Hebrews 1:1-2; John 6:44-46; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:2
Introduction:
1. Seeing so many instances of God communicating to people directly in Scripture, many argue this is how God continues to call people to salvation, to preach, to serve, etc.
2. Is this conclusion warranted by the New Testament evidence?
3. We will ponder three areas of God’s call: 1) how God calls the lost to salvation, 2) how He calls Christian men to preach, 3) how he moves people to various services.
Discussion:
I. Various Times and Various Ways
A. The Hebrews writer began with a reminder of God’s varied communications in history (1:1-2).
B. These include vocal instructions (Genesis 2:16-17; Exodus 3-4), visions (Genesis 15:1; Acts 9; 10; Revelation 1:1-2, 9-12), dreams (Genesis 31:11; 37:5-10; 40:1-41:36; Daniel 2; 4), angelic messages (Genesis 18-19; Luke 1:11-21, 26-33), etc.
C. With so many instances of direct communication, it is easy to see why some conclude it continues.
II. Drawn by God
A. John 6:44-45 plainly shows God must draw (call) us to Christ (Acts 2:39; Romans 8:30; 2 Timothy 1:9).
B. John Calvin popularized the concept that this drawing (calling) is a direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the unregenerate sinner.
C. Such does not stand up to the scrutiny of the NT.
1. The Hebrews writer was clear that Jesus is the final arbiter of God’s truth (Hebrews 1:2; cf. Matthew 17:5).
2. His words will judge us in the end (John 12:48).
3. The Holy Spirit was sent to guide the apostles into all truth (John 14:23-26; 16:12-15; note 15:26-27).
4. Jesus prayed for those who would believe on Him through their word (John 17:20-23; cf. Matthew 28:18-20).
5. This faith is produced by the preached/taught word, not direct operation (Romans 10:13-17; cf. John 6:55).
6. Paul was clear that the Christian can understand as he did by reading what was written (Ephesians 3:1-5).
7. He explicitly stated that lost sinners were called by the gospel preached (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15).
III. Called to Preach
A. Many denominations talk of preachers (mostly misidentified as pastors) being “called” to preach.
B. Most often this is meant to be some sort of mysterious, overwhelming, perhaps even vocal draw to preach.
C. Interestingly, apart from Jesus calling the apostles, such a concept is never mentioned in the NT.
D. The only calling mentioned in the NT is the call to salvation by the gospel (Acts 2:39; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 7:17-18; Ephesians 4:4; Philippians 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 5:24).
E. Preaching/teaching is continued in the NT when faithful people teach faithful people to teach other people (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2; 3:16-17).
IV. Moved to Action
A. Finally, we ponder how God moves us to acts of service.
B. Again, many say God “told” them to do certain things.
C. Without questioning anyone’s sincerity or motives, I have asked many what His voice sounds like.
D. So far, no one has been able to describe it as all have admitted it was not audible.
E. Then I asked if it was a vision, dream, theophany, etc., but again the answer is that such did not happen.
F. What has generally been set forth is a strong sense of the need or the desire to do a certain act of service.
G. Though none of us fully grasps how God providentially moves us to service, the consistent pattern is by means of His word, not a miraculous impulse (Ephesians 4:11; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Conclusion:
1. Though most are sincere and well-meaning, the ideas of needing a miraculous call to salvation, preaching, etc. pose real threats to the decisions of people in need.
2. Thankfully, we have the Scriptures to fully call, prepare, and move us to action.