Called to Be Saints

Romans 1:1–7 ESV

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Introduction:

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I. God calls, to belong to Him and serve Him

A. God calls all people everywhere

Acts 17:30 ESV

30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

See also Pr 8:4; Is 45:22; Is 55:1; Mt 9:13; Mt 11:28–30; Mt 22:9; Jn 7:37; Ac 2:39; Ro 10:18; Ps 19:4

B. Few respond positively to God’s call

Matthew 22:14 ESV

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

See also Is 65:12; Is 66:4; Je 7:13; Je 35:17; Mt 22:2–10

C. Responding to God’s call results in salvation

Heb 9:15; Jud 1

Hebrews 9:15 ESV

15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

See also Jn 5:25; Jn 10:3; Ro 1:6; Ro 8:28–30; Ro 11:29; 1 Co 1:9; 1 Co 1:24–29; 1 Co 7:18–22; Ga 1:6; Eph 4:1; Php 3:14; 2 Th 1:11; 2 Th 2:14; 1 Ti 6:12; Heb 3:1; 1 Pe 5:10; 2 Pe 1:3; 2 Pe 1:10; Re 17:14

Have you heard God’s call to you? Remember He calls all people everywhere, this includes you.

What has been the result of His call? If God’s call has not resulted in your salvation I would like to suggest that you have not heeded His call. If God’s salvation has not resulted in your living differently, I would like to suggest that you have not taking heed His call.

II. God calls Christians to live differently

2 Ti 1:9; 1 Pe 2:9

A. Living in peace:

1 Co 7:15; Col 3:15

Colossians 3:15 ESV

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

B. Living in service

Ga 5:13 serving one another

Galatians 5:13 ESV

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

C. Living in hope:

Eph 1:18; Eph 4:4; 1 Pe 2:20–21; 1 Pe 3:9

1 Thessalonians 4:7 ESV

7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

What difference should God make in your life? You should live Holy. You should live in Freedom. You should live Serving One Another. You should live in Peace which rules in your heart.

III. God calls to do specific tasks at specific times

A. Abraham: Ge 12:1-3; Is 51:2; Heb 11:8

Moses: Ex 3:4

Samuel: 1 Sa 3:4–10

Isaiah: Is 6:8

B. Cyrus: Is 42:2; Is 45:4

C. The servant of the Lord: Is 42:6; Is 49:1

Jeremiah: Je 1:4–5

Hosea: Ho 1:2

Amos: Am 7:15

D. Jonah: Jon 1:1-2; Jon 3:1-2

E. The disciples: Mt 4:18-22; Lk 5:2-11; Jn 1:35-42

Barnabas and Paul: Ac 13:2

F. Paul: Ro 1:1; 1 Co 1:1; Ga 1:15

What task has God called you to? Think on those we have mentioned in this lesson and consider your own talents and circumstances and that is where God has called you to serve Him.

IV. The believer’s place in life is our starting point

See also 1 Co 7:20; 1 Co 7:17

1 Corinthians 7:24 ESV

24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

God’s Call Heard in His Plan of Salvation

Hear Him Call through His Word

Romans 10:17 ESV

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Believe His Call and Heed It

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Repent of your past ignoring of His Call

Luke 13:3 ESV

3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Confess Jesus as God’s Son

Romans 10:9 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Be Baptized as He Calls for you to be

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Remain Faithful in His Calling for Life

Revelation 2:10 ESV

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.