Study notes

Chapter 1. The Call of God

There is nothing haphazard about the ministry of God, from the moment of our new birth God has ordained a life and ministry for us - Eph.4:1-16. It may not be so clearly defined in its early days but will inevitably develop as we grow and mature in our Christian life:

• The Lord's call - Luke 3:21-23, Luke 4:1-22,
• The disciples - Matt.4:18-22, Matt.9:9, Luke 5:1-11,
• Paul’s call - 1 Cor.1:1, Acts 9:1-22.

If we are not called of God we will be in danger of destroying and not building the work of God. A need in a particular place is no substitute for men called of God.

The Place of God's Call

Every flock has its own Shepherd and God places men in the ministry as it pleases Him and for as many years. The Pastor must be prepared to stay as long as God wants him to be in a certain place, attend every meeting and be not tempted to be drawn away by what might be seen as itinerant ministry. 1Cor.12:12-37, Rom.12:1-8, Acts 20:29-30. People can be very difficult. There may be some who do not like you and even hate you. Spiritually there will be the blind, deaf, lame, those with withered arms, but God has added them to the Church as it pleases him - Luke 6:10-16. There will be those that fall into sin regularly.

The Preparations of the Call

These take two forms: That which takes place before the call

• The dealing with sin - 1Tim.5:13-25 so that we do not minister our sin Examples: Accan - Joshua 7:3-4, David - 2 Sam.24:15-17.
• Dealing with our natural life - Matt.4.1-11 ‘I cannot cope’, ‘I need a holiday’, ‘It's all too much’ - James 1:12-15, 1Cor.10:13. 3. The unknown experiences leading to God's purpose - The Lord Luke 2:49-51 Heb.3 Joseph Gen.37-47 Moses Ex.2:11 - 3:10.

That which continues during the ministry:

• Difficulties - 1 Cor.4:9-13, 2 Cor.11:23-28, 1 Kings 19:19-21, 2 Kings 2:1-14. God fashions men as they proceed along in their walk with God.