I. The Calling
A. Every Christian has a calling on their life to serve in a specific way that is meaningful, impactful and carries a sense of divine purpose.
B. “The primary calling of every Christian is to follow God, regardless of ability, position, opportunity, or background. Young or old, extraordinary or ordinary, poverty-stricken or pampered, everyone is called by God to trust, serve, and obey Him. This is our primary calling.” – Jerry Sittser
C. God’s will underwrites the calling on our lives. Thelema (Rom. 12:1-2; Heb. 10:35-36) in the original language means to glorify God and to follow his principles, precepts and commands. God’s will is not a position, area service or profession. We can do God’s will in any setting, environment or vocation.
II. What Is The Calling?
A. Definition: The Calling is a specific vision of how God desires to use our lives (time, ability, resources, etc.) to serve Him in the world.
B. The Calling is NOT a Career. Although our calling can be the same as what we do for a living (i.e. the calling of vocational minister), it is transcendent above a career. What God has called us to do and be is bigger than any profession.
C. Career vs Calling in the Bible:
1. Abraham: Herdsman vs Father of Nations
2. Moses: Shepherd vs Deliverer of Israel
3. David: Shepherd & King vs Transcendent Leader
4. Matthew: Tax Collector vs Disciple
5. Peter: Fisherman vs Disciple
6. Paul: Tentmaker vs Missionary
III. The Calling Revealed
A. The Calling on our lives is not left to chance nor does it require a secret decoder ring to the crack the mysteries of what God calls us to do and be. He speaks to us in many ways to reveal our calling and help guide us along the way.
B. God Speaks Through…
1. The Bible
2. Prayer
3. The Church
4. Other People
5. Events/Circumstances
C. See Genesis 12, Exodus 3, 1 Samuel 16, Mark 2, Matthew 4 and Acts 9 to see how God specifically called Abraham, Moses, David, Matthew, Peter and Paul.
IV. The Calling Lives
A. In the above examples and in the Scriptures as a whole, we see three things about the calling:
1. There is a Divine Initiation (God Speaks)
2. Practical Instruction (The Plan)
3. Timely Obedience (Response)
B. “The Christian’s walk involves all three areas of life – the spiritual, the practical, and the logical – which are not mutually exclusive. God is an immensely practical being who also guides us with reason and wisdom. Our hopes, our dreams, and our calling comes into place spiritually, practically and intellectually.” – Ravi Zacharias
