Calling is the invitation from God to follow his voice in our lives.
Luke 5:1-11
Key Point 1 on Calling: Jesus’ first calling is that you and I would follow him personally in faith.
“We are not primarily called to do something or go somewhere; we are called to Someone. We are not called first to special work but to God. The key to answering the call is to be devoted to no one and to nothing above God himself.” —Os Guiness, The Call
Key Point 2 on Calling: Jesus’ second calling is for you and I to join him in his mission.
Application 1 for Discerning Your Individual Calling: Our suffering is often connected to our personal calling.
Application 2 for Discerning Your Individual Calling: Respect how God has made you, listen to the perspective of those who know you well, and honor your sense of how you believe God is leading you. (From Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something)
Application 3 for Discerning Your Individual Calling:
When discerning career fit, ask yourself:
Does this job glorify God?
Does this job permit me to live a godly life?
Does this job provide for my needs and allow me to be a blessing to others?
Does this job benefit society in some way?
Does this job take advantage of my gifts and talents?
Is this something I want to do?
(From Sebastian Traeger, Gospel at Work)
Application / Discussion Questions:
What encouraged you, challenged you, or confused you in this week’s teaching?
Have you ever felt called to something in your own life? How is the definition of Calling shared at the top of this week’s Teaching Notes similar or different from the way you have thought about Calling in the past?
Read Luke 5:1-11. What stands out to you the most about how Peter experiences the call of Jesus in this story?
Refer back to the key points in this week’s teaching (see the teaching notes above).
Why do you think it’s important for Christians to get clear on who Jesus calls us to be in him before focusing on what he calls us to do? What errors or frustrations do we open ourselves up to when we get these callings out of order?Did anything stand out to you in this week’s teaching or come to mind in our group conversation related to God’s calling in your own life? (related to your relationship with Christ, your family, or serving him in your daily life?