The life in Christ: “Living in Christ” marks all that we are and all that we do. Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal 2:20
In our study of Romans 8, we paused on verse 29 on Sunday, the part that defines our calling in accordance with his purpose to reflect his likeness. Let’s begin verse 30 this morning.
“And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.” Rom 8:30
According to Jeremiah 1:5, God had already arranged for Jeremiah’s sanctification, dedication, separation for the appointment, and appointment or ordination before he was even born; or, more precisely, before his mother and father ever considered getting married.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jer 1:5
God, in like manner, has already chosen us in Christ to be blameless and holy, ready for His purpose (Eph 1:4–5). Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you.” We didn’t plan it so that one day we would encounter Jesus and be saved. All of that was accomplished by God. He called you. Why were you called?
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.“ John 15:16
Calling is a big subject that separates many people and has created different denominations. But the fact remains that we are all called because we are all chosen by God. So what are we called to do? We are called to preach the gospel of Christ! That is what will bear fruit. The gospel of Christ, which will result in many people being saved, is what you were called to proclaim. “People need the gospel, and their need creates a need in the heart of God. He needs to send us with the gospel! He knows that we must be born again, and He cannot just sit on His throne, and do nothing about it. That would be completely contrary to all He has ever done.
“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? … So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:13–15, 17.
God knows our need and is determined to meet it. Likewise, if we, who are made in His image, know about the hunger of this world, we need to do something about it. Their need creates in us a need to help. If you and I have plenty, then we cannot merely stand by, and watch our neighbours die of starvation. The same is true of spiritual food. Our spiritual need lays a compulsion on the heart of God. Our attitude towards others should be the same.
What should we be doing to fulfil that need in God’s heart? The same things that Jesus did, which were also a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1–3
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk