GOD’S CALL TO SERVICE - Will You Answer?

GOD’S CALL TO SERVICE - Will You Answer?

INTRODUCTION:

As a little boy I had witness the attitude and conducts of gospel workers. I saw joy, fulfilment and deep sense of satisfaction in their faces as they carried out their duties. I was curious and told my mum “Mum, I want to work for God” Although I was still a small boy, but I can still remember her response. She said, “God takes care of those who work for Him”. God is looking for the called, chosen and faithful.

We are saved to serve. God is looking for men, women, boys and girls that would step out to be enlisted. It is the most profiting call that we can answer. Do you want to be counted? It begins with you!

BENEFITS AND BLESSINGS IN ANSWERING GOD’S CALL:

Purposeful Living: Recognizing God's call helps us understand our unique purpose and place in His plan, leading to a more fulfilling life.

Obedience to God: Answering His call demonstrates our faith and obedience, aligning our actions with His will and intentions.

Personal Growth: Engaging with God’s call brings spiritual growth and maturity, as we step out in faith and learn through our experiences.

Impact: By responding to God’s call, we become instruments of His love and grace, bringing hope, healing, and support to others.

Fulfilment of God’s Plan: Our willingness to recognize and answer His call contributes to the advancement of His Kingdom and the fulfilment of His redemptive work.

Joy and Peace: Being in alignment with God’s purpose brings joy and peace, fulfilling the promise that He will guide and support us in our endeavors.

Legacy of Faith: Responding to God's call can inspire and influence future generations, encouraging them to pursue their own calls with dedication and faith.

 

1. What is one thing to which God calls every man? See 1 Timothy 2:4. Why is answering this call important in order to serve the Lord?

KEY POINTS: Call and why it is important.

Call to Salvation - restoration

A. PULL FACTORS:

Door that leads to doors– Salvation

Greatest miracle

Spiritual Capacity (Walking with God)

Spiritual Relationship: without salvation, all other activities are fruitless

Everyone is called - non left out (irrespective of moral, family, economic, ...status ...must be saved)

A sinner is a walking corpse - No sense of living and hope for eternal life

Sons and daughters - (some are spiritual orphans)

Spiritual wisdom - beginning of all wisdom

Co-heir - spiritual right title to the SOURCE of all resources

Saved to serve - Working with God

Good success

Abundant life

Eternal life and reward

 

B. PUSH FACTORS

CALLED OUT OF? - deterrence

Condemnation

Restlessness

Sorrows

Fears

Failure

Hopelessness

Emptiness

Travail

 

Antidote: Protect your spiritual liberty

If we don't value what we have, we throw it away so easily

Salvation is good (must be protected)

 

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Universal Call to Salvation

 God desires for all people to be saved, emphasizing the inclusivity of His grace.

   Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Importance of Answering the Call:

Knowledge of the Truth

 Embracing salvation comes with the responsibility to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Obedience to God’s Will

 Accepting this call is a step towards fulfilling God's broader purpose and will in our lives.

   1 Peter 2:9 - "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Foundation for Ministry: Understanding God's call for salvation enables us to build a solid foundation for their ministry and effectiveness in serving God and others.

Transformation and Growth: Salvation leads to personal transformation and spiritual growth.

Impact: A community filled with individuals who heed the call transforms society and advances God’s kingdom.

Hope for the Lost

 

2. Why was Samuel ministering unto the Lord before Eli? 1 Samuel 1:11,24-28

KEY POINTS:

Many are called (universal call)

Few are chosen (some of those few don't value the opportunity)

Personal covenant

Family covenant

Organizational covenant

Spiritual goals and objectives

Your history (matters or may not - Choice)

God is looking for consecrated people to serve him

Be real/get real with God - Personal encounter - Personal consecration...

Influential consecration/covenant will not take you far

Favour with God and man (blessings of serving God)

Don't run away like Jonah (There are consequences)

 

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Answering a Devout Prayer

  - Samuel's mother, Hannah, fervently prayed for a child and dedicated him to the Lord upon his birth.

   1 Samuel 1:11 - "And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life..."

Fulfillment of a Vow

  - Hannah's fulfillment of her vow serves as a model of faithfulness and integrity in keeping promises made to God.

   Ecclesiastes 5:4 - "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed."

A Model of Dedication

  - Samuel’s early service to the Lord exemplifies a life dedicated to God from childhood, highlighting the significance of early spiritual development.

   Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Impact on Future Leadership

  - Samuel’s early ministry set the foundation for his future role as a prophet and leader

   Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

3. According to Scripture, Eli had neglected to do what the Lord required of him (1 Samuel 2:27-35). How did his neglect tie in with God’s instructions for Samuel?

KEY POINTS:

It is a blessed invitation (universal call, whosoever will) - many are called

The chosen

The faithful

God's call is his enabling

It is an opportunity to serve

God's terms and conditions

God’s selection process - ongoing (you will need to succeed)

Unworthy (inadequate - leads to absolute dependence

Humility is key

Attention to details

Rapid and complete obedience

Approach matters

Attitude is vital

Negligence is dangerous

Definition of true love (correction in time)

You are an influencer

Your relationship and management of your constituency determines your success or otherwise

Interpersonal relationship - many may miss heaven because of that

Good success/ministry - Not just about you alone (others will affect you, directly or indirectly)

The importance of praying one for another

The importance of sound fellowship

(we have sound doctrine; we need sound fellowship)

Remember – YOUR FAILURE OR REFUSAL WILL NOT STOP GOD’S WORK

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Failure to Correct Corruption

  - Eli neglected to restrain his sons, who were engaging in sinful behaviors, demonstrating the critical responsibility of spiritual leaders to address sin within their families and congregations.

   1 Samuel 2:29 - "Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?"

Consequences of Neglect

  - Eli’s failure to act resulted in disastrous consequences for his lineage and ministry, illustrating how neglecting God’s commands can lead to judgment.

Raising Future Leaders

  - Eli’s shortcomings serve as a contrast to Samuel's upcoming role as a faithful leader. This emphasizes the importance of providing a righteous example for future generations.

   1 Timothy 4:12 - "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

God’s Sovereignty in Judgement

  - God's sovereignty in choosing to raise up Samuel as a faithful priest and prophet despite Eli's failures, affirming that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human neglect.

   Isaiah 46:10 - "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."

The Importance of Obedience

  - Samuel is instructed to heed God's voice and serve Him faithfully, learning from Eli's neglect, which teaches the critical nature of obedience and diligence in fulfilling one’s calling.

God's Choice of Samuel

  - The contrast between Eli’s neglect and Samuel’s dedication illustrates that God often chooses those who are faithful to carry on His mission, reinforcing the idea that faithfulness is key to leadership.

   1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

Responsibility of Spiritual Authority

  - Eli’s neglect serves as a warning to those in spiritual authority about the weight of their responsibility, highlighting the need for accountability in leadership.

 

4. Read 1 Samuel 3:15 and describe how Samuel responded to this opportunity for service.

KEY POINTS:

"Qualified for the job", "The right person for the job"... if this is your response to God's call, it is a trap

God will always call us to a task that would appear larger than our capability and experience

God is looking for vessels in his hands

Absolute dependence on God

God will not call you into an impossible mission

God will not take you to a place where his hands cannot reach you

Let your faith rise above your fears

Don't be a coward

Arise and do it - God is ahead of you

Arise and build

The King's business requires haste

We have a sure word of prophecy

You are just a messenger - do it (The sender of the message is greater than the situation)

"Who sent you?" - Situations will ask (Know your God, trust and obey him)

 

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Willingness to Listen

  - Samuel displayed a readiness to listen to God’s voice - the importance of being attentive to God's calling in our lives.

Obedience to God’s Call

  - Samuel’s response began in obedience when he heard God calling him multiple times during the night - the need for us to respond eagerly to God’s calls in our own lives.

   1 Samuel 3:10 - "And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

Faithful Service

  - Samuel's actions, including opening the doors of the Lord's house, show his commitment to serving the Lord faithfully and fulfilling his responsibilities - service to God encompasses both action and attitude.

   Colossians 3:23 - "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

Preparedness for God’s Guidance

  - Samuel's willingness to respond without fully understanding the forthcoming message encourages us to remain open and prepared for God’s guidance in our lives.

   Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Transition to Leadership

  - God’s preparation of Samuel for leadership - how initial responses to God can set the stage for greater roles and responsibilities within His kingdom.

   Luke 16:10 - "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."

 

5. Why do you think God calls us to His service?

KEY POINTS:

WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

Saved to serve

The why is very important

Do you know why God called/dispatched/assigned /laid it on you heart?

God is a businessman

The Gospel is his business

Your call/service/duty/responsibility/skills/opportunities/position... is your employment

What is your purpose?

What's in it for God?

God's eyes are on you - God will not send angels

It is a blessed invitation

It is an opportunity to serve

If we fail to serve God, we would serve something else

What ever is useful for God is an interest to the devil (surrender it to God)

Satan will use and dump

God will use and replenish /bless

 

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To Bring Glory to God

  - God calls us to serve Him so that our actions can bring glory to His name

   Isaiah 43:7 - "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."

Fulfillment of His Purpose

  - Each individual has a unique purpose in God’s plan, and serving Him allows us to fulfill that purpose and contribute to His greater work in the world.

   Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Empowering Others through Service

  - God calls us to serve not only for our benefit but also to empower and uplift others

   Galatians 5:13 - "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

Developing Personal Growth

  - Serving God nurtures our spiritual growth and maturity, allowing us to develop a closer relationship with Him through obedience and service.

   2 Peter 3:18 - "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

Spreading the Gospel

  - God calls us to share the good news of salvation, using our experiences and gifts to testify about His grace and love to others.

   Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."

Establishing His Kingdom

  - Serving in God's kingdom contributes to the advancement of His reign on Earth, fulfilling His will as we engage in acts of service.

   Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Transforming Lives

  - God uses our service to bring about transformation in both our lives and the lives of others, demonstrating His power to change hearts and circumstances.

   Romans 12:1 - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

 

6. What are some of the things God calls people to do? How do these calls come to us?

KEY POINTS:

Elements/Virtues of the call:

1. General assignment

2. Specific project or assignment

3. Special imparted skills

4. Unique commitment

5. Special interest

6. Willing availability

7. Utmost Faithfulness

8. Perseverance

9. Tested and tried

 

Areas of the call:

1. Worship

2. Mission

3. Infrastructure

4. Welfare

5. Finance

6. Outreach & Evangelism

7. Social media

8. Interpersonal Relationship experts

9. Mentoring

10. Youth development

11. Children Development

12. Training (Professional level)

 

HOW DO THESE CALLS COME?

1. Interest

2. Observation

3. Imparted skills

4. Consecration

5. Spirit prompt

6. Request

7. Special need

8. Prepared for such

9. Appointments

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Spread the Gospel

  - Believers are called to share the message of salvation with others, fulfilling the Great Commission.

   Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."

Serve Others

  - God calls believers to serve one another, reflecting Christ's love and humility through acts of kindness and service.

   Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Live Holy Lives

  - God calls us to live in accordance with His holiness, demonstrating righteousness in our actions and choices.

   1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Pray

  - God calls us to communicate with Him through prayer, seeking His guidance and interceding for others.

   1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing."

Fellowship with Other Believers

  - God encourages us to gather with other believers for encouragement, edification, and accountability.

   Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..."

Be Good Stewards

  - God calls us to manage our time, talents, and resources wisely, recognizing that all we have is entrusted to us by Him.

   1 Peter 4:10 - "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

 How These Calls Come to Us:

Through Scripture

  - God speaks to His people through His Word, providing guidance and direction for our lives and calling us to action.

   2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."

By the Holy Spirit

  - The Holy Spirit prompts and guides believers, giving clarity about God's will and calling in specific situations.

   John 16:13 - "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..."

Through Prayer and Reflection

  - Individuals can discern God’s call through prayer, seeking His direction and being attentive to His leading.

   James 1:5 - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Through Circumstances and Experiences

  - God may use life experiences, both challenges and opportunities, to direct individuals toward His purpose and calling.

   Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

 

7. Is there a progression in the calls the Lord gives us? How do we qualify for “bigger” jobs?

KEY POINTS:

Bigger? (Doing little things in extraordinary ways)

Faithfulness progression

Little is much when God and godly virtues are in it

Obedience progression

Consecration progression

Commitment progression

Knowledge progression

Learning progression

 

How do we qualify?

1. Faithfulness in current assignment

2. Making our calling and election sure

3. Availability

4. Tested and tried

5. Consecration

6. Christian maintenance (Word, prayer, forgiveness, Holiness...)

7. Extra miler

8. Just enough is never enough

9. Returns on God's investments on us

10. Humility

11. Have a vision

12. Have a mission

13. Occupy

 

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Faithfulness in Small Things

  - God often begins by calling us to smaller tasks and responsibilities. Our faithfulness in these tasks demonstrates readiness for larger roles.

   Luke 16:10 - "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."

Building Character and Skills

  - The progression often includes developing essential qualities such as love, patience, and humility, which are crucial for effective service.

   Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Experiential Learning

  - As we serve in smaller roles, we gain valuable experiences that prepare us for more significant challenges and responsibilities.

   2 Corinthians 1:4 - "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble..."

God’s Call is Progressive

  - Throughout Scripture, we see God calling individuals in stages. For example, Moses started as a shepherd before leading the Israelites, and David began as a shepherd boy before becoming king.

Testing and Trials

  - God may allow challenges to test our faith and resolve, helping us grow and qualify for the next step in our calling.

   James 1:2-3 - "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Guidance through Scripture and Prayer

  - Continuous engagement with God's Word and prayer helps clarify His calling and prepares us for greater responsibilities.

Identified by others:

  - Other believers can recognize and affirm our gifts and callings, often playing a crucial role in our progression to larger responsibilities.

   Acts 13:2 - "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."

 How We Qualify for “Bigger” Jobs:

Demonstrating Faithfulness

  - Our reliability and accountability in fulfilling smaller tasks lay the groundwork for trust and opportunity in larger assignments.

   Matthew 25:21 - "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things..."

Continuous Learning and Growth

  - Actively seeking to grow in our faith, knowledge, and skills equips us for deeper and broader roles.

   2 Peter 3:18 - "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ..."

Openness to God’s Leading

  - Being sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting prepares us to step into new roles as they arise.

   John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Exhibiting a Servant’s Heart

  - Approaching our service with humility and a willingness to help others reflects the character of Christ, qualifying us for leadership roles.

   Mark 10:43-44 - "But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."

 

8. How can we be sure that it is God who is calling us, not just our own ideas or inclinations that are influencing our decision regarding what the Lord wants us to do? See John 7:17 and 1 Corinthians 14:32.

KEY POINTS:

Spirit led/inspired

Power to will and to do

Ministerial support and approval

Future will cast it's shadows

You whole being is involved (Spirit, body, soul, resources, time, interest...)

Self-motivated

Less friction and complaints

Withstand potential opposition and hindrances

Instructions for the call

Less supervision or external motivation needed

Evidence: Results/fruits

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Surrendered will to God’s Word-Knowledge

  - A sincere desire to know and follow God's will is crucial. We must be willing to surrender our own desires and submit to His leading.

   John 7:17 - "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

Seek Confirmation through Prayer

  - Engaging in sincere prayer allows for divine guidance. Prioritizing time in prayer opens our hearts to clearly hear God's voice and directives.

   Philippians 4:6 - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Examine Scripture

  - God’s Word is a primary means of guidance. Any call or inclination should align with the teachings and principles found in Scripture.

   2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."

Internal Peace and Conviction

  - A sense of peace and conviction from the Holy Spirit is a reliable indicator that we are in alignment with God’s will. Discomfort or anxiety may signal an inconsistency with God’s calling.

   Colossians 3:15 - "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Counsel from Mature Believers

  - Seeking wisdom from spiritually mature and trusted mentors can provide insight and confirmation of God’s call in our lives.

   Proverbs 15:22 - "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."

Consistency with God’s Character

  - God’s calls are consistent with His nature and character, which is loving, just, and merciful. Any inclination that contradicts these characteristics should be scrutinized.

   1 John 4:6 - "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

God’s Order in the Calling

  - God is not the author of confusion. If our inclinations bring confusion or disorder, it may indicate they are not from Him.

   1 Corinthians 14:33 - "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

Long-term Alignment and Growth

  - A true call from God often leads to lasting growth and fruitfulness in our lives, rather than brief enthusiasm that fades quickly.

   John 15:5 - "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

 

9. After God calls us to something, does He ever change His mind? See Romans 11:29.

KEY POINTS:

No - God is the same, all seasons

Yes - due to your attitude and response: if the person called becomes unfit due to attitude and failures

God is strategic

God is intentional

God is purposeful

God is the SOURCE of all resources (No contingencies plans due to limited resources)

God never fails

 

CLARIFICATIONS:

Challenges will come

Situations will ask you, who sent you

It may not always be easy

You will need to protect and defend your call

You may feel inadequate

You may experience isolation

You will experience opposition

Remember it is an uphill task

Through it all- God has not changed his mind

Dont change your mind

Don't give up

Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

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God's Faithfulness

  - God's calls and gifts are irrevocable. This demonstrates His faithfulness to those He has called, signifying that once He assigns a purpose, He remains committed to it.

   1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."

Understanding God’s Character

  - Since God does not change (Malachi 3:6), we can trust that His calls are consistent with His nature. His promises and intentions remain steadfast.

   James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Purpose Across Seasons

  - While God’s calling may not change, our understanding and application of that calling may evolve as we grow in faith and experience. Circumstances may shift, but the core calling remains.

   Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

God’s Redemptive Plan

  - Even if we stray from our calling, God has the power to redirect us back to His purpose, underscoring His sovereignty and ability to work all things for good.

   Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Human Response to God’s Call

  - While God’s call is irrevocable, our response is key. Failure to respond doesn’t nullify the calling but may impact how we experience its fulfillment.

   Matthew 22:14 - "For many are called, but few are chosen." (This verse highlights that not everyone responds to God's call.)

Reaffirming Our Commitment

  - Engaging in prayer and reflection can help us realign ourselves with God's call, continually reaffirming our commitment to His purposes for us.

   Romans 12:1 - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Have you derailed from God’s call? There is yet hoe

  - God's calling also encompasses His grace in our shortcomings - He can work through our failures to ultimately fulfill His will.

   2 Corinthians 12:9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..."

CHALLENGE:

Will you answer the call today?