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I. WHAT IS THIS CALLING? The Christian calling is holy (2 Timothy 1:9); heavenly (Hebrews 3:1). The one relates to the way, the other to the end; hence it is a calling to virtue and glory (2 Peter 1:3). Both may be considered either as they are represented —

1. In the offer of the Word. There God is often set forth as calling us —

(1)  From sin to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

(2)  From misery to happiness (1 Peter 5:10).

2. As impressed upon us by the operation of the Spirit (Romans 1:7), by which we have a right to the heavenly blessedness (Hebrews 9:15).

II. WHAT IS IT TO BE COUNTED OR MADE WORTHY OF THIS CALLING? There is a threefold worthiness —

1. Of desert and proper merit (Revelation 4:11). God deserves all that the creature can give Him, and infinitely more (Revelation 5:12). The workman is worthy in this sense of His meat (Matthew 10:10). When preachers are sustained by hearers, it is not our alms but a debt (1 Timothy 5:17). But it is not so between us and God (Genesis 32:10).

2. Of meekness and suitableness (Colossians 1:10: Ephesians 4:1). In this sense God makes us worthy when He makes us more holy and heavenly (1 Thessalonians 2:12; Colossians 1:12). This meetness consists in —

(1) Holiness (1 Peter 1:15). The calling —

(a)  Puts a holy nature into us.

(b)  Obliges us to live by a holy rule.

(c)  Offers us a holy reward.

(d)  And all to engage us to the service of a holy God, who will be sanctified to all who are near to Him. Therefore, to make His people such who were once sinners, He has appointed means (Galatians 5:26) and providences (Hebrews 12:10), and all accomplished with the operation of the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

(2) Heavenliness; for God, by inviting men, draws them off this world to a better. The more they obey His will, the more heavenly they are. It is heaven —

(a)  They seek (Colossians 3:1, 2).

(b)  Hope for (1 Peter 1:3).

(c)  Count their portion (Matthew 6:20, 21).

(d)  Their home and happiness (Hebrews 11:13).

(e)  Their work and scope (Philippians 3:14).

(f)  Their end, solace and support (2 Corinthians 4:18). Their course becomes their choice (Philippians 3:20).

3. Acceptance (Acts 5:41), which notes liberality in the giver but no worth in the receiver (Luke 21:36; Revelation 2:4).

III. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BENEFIT, AND THE MERE FRUIT OF GOD'S GRACE.

1. It is an excellent benefit. By this calling —

(1) Our natures are ennobled (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Holiness is the beauty of God. His image impressed on us.

(2) We are brought into an estate wherein not only are we amenable to God, but He to us all John 3:1; Romans 1:6).

(3) We are under the special protection of God, so that things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

(4) We are admitted to ever-lasting blessedness (Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 3:14; 1 Peter 3:9).

2. It is the fruit of God's grace (Romans 9:11; 2 Timothy 1:9).

(1) For the beginning. He was pleased to call us at first. From what a state of sin and misery He called us (Colossians 1:21).

(2) For the progress. God that began the good work continues it (1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:24).

(3) For the end. God must count us worthy to the last. Consider —

(a)  The infinite disproportion between our best services and greatest sufferings and the promised glory (Romans 8:18).

(b)  The imperfection of our best obedience (Isaiah 64:6).

(c)  Our unprofitableness to God, who is above our injuries and benefits (Job 22:23; Job 35:7, 8; Luke 17:10).

(d)  The interruptions of our obedience (James 3:2; 1 John 1:10).Conclusion: Behave as a people called by God, because your calling is —

1. A peculiar favour (Ephesians 5:8).

2. A great honour (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

3. A rich talent, faculty and power (2 Peter 1:3).

4. A special trust (1 Peter 2:9).

(Ibid.)

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KJV: Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

WEB: To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power;