Navigating the Call

Embracing the Call to Unlock Special Provisions in the Kingdom

Introduction:

In the pursuit of a life that mirrors the divine, we often overlook the profound significance of our professional callings. Chapter 4 of "Getting a God Result" illuminates the concept of Kingdom Profession, a divine vocation that grants us access to the Kingdom of God and enables us to manifest His will on Earth. As we delve into this chapter, let us explore how our daily work can become a conduit for divine purpose and Kingdom results.

Main Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 1:10–11

Thesis Statement:

Our professions are not mere means to an end but are sacred vocations through which we can access and manifest the Kingdom of God.

Point 1: Understanding Kingdom Profession

- Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

- Backstory:

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians to address issues they were facing, including pressures from outside philosophies and practices that were not aligned with the teachings of Christ. Paul emphasized the supremacy of Christ, the importance of adhering to the gospel, and encouraged them to live lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).

- Connection to the Point: Kingdom Profession is not just about what we do but how we do it. It's about performing our work with the consciousness that we are serving the Lord Christ, not merely earthly masters.

Point 2: Committing to Your Kingdom Profession

- Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:15 - "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

-Backstory:

Joshua 24 is the final chapter of the book and features Joshua's farewell address to the Israelites. He gathers all the tribes at Shechem and recounts the history of God's dealings with Israel, from Abraham to their present day. He speaks of the deliverance from Egypt, the giving of the land, and the victories over their enemies. Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve, whether the gods of their ancestors beyond the Euphrates, the gods of the Amorites in whose land they dwell, or the Lord.

The verse Joshua 24:15 is a pivotal moment where Joshua declares his own commitment to the Lord:

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

This statement is a powerful declaration of faith and has become one of the most quoted verses from the Hebrew Bible. It represents a call to commitment, a challenge to the people to renew their covenant with God, and a personal testament to Joshua's own faithfulness.

The people respond affirmatively, proclaiming their intention to serve the Lord, and Joshua establishes a stone as a witness to the covenant renewed that day.

- Connection to the Point: Commitment to our Kingdom Profession means choosing to serve God through our work, regardless of the secular nature of our professions. It's a deliberate choice to honor God in all our endeavors.

Point 3: Protecting Your Kingdom Profession

- Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:11 - "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

-Backstory:

Ephesians 6:11 is part of a larger section often referred to as the "Armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18), where Paul uses the metaphor of a Roman soldier's armor to describe the spiritual defenses God provides for believers. Here is the verse:

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

The circumstances surrounding this verse involve the spiritual struggles that Christians face. Paul is concluding his letter with practical advice on how the Ephesians can maintain their Christian commitment in the face of both everyday challenges and spiritual warfare.

In summary, Ephesians 6:11 is about the need for spiritual preparedness. Paul encourages the Ephesian Christians to equip themselves with godly virtues and spiritual disciplines to withstand the trials and temptations they will encounter as followers of Christ.

- Connection to the Point: In our professional lives, we must be vigilant, protecting the sanctity of our work from corruption, dishonesty, and the many pitfalls that can lead us away from our Kingdom-focused mission.

Point 4: Projecting Your Kingdom Profession

- Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

-Backstory:

Matthew 5:16 is a verse from the Sermon on the Mount, which is one of the most significant and well-known teachings of Jesus Christ, found in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7). The Sermon on the Mount includes a collection of Jesus' teachings that focus on ethics and spirituality, and it presents the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:16 serves as an encouragement for Jesus' followers to live out their faith openly and authentically. The "good works" mentioned are not just acts of religious piety but encompass a broad range of righteous behavior that reflects the character of God. The purpose of these good works is not to gain attention or accolades for oneself but to direct glory to God. When others observe the transformative effect of the Gospel in the lives of believers, it should lead them to recognize and honor God.

The background of this verse, therefore, is a call to genuine and impactful discipleship. Jesus is instructing His followers to embody the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven in such a way that their lives bear witness to the truth and grace of God, inviting others to seek Him. It's a directive that combines personal integrity with social influence, suggesting that the way Christians conduct themselves in the world matters greatly, both for their own spiritual growth and for the testimony it provides to those around them.

- Connection to the Point: Our professions should be a reflection of God's glory. By projecting our Kingdom Profession, we become beacons of His light in the marketplace, inspiring others to seek His presence in their vocations.

Conclusion:

As we embrace our Kingdom Profession, we step into the fullness of our God-given potential. Our work becomes more than a job; it becomes a ministry, a mission, and a manifestation of God's Kingdom on Earth. Let us, therefore, work diligently, serve faithfully, and live out our divine craft with the knowledge that through our professions, we are accessing and advancing the Kingdom of God.