An Authentic Calling: Representing Christ and His Kingdom through the Church

Ses s i on 3: A Ca l l to Ho l i nes s

39

D. Unique insights for spiritual leaders: How holy (set apart) must the leader be who is called to care for God’s holy people?

1 Pet. 1.14-16 (ESV) As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, [15] but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1. The initial doubts and problems of the called person cannot dismiss or disallow the call of God.

a. Peter, Luke 5.8

b. Moses, Exod. 4.13

c. Jeremiah, Jer. 1.6

d. Jonah, Jon. 1.2-3 (ESV) – “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” [3] But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.

e. Isaiah, Isa. 6.1-8

2. God is able to supply his man or woman with whatever they need to accomplish their task, either prior to or during the mission.

a. Prior supply, 1 Tim. 3.2; Acts 6.3

b. At the time of commissioning, 1 Tim. 4.14; 2 Tim. 1.6

c. In the course of the task, Phil. 4.13