1. Text: II Thess. 2:13-14

2. A Christian Is…Called Of God What is the calling of God and why should we respond to the gospel call to obey? Christians are not only children of God (I Jn. 3:1) but are the “called of God”  Rom. 1:6: “You also are the called of Jesus Christ.”  I Cor. 1:2, 23-24: “Saints by calling,” To those who are the called…”  II Pet. 1:3: “The true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”  Jude 1: “To those who are the called.” II Thess. 2:13-14 13. But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Calling:  “Called” – kletos [klay-tos] (G2822): From the verb “to call” (G2564 kaleo), means “invited,” or “appointed.” “Saints by calling” (I Cor. 1:2)

3. A Christian Is…Called Of God I Pet. 2:9 9. But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; Called “out of darkness” – I Pet. 2:9  Jesus used metaphor of darkness – Jn.12:35  Paul said a darkened understanding leads to immorality – Eph. 4:17-20  We were rescued from darkness – Col. 1:12-14  One walking in darkness doesn’t know where he is going (Jn. 12:35):

4. A Christian Is…Called Of God I Pet. 2:9 9. But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; Called “into His marvelous light” – I Pet. 2:9  The light of life, walking with Jesus – Jn. 8:12  Light of life now: Freedom! (Jn. 8:32)  Light of life then: Eternal life! (Mt. 25:34, 46)  Called to a holy life – I Pet. 1:13-16 Saints are called out of darkness and into light!

5. A Christian Is…Called Of God Phil. 3:14 14. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward (KJV: “high”) call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:14: The call is an invitation from God to an inheritance in Heaven; called a “High Calling” (KJV)  II Tim. 1:9: “Holy Calling”  Heb. 3:1: “Heavenly Calling”  Eph. 1:18; 4:4: “Called in one Hope of your calling” – A Calling of Hope What has this “High Calling of God” called us to do?  To escape “the corruption that is in the world by lust” (II Pet. 1:3-4)  To holiness! (I Pet. 1:13-16) – Deny, Live, Look (Titus 2:11-14)  To repentance! (Mt. 9:13)  To fellowship with Christ! (I Cor. 1:9)  To peace! (I Cor. 7:15; Eph. 2:17; Col. 3:15; Rom. 12:18; Phil. 4:7) II Tim. 1:8-11: The gospel is a “holy calling” that has saved us and will bring immortality! Saints are called out of the world, and called to a holy relationship with God!

6. A Christian Is…Called Of God II Pet. 1:10-11 10. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11. for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. “Be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you”  II Pet. 1:5-9: By adding Christian virtues (qualities) to our lives!  Remember the purification from sins! If we do not:  We may fall (II Pet. 1:10)  We may miss entrance into Heaven (II Pet. 1:11)

7. A Christian Is…Called Of God Eph. 1:18-21 18. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19. and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20. which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21. far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Called:  To eternal life (I Tim. 6:12) – I Pet. 3:9; 5:10  To citizenship in God’s kingdom (I Thess. 2:12) – Col. 1:18; Phil. 3:20  To liberty (Gal. 5:13) – Jn. 8:32 Eph. 4:1-3: We walk in a worthy manner (making call certain) by living according to His pattern: humble, gentle, patient, love for one another, in unity of Spirit! Saints are called to inherit the home of God!

8. A Christian Is…Called Of God The call of God  Calls us to obedience, to deny worldliness, to live holy lives, and inherit Heaven Why should one respond to the call of God?  Christ’s blood was shed to grant forgiveness of sins to those who respond! (I Jn. 1:7)  I Thess. 4:16: There’s a day coming that the call of God will sound the end of time!  Eternal punishment awaits those who do not obey the gospel! (II Thess. 1:7-9)  Those who respond are the chosen of God and inherit Heaven! (Mt. 25:46; I Pet. 1:1-4)

9. A Christian Is…Called Of God Have you responded to the Gospel call of God? How can you respond to the call of God?  II Thess. 2:13-14: To be “chosen of God” you are “called through the gospel.”  Having heard the good news (Jesus died for your sins), you can obey it today!

10. Hear The Gospel (Jn. 5:24; Rom. 10:17) Believe In Christ (Jn. 3:16-18; Jn. 8:24) Repent Of Sins (Lk. 13:35; Acts 2:38) Confess Christ (Mt. 10:32; Rom. 10:10) Be Baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16) Remain Faithful (Jn. 8:31; Rev. 2:10) For The Erring Child: Repent (Acts 8:22), Confess (I Jn. 1:9), Pray (Acts 8:22)