The Highest Calling

Today, as we continue our study on the discipline of service I want to provide the answer from scripture. I believe that it is the desire of the Holy Spirit for us to walk in His power and His wisdom from this day forward. The word tells us that God's plans and thoughts towards us are for good. (Jer 29:11 and Ro 8:28) Even more so as we walk according to His will and purposes. I shared a question two weeks ago - › Did you know that you were saved for a greater purpose than to keep a seat warm on Sunday? So, consider this part two of that message. We have been called to serve others. I'm in the Lord's army - Yes Sir! We are His Ambassadors! It has been said, "The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership" Harvey S. Firestone This is so powerful! It echoes the command of Jesus in Matthew 28. Disciple-making disciple-makers. x Times infinity..! Romans 10:15 NLT 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NLT 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" Ephesians 4:12 NLT 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. › How do you represent Him in your life, your workplace, or among your friends and family? Compelling Focus Philippians 3:13-14 KJV 1900 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The tPt says of v13 - I don't depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus. I like that. One focus that is greater than all. It's difficult to focus on a bunch of things. Jesus can handle all that, just focus on Him. Hebrews 3:1 TPT 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, you are now made holy, and each of you is invited to the feast of your heavenly calling. So fasten your thoughts fully onto Jesus, whom we embrace as our Apostle and King-Priest. Did you catch that?! That right there is the "eyes on Jesus" reminder, just like we've been talking about all year. So, what is our High calling?? According to what we see above, it's to be one with Jesus, forgetting all our accolades- (the good & the bad) because none of it matters compared to knowing Him and fulfilling His purpose. Remember, Jesus told us that He didn't come to serve, but to be a servant to all. This is the high calling we step into when we say YES to abiding in Him. We desire what He desires. › What are you focused on? It's easy to say "Jesus!" I encourage you to dig deep here. (things/requests blocking our view...) Have Faith! We might be convinced to say, not I, Lord. Surely someone else should do this. But I want to encourage you, the key is Faith. I am reminded of Hebrews 11 (the hall of faith) where we hear of the faith of our patriarchs as they followed God. They only saw a glimpse of the promise and the simply trusted Him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. We have the Promise - His name is Jesus. so let us have Faith in Him and what He says about us! Then we are empowered to run the race with perseverance (or with that compelling focus) we saw in Philippians 3. › Do you trust Him? Equipping and Resting Philippians 2:12-13 TPT 12 My beloved ones, just like you've always listened to everything I've taught you in the past, I'm asking you now to keep following my instructions as though I were right there with you. Now you must continue to make this new life fully manifested as you live in the holy awe of God-which brings you trembling into his presence. 13 God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to do what pleases him. Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT 20 Now may the God of peace- who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood- 21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. We know that Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit working in Him to raise Him from the dead. He is the 3rd part of the Trinity, living in us!! We should be getting excited when we hear this. There is nothing that He cannot do and we are the temples of the Living God on earth! Where we go, He goes. He speaks through us when we choose to be His ambassadors. › Are you letting Him equip you? **Remember, you don't get to tell Him how to do it! Finally, I want to encourage you to take joy in this call. Don't forget to spend time with him...it is in the rest, in the waiting, where we are empowered. Isaiah 40:31 ESV 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath, He gives us rest for our weary souls. He knows that this task is big, but He has encouraged us to take up the yoke of learning and partnering with Him. › Are you resting in Him? *This is not always inactivity, sometimes this rest falls on us in the most chaotic times. Have you chosen to align to His will? Have you said "Yes" to His call? Philippians 2:5 TPT 5 And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation. No backsies! (kids games, can't take it back) God doesn't do that will His call for you. It's stuck on you like glue! Let's go! Romans 11:29 ESV 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Prayer - Jesus, help us to continually fix our eyes and minds on You. We chose to align with Your will and Your great purpose. We have learned from Your word that You are equipping us, even now. So, we say Yes to the process and we thank You for Your great love and mercy towards us. Help us to walk in greater unity with each other, building our brothers and sisters up in love. We chose today to be partners with You in this disciple-making journey of life. In Jesus name, Amen! Page . Exported from Logos Bible Software, 5:33 PM November 21, 2020.