likewise. 6. Endure hardship; divine calling does not exempt us from opposition (2 Timothy 4:5). 7. Finish well—“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Encouragement for the Journey God still appoints ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Embrace His call with the certainty that, like Paul, you are “sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father.” |
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