Jesus Christ Calls You

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 NKJV

But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

He calls us from death

Until we respond to the call, we are dead in our sin. Rom. 6:5-13, 21-23

Romans 6:5-13 – Before we obey God in dying with Jesus Christ, there is no living in Him.

Romans 6:21-23 - Everything we do as a sinner is pointless in light of our eternal salvation.

We are inactive until we decide to follow Jesus. Rom. 5:12, 7:5

Romans 5:12,7:5 – We are “made alive” in Christ – before this, we are "dead”.

Some try to live a good life WITHOUT the salvation in Christ’s blood. Such a thing will never work, because they are spiritually dead.

While we can appreciate the good things a sinner can do for others, we must remember that these good things will never replace salvation.

Jesus wants us to have LIFE!

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

The world is the “thief”, whereas Christ is our hero and Savior.

He calls us with an invitation

A Free and Open Invitation (Matthew 11:28-30)

This is not a selective invitation; the entirety of humanity is called in this invitation.

Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

No one is excluded.

A Conditional Invitation (Matthew 22:12-14)

This invitation requires a distinct preparation.

We are called in a SPECIFIC way, not in whatever way we choose. It is the same calling for everyone.

He calls us to BE “called out”

The Church is a “called out” assembly (1 Corinthians 1:9)

1 Cor. 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

This is a sacred fellowship, special and precious.

We are called to be part of something greater, and such a thing brings meaning and purpose to our lives.

There is no collective purpose more important than the Church.

“called out” of the nations (Romans 1:1-6)

Not only are we “called unto”, we are “called out”

“Among” the nations and powers, only the Kingdom of Christ is eternal and true.

Any other calling that supersedes this (social/political/religious organizations, work, school, family) is pulling us away from our true calling to be a church of God.

He calls us to a place of privilege

“called, and chosen, and faithful...” (Revelation 17:14)

There is a great distinctiveness to being a Christian.

It makes us special among all humanity. We are truly God's People if we are faithful to Him.

We are called “according to His Purpose...” (Romans 8:28-30)

He has a purpose and a plan for us.

NOT a plan for our comfort and physical health, but a plan that we be “conformed [fitted] to the image of his Son” - we are to be fitted into the mold of Jesus.

This plan was “predestined”. He is calling us to this plan. Those He calls can be justified. Those who are justified will be glorified. And we are ALL called to this great adventure.

A “spiritual house” and “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5-10)

How much more special could it get? This is the best and most fulfilling place we could ever hope for in our existence here!

1 Peter 1:1-2 – We are the elect.

This calling has a high standard (Hebrews 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:9)

Ephesians 4:1 – This calling requires that we walk worthily!

2 Thessalonians 1:11 – we must be counted WORTHY of this calling.

There are some He does NOT call! Acts 13:44–48

Acts 13:44–48 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Some, because of their resistance to truth, reject the Gospel.

Jesus doesn’t “call” them in the same way a call goes unanswered.

For those who reject Christ, it’s as if He had never called them at all!

Technically the call was not “for them” because they judged themselves unworthy of it. (Unbelieving Jews).

He calls us to IMPROVE – not to remain as we are

He doesn't call the “mighty” or “wise” (1 Corinthians 1:23-26)

God takes what we have – and what we have is nothing!

God will take something useless and make it amazing!

Jeremiah 18:1-6 – Don't lose heart!

He calls us from different places in life (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

We recognize that many of us come from different walks of life.

Being a Christian does not entitle us to live however we see fit, but in such a way that is best for our situation for the cause of Christ.

He calls us to be a DISCIPLE

We are called to “bear much fruit” (John 15:1-8)

This is how we will be His disciples!

1 Corinthians 12:13-20 – We must find our particular abilities, and USE them for the glory of God!

We are called to mercy and compassion (1 Peter 3:8-9)

It's not enough that we know all the “rules” - we must realize why those rules are important, and we must KNOW the Creator who made those rules!

If we know God, we will love as He loves.

We are called to a particular HOPE (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Peter 3:15-16)

This hope is the guide and peace for everyone who is in Christ.

YOU are called to Him. Will you respond?