Have You Been Called?

2 Timothy 1:8-14
 
Jesus called but who among us has answered? Have we picked up the Holy telephone or have we left the earthly answering machine on? Have we told the unholy secretary to hold all calls? Or have we responded, “Speak, for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:10).
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• Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

 
Called by God
Call = to command

• Hebrews 5:4, And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

 
Here, Paul is in prison and writes to Timothy to tell him that he must resist being ashamed of bearing the testimony of the Lord. Timothy must boldly endure his portion of afflictions for sharing the Gospel.

The Lord promised blessings for those who do suffer.

• Matthew 5:11-12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 
Timothy needed to remember that, while Paul was in Prison, he was still kept by God’s power and was doing more for Christ’s glory than others who were free. He did not need to let the fear of imprisonment keep him from preaching boldly.
 
Commissioned by Christ
Commission = authoritative order, a charge

• Matthew 28:19, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

 
Paul stated that Timothy needs to understand that God’s grace and purpose was the source of his ministry, and that his salvation was not the result of good works. Christians are called to fulfil the holy calling. It does not matter about your status in social circles, your wealth or lack thereof, or your educational background.

• 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 herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

 
Consigned by the Holy Ghost (Spirit)
Consigned = set apart or devote to
We may be in this world, but we are not to be a part of it. We are to let our light shine before others.

• Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
• 1 Peter 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
• 2 Corinthians 6:17, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
• Acts 13:2, As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

 
Matthew Henry’s Commentary – Thou hadst a soul committed to thee, how was it employed? In the service of sin, or in the service of Christ?