|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, NASB1995).
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1 that we should walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
Do we know our calling? God’s calling is a narrow path upon which we should walk.
When God asks us to do something, we can be assured of His provision and power. Again, do we know His calling? And if not, then we miss the excitement of walking with Jesus.
Below is a simple test/method to better understand our calling. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians that we have gifts by the Spirit, ministries entrusted to us by Jesus, and effectiveness determined by God.
If we divide God’s calling into gifts, ministry, and effectiveness, then we can specifically understand our calling.
Remember: God’s calling combines our gifts, ministry, and effect.
Calling:
Do we know our spiritual gifts? They are found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.
If we do not know our spiritual gifts, it’s impossible to know our ministry or how God wants us to use our gifts. Are you blue, not knowing your gifts?
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10, ESV).
Ministry:
Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5b).
Paul writes to Timothy that he should fulfill his ministry. Our spiritual gifts are used in our ministry. Note that Paul encourages Timothy — an evangelist — to fulfill his ministry. Timothy’s gift came before his ministry. If you know your gifts, then ask God for a ministry.
Are you red not knowing your ministry?
Effect:
A loose translation of Ephesians 1:11 would be:
God gives effectiveness according to His will.
Knowing our gifts and ministry, we can pray for increased effectiveness. The Greek word for “effect” is “energe,” or energy. There is nothing more energizing than seeing our gifts and ministries used powerfully by God.
Are we yellow — knowing our gifts and how to serve Him in ministry?
We can now ask for this promise …
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to His power that [increases our effectiveness] (Ephesians 3:20).
Let’s consider our call. Don’t pray the general prayers of, “God, help me know your will” or “What is my calling?”
Instead, let’s ask God to reveal the specific gifts that He gave us. Then, ask for specific ministries, and finally, we ask God to give us a million dollars to increase the effectiveness of our gifts and ministries.
Knowing our calling will bring impact beyond our imagination!
Are we blue, red, or yellow?
