Sermon Snippet – The Holy Calling of God – Part VIII
INTRODUCTION – We return to II Timothy 1:8-12, which assures all Christians that God has “called us with [a] holy calling” (verse 9). These words were written by the Apostle Paul, working under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit (II Timothy 3:16-17). Certainly the life of Paul well illustrates the transformative power of this calling.
1. PAUL’S EMOTIONS WERE TRANSFORMED
Paul provides a brief autobiography in Philippians 3:4-6. An honest man, he admits to “persecuting the church” (verse 6). This intense persecution included imprisoning and even killing Christians (Acts 8:1; 9:1-2; 22:4). Hatred is a strong emotion, and it drove Paul before he became a Christian. “Breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” – these words from Acts 9:1 reveal the all-consuming malice that controlled Paul’s choices. Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:3-7) altered his perspective: instead of hatred, Paul was motivated by love for fellow Christians, non-Jewish believers (more about that later), and even Jewish people who viciously opposed him (see Romans 9-11, especially 9:1-3). The “holy calling” of God thus pulls us away from hatred and draws us into the love of God the Son, Jesus Christ.
2. PAUL’S INTELLECT WAS TRANSFORMED
Paul was an eminent scholar, “as touching the law, a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5). He learned from the renowned Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) and was certain of his hate-filled theology. Suddenly, he became aware that he was wrong – totally wrong. He spent three years (Acts 9:23; Galatians 1:17-18) studying intently to correct his erroneous ideology. We should appreciate people who admit that they were wrong. We should also realize that we were in the wrong until we placed our faith in Jesus.
3. PAUL’S ENERGY WAS TRANSFORMED
We have already seen that Paul was a mercurial man. Now, his intense energy was used for great good. Even though he was now the target of Pharisaical persecution (II Corinthians 11:23-25), he always presented the Gospel first to his fellow Jews (Romans 1:16). Moreover, Paul specifically sought out the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-49). Previously, he had despised non-Jewish people, but now he pours his considerable energy into a ministry of evangelism to them. His missionary work throughout Asia Minor and Europe was the result of this transformation. He also continued his work within the churches (II Corinthians 11:28) and sometimes labored as a tentmaker to support himself (Acts 18:3). It is ironic that this busy man was often imprisoned, including when he wrote II Timothy. Even then he poured his heart into working for Jesus. May we similarly direct our strength to the good things of God.
4. PAUL’S ETERNAL DESTINATION WAS TRANSFORMED
When Paul wrote II Timothy 4:6-8, he knew that he was very close to the end of his earthly life. Yet, his faith is firm, and his outlook remains clear and certain. It was only when Paul was blinded that he could see the truth, and he continued to rejoice that his everlasting future in heaven was secure.
CONCLUSION – The “holy calling” of God is transformative: each message in this series has demonstrated this fact. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved forever; our eternity in heaven is assured. As we await that day, let us direct our emotions, intellects, and energies into the precious work that our Savior has placed before us.