Romans 11:29
Jesus is steadfast in His decisions, granting us spiritual gifts and a purpose. Without receiving these gifts, we may doubt our identity and wander through life’s blessings, never fulfilling God’s call.
Introduction
In Chapter 10, Paul outlines a distinct path to salvation for all believers. He goes beyond merely explaining how to join the family; verses 14-21 emphasize our responsibility in the search party to help rescue others. However, he cautions us about the difficulties we may face, highlighting the need for commitment to the journey in verses 11-6. He also guides us on how to live in a way that alleviates challenges for others as we support those trapped and assist them in finding freedom.
Amid all the hard work affecting each of us, we must remember that during struggles, complicated situations, and attacks (whispers), God’s calling is irrevocable. This means that nothing can reverse or undo what God has accomplished in our lives and the lives of others. Jesus is steadfast in His decisions, granting us spiritual gifts and a purpose. Without receiving these gifts, we may doubt our identity and wander aimlessly through life’s blessings, never fulfilling God’s call.
What is Calling?
• We are each needed in the harvest field. There are not some called, and others not. We may have different assignments, but every call is meant to aid in fulfilling the great commission (Mt. 28:18-20).
• Each of us has been summoned to serve the Lord in a specific place, in a specific way, and at a specific time.
• God has issued a call to each of us, and He never changes His mind. He never takes His call back. If we go through life unaware of His call, we won’t know our assignment, and as a result, we will never step into the place waiting for us in the harvest field.
• We can’t call ourselves. Someone else must call us. We can’t generate it. We can only receive it.
• The call can come in many ways. God could speak to you through His word during worship or prayer. Someone may speak something to you or over you. You may be learning about a people group, subject, or place, and in that moment, you know God put a fire in your heart.
• The conviction is profound because it was Jesus who told you. It’s not your idea, someone else’s, or a logical conclusion. It’s His command, and it changes you. It transforms and empowers you to obey (Ro. 10:17).
• Real Calling Produces:
1. Faith:
2. Focus:
3. Divine Assistance:
4. Confirmed by Others (Acts 13:1-3):
5. Fruit (Jn. 15:16; Jn. 15:8): We will see fruit from the calling of God. The Holy Spirit will be active.
Unfulfilled Calling
• Though God’s calling on our life is irrevocable, sometimes it feels like our call can’t be fulfilled because of shame, guilt, or life circumstances.
• How do we deal with struggles, complicated situations, and attacks?
• Here’s what we must avoid: Giving ourselves over to Unhealthy Self-Talk (UST).
• We call this spinning out. This all starts with UST. The enemy (Yes, the devil) starts lobbing lies into our thoughts. Soon, we are down a road of unhealth that leads us to an unfulfilled destiny.
• Romans 9:4-5 is known as the grace gifts because Paul gives grace to his unbelieving Jewish brothers and sisters in this section of Romans.
• Paul understood God’s promises to the Israelites and knew God was not turning away from grace. As Paul gives an example, why not apply those same Grace Gifts to ourselves?
• We have heard it said that we are always our worst critic and the hardest on ourselves, yet we allow life challenges to defeat our future calling with God.
• We don’t give ourselves the same Grace Christ has genuinely afforded us. In essence, when we do this, we take Christ down from the cross, and by our own actions, we say His sacrifice isn’t enough for me.
• The miraculous work accomplished on the cross was more than sufficient for all of humanity’s sins; yours isn’t too big for Him.
Pursuing Calling
• God has called every single one of us to serve Him in a specific place, in a specific way, and at a specific time, but if we can’t hear His voice or our hearts aren’t prepared to receive and obey, then we will never participate in that plan.
• How do we pursue our calling?
1. Become a disciple (Mt. 28:19): Repent, Believe and Receive. If we haven’t fully surrendered, how can we possibly obey His calling?
2. Fast and Listen: Fasting quiets the flesh and makes it easier to fellowship with God. Scheduling uninterrupted time to sit and listen to God is essential.
3. Recognize His anointing: When and where it comes on you when serving others.
4. Don’t let Pride or Fear close off potential.
5. Listen: people will thank you when God uses you to minister to them.
6. Pleasure: When you do something, His pleasure comes over you.
• Jesus is steadfast in His decisions, granting us spiritual gifts and a purpose. Without receiving these gifts, we may doubt our identity and wander aimlessly through life’s blessings, never fulfilling God’s call.
Conclusion
Pursuing our calling requires dedication and a sincere desire to align ourselves with God’s will. It is a journey of becoming a devoted disciple, surrendering fully to His guidance, and embracing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. By fasting, listening, recognizing His anointing, and overcoming pride and fear, we open ourselves to the fullness of His plan for our lives. When we serve others in His name, we experience the joy of His presence and the fulfillment of His purpose. Let us commit to this pursuit with unwavering faith, trusting that He will lead us to where we are meant to be and use us for His glory.
Discussion Questions
- How has God’s calling manifested in your life, and how have you responded to it__?
- In what ways have you experienced the ‘irrevocable’ nature of God’s gifts and calling as mentioned in Romans 11:29__?
- How do you distinguish between your own desires and God’s genuine calling for your life__?