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LEARNING TO DO GODS WORK LESSON TWO

Different Positions Same Body


INTRODUTION

Revelation 17:14 - "there shall make war with the lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that re with him are CALLED , and CHOSEN , and FAITHFUL .

It goes without saying that anyone who is a ' believer' should desire to tell of their GOOD NEWS.that their life has been changed, witness about this goodness an proclaim that God is no respecter of persons. What they have received, God's arms are wide open to give to them as well.

How does one operate in his/her calling? What exactly does it mean.to be called? How do you know what you should be doing and how should you carry it out? Is it as simple as being a believer that's filled with the Holy Ghost or do you have to be trained, then licensed? Does man have to give his approval? Does our calling change? Can you quit? What if you don't like your calling.can you asked God to give you another? Some of these questions might seem trite or silly now, however, I have witnessed and at times felt myself the need to have these questions answered. The church is overflowing with zealous believers operating in the ministry gifts that they were never called for nor chosen of God to serve in. There is little understanding about ministry gifts going forth and without divine protection and/or connection, experience, or anointing this leads to fall out, burn out and shut out. Too many ministers quit before they even get started. This is destructive to the entire body of believers as those who follow begin to question the validity and credibility of 'all' which say they have been called.

Jesus loves all of us equally don't quit no matter what!

This lesson is written to give you a basic yet thorough understanding of the ministry gifts accepting one's call and most importantly fulfilling the call. Individuals with revolving ministry gifts (one day it's Pasturing.next day it's not) must cease to minimize the frivolousness of the ministry. God has clearly spoken through Revelation 17:14 that we are not just 'called', but 'chosen' and if chosen, then we remain 'faithful'. Throughout the history of the bible you will see those who were ' called' of God were ' chosen' by God and because of this they remained 'faithful' unto God until that which they were ' called' to do, ' chosen' to perform ' faithfully' fulfilled.

Many start, but the sent one's finished the race. Take your mind of the numbers. God is your source

The ministry gifts are needed

The

Church

The pillar of truth

The Bond of Love

The word of Life

The light of the World

THE DIVINE CALL

As we look to the definition of the word ' call' or ' calling' we must understand that there are five main uses of the word call in the bible

  1. ' To call' means to invite or summon. For example, God called to Adam ( Genesis 3:9 ); Moses called the elders together ( Exodus 19:7 ); and Joel gave a command to call a solemn assembly. ( Joel 1:14 )
  2. The word ' call' is used as a verb to have the meaning of 'calling on God' when one prays. We first see this in Genesis 4:26'

"Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord"

Other scriptural reference to this usage are Psalm 79:6; Psalm 105:1; Isaiah 64:7; Jeremiah 10:25

  1. ' To call' is used very often in the sense of ' naming' , whether of things ( Genesis 1:5-30 ; day, night, heaven, earth; Genesis 2:19, the animals), or of persons (Genesis 25:26, Jacob; 30:6-24 , Jacob's sons), of a city ( 2 Samuel 5:9 , the city of David), or of qualities ( Isaiah 35:8 a way and in Exodus 12:16 a day are called holy).
  2. ' To call' may be used in the sense of ' to call one's own' , to claim for one's own possession and to appoint for a particular destiny. Especially in Isaiah 43:1 , when the lord addressed Israel:

"I have called thee by name; thou art mine.'

  1. God ' calls' by name with a view to ' serve' . The call of Moses ( Exodus 3:4-22 ) and the call of Samuel ( 1 Samuel 3 ) are good examples.

All of the above usage can be found in the New Testament as well. The meaning 'invite/summon' is encountered principally in the parables of the great banquet ( Luke 14:16-25 ) and the marriage feast ( Mathew 22:2-10 ). Calling in the sense of naming has special importance in Matthew 1:21 ."and thou shalt call his name JESUS." Calling on the name of the Lord is found in Acts 2:21

".whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Also, Christ's people are those whom He has ' called' and who are rightly ' called' by His name. ( Romans 8:28; Galatians 1:6; Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Peer 1:1)

However, we are again clarifying for the purpose of this study, ' divine calling' as it was done with the apostles. Mark 1:20

Thus in conclusion we can define the word ' call' or ' calling' for the purposes of this study as it pertains to the Ministry Gifts as:

CALL OR CALLING - God summons you to do a specific task to operate in a particular role or ministry gift (s) to fulfill His plan and purpose of salvation. It is a gift that He entrusted with you and because He has done so, one has been enriched. In the course of time, God summons you to fulfill the task as a tool to initiate the word into the way of salvation.

When understanding the definition of being summoned by God to operate in a particular ministry gift (s) it is to be understood that -

  1. No man ' calls' himself or another God ' calls' Hebrews 5-4

"and no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is

called of God , as was Aaron.'

  1. Our acceptance of our calling is obedience unto God Hebrews 11:8,

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for inheritance, obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

•  Your ' calling' will come at a time in your life when you least expect it or even want it. Exodus 3:2

"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire,

and the bush was not consumed."

4. To be ' called' you must first be willing to hear; not what you want.you must be willing to accept ' where' God ' calls' you to. 1 Samuel 3:9-10

"Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he called thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at the other times, Samuel, Samuel.

Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

5. Family background/Family History does not determine your calling.

Amos 7:14-15,

"Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit: And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel."

  1. The purpose of your calling - To exhort and comfort the Body; to serve, not to be

served - 1 Thessalonians 2:11 , To exhort and comfort the Body; not to be served

- 1 Thessalonians 2:11

"As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you,

as a father doth his children,"

•  Nothing you have done or do determines God's calling - Called solely for God's purpose and plan, 2 Timothy 1:9

" Who hath saved us, and called us with an holly calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

8. God only calls those to whom He will equip to fulfill the calling, 1 Peter 5:10 ,

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

THE DIVINE CALL - 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27-30

"Now ye are body of Christ, and member in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues? Have all gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all? Do all interpret?"

  • •  Christ ' gave the gifts' . God ' calls' or God ' sets' (places) individuals within the church to fulfill His Purpose and Plan.
  • •  God sets (calls and places ) not man; can't be voted or elected: not determined by man's vision.
  • •  Don't accept a ministry (position) because ' you' feel it is what ' you' should do.
  • •  You can't put yourself in a ministry position.
  • •  Don't enter a ministry because ' someone' tells you you'd be good at it.
  • •  A church ' need' is not a divine calling.

Husbands don't call wives boards don't call preachers

Mothers don't call sons cliques don't call Pastors

AM I GOD - CALLED? AM I CHOSEN BY GOD?

  1. You will have the witness in ' your' heart (deep on the inside); must informed, committed and fully dedicated (half-in/half-out won't get it).
  2. You will be anointed for that ministry; whom God called, God equips: not based on natural talents.but spiritual and supernatural gifts.
  3. Stay within your calling; don't move unless God says so.
    1. -if ministry is failing/failed you could be out of your calling
    2. -if you're not faithful you could be out of your calling.
    3. -if there's no response from the 'body' you could be out of your calling.

Revelation 17:14 - "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they are with him are CALLED , and CHOSEN , and FAITHFUL ."

CHOSEN

Before we go into the understanding of what it means to be ' chosen' by God o operate in a ministry gift we must have the correct interpretation of one scripture that may cause some confusion, especially when it is taken out of its context. Matthew 22:14

"Many are called, but few are chosen."

When we look at the entire chapter of Mathew 22 we see that Jesus was speaking of the kingdom of heaven in parable. Christ uses a king who preparing a great feast, sends his servants all around to invite a great multitude, but can obtain the presence of a very few, because almost all allege causes and excuse; at length, in consequence of their refusal, he is obliged to send his servants out into the highways to invite every one they meet. It is perfectly clear, that thus far the parable is to be understood of an external calling to salvation. He finds any one not adorned with nuptial garment, he will by no means allow him to insult the festivity of his sordid dress. This represents those who enter church, who by profession of faith say they are Christ but are not.A form of godliness. This disgraces Christ in the parable and remains a disgrace in the nostril of god today. Clearly, God is communicating through His Son and this parable that this type of nonchalant attitude will not be tolerated but will result in one being cast out. This is not a scripture that speaks of the calling of one's ministry gift but a calling to those who are unbelievers to enter into marriage.Becoming Christ's bride for eternal life.

The Bible uses the word ' chosen' interchangeably with the word, predestine , foreordain , determined and election . The simplest way to explain what it is meant by ' chosen' is to understand the word ' election' from which it is based. The word ' election' is derived from the Greek word EKLEGOMAL , which literally means " to choose for oneself ." This by no means suggests that God is a respecter of person. However, it is to be understood that God has a plan. His plan is to bring salvation to His people and his world. (Remember He's the one that created it). Those that are chosen are done so to fulfill God's plan --- His purpose is to bring salvation to His people and His world. (Remember He's the one that created it)). Those that are chosen are done so to fulfill God's plan --- His purpose. God does enter into special relationships with certain individuals and groups (from the beginning of time) that he has decided will fulfill His purpose. Just take a look around you. Your church.history. Are there not people who you know or have learned about that you have commented. "I don't know why in the world God would use him/her?" That's why many can't understand those who are being used mightily by God because they didn't chose them.God Did!!! God has anointed , ordained, planned for certain people to have certain abilities, talents, creativity, knowledge and/or gifts to fulfill His purpose.

Remember 1 Corinthians 12:28-30

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily, prophets, thirdly teachers, after miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongue? Do all interpret?" (NO)

The answer to Paul's question is no. Only some are called and no person does everything. This would be comparable to every part of the physical body having the same function. Every organ cannot operate/function as the heart.how would we see, walk or think? Paul explains in the beginning part of 1 Corinthians 12:4-6,

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."

Thus the proper response to being 'chosen' is not pride but gratitude for God's amazing grace. Being 'chosen' by God is neither a steeple from which we look in judgments on others or an attitude that one is better than another; in fact, it is an opportunity for service, which is humbling.

As we look at the scriptures concerning those 'chosen' by God it should be clearer, even more, that man couldn't set another in a position or office. It is vital to God's purpose and plan that we stay within our anointing, allowing God to order our steps while orchestrating our paths.

  • •  Out of all the people on earth God chose to revel Himself in a special, unique way to one particular people.the Israelites.
  • •  God uniquely 'chose' Abraham to leave his homeland for a new one which would be shown unto him. Genesis 12:1-7 .remember the directive for Abraham to leave his homeland came from God who also promised to bless his descendants and all people on earth through them.
  • •  Others who were 'chosen' by God to do a specific work -

Moses - Psalm 106:23 Jeremiah - Jeremiah 1:4-5 Aaron - numbers 16"1-17

David psalm 78:70 Peter - Acts 15:7 Jacob - Psalm 135:4

Paul - Acts 9:15 Solomon - 1 Chronicles 28:10 Jesus - Luke 9:35; 23:35

No one has the authority or power to second-guess God. The idea or biblical truth that we are 'chosen' for our callings remains God's freedom to select and becomes our responsibility to fulfill that which he has 'chosen' for us to do. I Chronicles 28:10'

" Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary:

be strong, and do it."

We don't wake up in one morning and decide that we want to be an Apostle or Pastor. God has ordained us, prepared us. And set us forth. This is why we must be faithful. You cannot earn a theology degree and then declare you are chosen because you have gained knowledge from a book. Being 'chosen' is not of an institution or denomination, but from the foundation of heaven.God's throne.

FAITHFUL

REVELATION 17:14 - "these shall make war with the lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and Kings of kings: and they are with him are CALLED , and CHOSEN . And FAITHFUL ."

Whatever God has ' called' and ' chosen' for you to do you must remain ' faithful' . Again, I remind you of the scripture, Luke 9:62 ,

".No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back,

is fit for the kingdom."

There is nothing easy about the ministry. Often you are alone, criticized, disappointed and overlooked. This is when you must be reliable, trustworthy and loyal. Nor man, but to God. This is why Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:62 ."

"Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:

for if ye do these things )v. 5-9) ye shall never fall."

There is no room for uncertainty in the ministry. One who is faithful is steady , true and established . God is the only example that we need o look to in Psalm 89:1-3

"I sing of the mercies of he Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up forever:

thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

I have made a covenant with my chosen."

GOD'S PURPOSE MY MISSION

Faithfulness means that you are firm, stable, steadfast and enduring; 1 Corinthians 15:58,

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,

unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labor is

not in vain in the Lord."

Abounding means that you are adding to the Kingdom of God. Your motivation is God's plan and His Purpose. You are steadfast. This means today you are a teacher and tomorrow when nobody shows up you are a teacher, next week when your lessons are ridiculed and the Pastor overlooks you, you still show up because you have a solid belief that you have been set in your position, not by men, but ' chosen' of God. You are immoveable.

Perhaps we best sense the importance of faithfulness in Jesus' familiar story of the talents written in Matthew 25 . (Please read). Christ told of individuals who were given different resources and told them to use those resources for the master's benefit. Each servant who used the resources wisely received the same commendation: "Well done good and faithful servant." God does not evaluate us by how much we have, but rather how faithfully we use what we have in his service, for His Purpose and His Plan.

LOOKING AHEAD

GROWING IN THE SON

NOT JUST A TITLE---

UNDERSTANDING THE CALLING

NOT ACCORDING TO MAN----

ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD

Lesson 2 part 2

A closer look at the ministries

(Defining them)

Apostle

Prophet

Pastor

Evangelist

Teacher

Elder/Bishop

Deacon

Ministry of helps

Government

Exhorter

Giver

Ministry of Music

TEST

Name _______________________________________

Level 1 Assignment 2 - Lesson 2 Part 1

"Called to be.?"

Directions: Please read question carefully. All answers are from the book or scriptures.

  1. When God sets you forth in a ministry gift you are __________, ___________, and ______________.
  1. How many references does the Bible make to the way the word 'call/calling' can be used? _____________
  1. a. Moses calling the elders is an example of which usage? _______ Explain. ____ __________________________________________________________________

b. Naming the animals is an example of which usage? ________ Explain. ______

__________________________________________________________________

c. To serve in a ministry gift is an example of what usage? _______ Explain. ____

__________________________________________________________________

d. Which usage is used in prayer? _______ Explain. _______________________

__________________________________________________________________

e. Belonging to God as His very own is an example of what usage?____________

Explain. __________________________________________________________

•  True or False (circle one) When there is a divine calling on your life God doesn't have a specific task for you to do.

  1. Once God calls you, you must be ________________ in accepting your call as Abraham was.
  1. True or False (circle one) Before God calls you it is better if there have been others in your family who have done this ministry before you?
  1. The purpose of your calling is to __________ and to ___________ the Body while fulfilling God's _____________ and His _______________.
  1. If God calls you He will _______________________ you.
  1. True or False (circle one) When people refuse to accept the call on their life for the ministry gift God has entrusted them with, this is the interpretation of the parable Matthew 22-4
  1. The word that 'chosen' is used interchangeably (best) is the word _____________.
  1. _________________ (#10's answer) means to _______________________.
  1. True or False (circle one) You should feel special when you know that God has chosen you.
  1. If tour calling and election are sure you will not _____________.
  1. A faithful person is one who is _______________, ______________ and ________________
  1. According to Matthew 25 a faithful servant will ___________. Read the scripture

ANSWERS LEVEL I ASSIGNMENT2 - LESSON 2 PART 2

  1. CALLED, CHOSEN AND FAITHFUL.----- PAGE 3
  2. FIVE----- PAGE FOUR
  3. A. FIRST------ MOSES CALLED THE ELDERS TOGATHER, AND HE

CALLED SAMUEL, I AM CALLIN YOU TO ME.

B. THIRD----- TO NAME THINGS

C. FIFTH------GOD CALLS US TO SERVE, GOD CALLED SAMUEL TO

SERVE.

D. SECOND---USED AS A VERB AND HE CALLED HIS NAME.

E. FORTH----BELONGING TO GOD

  1. FALSE----- PAGE FIVE
  2. OBEDENT----- PAGE FIVE
  3. FALSE----------PAGE FIVE
  4. EXHORT AND COMFORT-----PURPOSE AND HIS PLAN-----PAGE SIX
  5. EQUIPT------ PAGE SIX
  6. FALSE ------MANY ARE CALLED FEW ARE CHOSEN, MATTHEW 22-4
  7. ELECTION--------PAGE SEVEN
  8. ELECTION MEANS TO CHOSE SOMETHING FOR ONESELF. ----------PAGE EIGHT
  9. FALSE------PAGE EIGHT GRATITUDE-
  10. FAIL-------PAGE NINE
  11. STEADY, TRUE AND ESTABLISHED-------PAGE NINE
  12. FAITHFULL------PAGE 10
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