Have You Ever Wondered About Your True Calling?
This is one of the most common questions Christians ask, and the answer might surprise you. When the Apostle Paul opens his letter to the Romans in chapter 1, verses 1-7, he doesn't waste time with pleasantries. Instead, he dives straight into one of the most magnificent truths in all of Scripture - the calling of God. But here's what might surprise you: this calling isn't just for apostles or missionaries. It's for every single believer, including you.
In Romans 1:1, Paul declares himself "a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." But as we examine these opening verses, we discover something absolutely breathtaking about how God calls each of us.
Why God's Call Never Fails
You know how frustrating it can be when phone calls get disconnected or when people go back on their word. But here's what makes God's calling so magnificent - it never fails. Unlike our human attempts at communication, God's call is crystal clear, unchanging, and absolutely reliable.
The truth is, all of mankind - with all our achievements, accolades, and accomplishments - amounts to nothing more than "a speck of nothingness" when compared to our Creator God. Yet incredibly, we can open God's Word and count on it every single time. It never changes, and God is never going to retract His calling.
If you're in Christ this morning, you're never going to not be in Christ. You might not be in right fellowship with Him from time to time (we all have those backsliding moments), but He is not going to go back on His word, lie, or retract His calling.
The Universal Call: From Abraham to All Nations
Let's look at the Old Testament picture. In Genesis 12:1, God called Abraham with unmistakable clarity: "Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee."
Abraham couldn't have missed that call if he wanted to! God doesn't mince His words. And notice something crucial - God said "I will show thee," which means Abraham couldn't show himself. He had to respond by faith, walking forward without knowing what God had ahead of him.
This same principle applies to us today. In Romans 10:9-10, we read: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Just like Abraham, we're all living in a land of idolatry - selfish pursuits, prideful thinking, putting everything on the throne except our Creator God. But the "word of faith which we preach" calls people to respond by faith, trusting in someone who has the merits to save them.
Three Magnificent Aspects of God's Call
As we examine Romans 1:1-7, we see a beautiful three-part outline of God's calling:
1. Paul Called to be an Apostle (Verse 1)
Paul's calling was directly connected to Christ's resurrection from the dead. This wasn't just a Jewish gospel about law-keeping - it was about everlasting life that transcends all ethnic and cultural boundaries.
2. All Nations Called of Jesus Christ (Verses 5-6)
"By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name's sake: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ."
This is a "whosoever will" gospel! It's for all nations, not just one group of people. Whether you're proud to be American, Roman, or from any other nation, the power of the Gospel reaches beyond national pride to something infinitely greater.
3. The Beloved of God Called to be Saints (Verse 7)
"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Here's something remarkable - you'll never find God calling an unsaved person "the beloved of God." That term is reserved exclusively for His saints. Yes, God loved the world enough to die for sinners, but if you're lost today, you're His enemy, not His beloved. That special relationship is reserved for those who are saved.
Living Out Your Magnificent Calling
Understanding Grace and Obedience
Notice the connection in verse 5: "we have received grace...for obedience to the faith." God has called you to be a separated saint, to live a life of obedience. But here's what's beautiful about this - God doesn't force you into obedience like putting someone in a headlock!
Before you got saved, you naturally followed "the course of this world" according to Ephesians 2:2. Nobody had to force you to sin - you did it because you wanted to! So why is it hard for Christians to understand that now, as the beloved of God, we should naturally want to obey Him?
God is the perfect gentleman. He's called you beloved, saved you from your sins, and now He wants you to desire to obey Him out of a grateful and thankful heart. It's like a loving marriage - you don't have to force genuine love and devotion.
The Flow of the Gospel: Servant to Son to Saint
Here's the beautiful flow of the Gospel found in these verses:
Servant (verse 1) - Your personal relationship with the Son is voluntary, directly between you and God
Son (verses 3-4) - We point to Christ, who was humbled in His incarnation but exalted in His resurrection
Saint (verse 7) - Once saved, you become part of continuing this flow
As John 3:14-15 says: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
We as servants lift up the Son. The Son is exalted, whosoever believes gets saved and becomes a saint. Now that saint can serve and lift up the Son again, continuing the flow of the Gospel!
Your Part in God's Magnificent Plan
Isn't it exciting that you get to be used by God in this flow of the Gospel? The question is: Are you continuing the flow, or is there a kink in the hose?
If there is, just put your hand up and say, "Lord, I just want to make that thing right." Remove the kink, and watch that life-giving flow continue: serve, lift up the Son, whosoever believes becomes a saint, and that saint starts the same process all over again.
Remember, you are:
Called of Jesus Christ (verse 6)
Beloved of God (verse 7)
Called to be saints (verse 7)
Grace and peace come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ - that's your source for everything you need.
🎧 📖 Want to dive deeper into this life-changing passage? This blog post only scratches the surface of the rich truths found in Romans 1:1-7. I humbly encourage you to listen to the entire message for the complete expository preaching experience. There's so much more verse-by-verse Bible teaching that will bless your heart and strengthen your faith.
Listen to the full sermon here - your soul will thank you for taking the time to hear God's magnificent calling explained in full detail!