Topical Bible: Ministers: Called by God

◄ Ministers: Called by God ►

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The concept of ministers being called by God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the divine origin and purpose of spiritual leadership. Throughout Scripture, God calls individuals to serve as His representatives, guiding His people and proclaiming His Word. This calling is not merely a human decision but a divine appointment, marked by God's sovereign choice and empowerment.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals called by God to serve as leaders and prophets. Moses is a quintessential example, called by God from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). Despite his initial reluctance, Moses' calling was affirmed by God's promise, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah was called by God before his birth, as God declared, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). This highlights the preordained nature of God's calling, underscoring His sovereignty and foreknowledge.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the calling of ministers is further exemplified in the lives of the apostles and early church leaders. Jesus Himself called the twelve apostles, choosing them to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission (Mark 3:13-19). The calling of the apostle Paul is particularly significant, as he was chosen by Christ to be an apostle to the Gentiles. In Acts 9:15, the Lord said to Ananias regarding Paul, "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" .

Paul frequently emphasized the divine nature of his calling in his epistles, stating, "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1). This underscores the belief that true ministry is initiated by God's call, not human ambition.

Characteristics of the Called

Ministers called by God are often characterized by certain qualities and experiences. They are typically marked by a deep sense of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that their authority and ability come from Him alone. The apostle Paul exemplified this attitude, acknowledging his weaknesses and relying on God's strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Moreover, those called by God often undergo a period of preparation and testing. Moses spent forty years in the desert before leading Israel, and Paul spent time in Arabia before beginning his apostolic ministry (Galatians 1:17-18). This preparation is crucial for developing the character and skills necessary for effective ministry.

The Role of the Church

The church plays a vital role in recognizing and affirming God's call on an individual's life. In the New Testament, the early church leaders laid hands on those called to ministry, as seen in the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2-3. This act of laying on hands signifies the church's acknowledgment of God's calling and the impartation of spiritual authority and blessing.

Conclusion

The calling of ministers by God is a profound and sacred aspect of Christian ministry, rooted in biblical precedent and characterized by divine selection, preparation, and empowerment. Those called to serve are entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding God's people and proclaiming His truth, relying on His guidance and strength to fulfill their divine mandate.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 28:1
And take you to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 5:4
And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... just and legitimate which was vouched by the testimony of all." We see, then, that
ministers are legitimately called according to the word of God, when those ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

The Coming of the Called.
... There may be two ministers, the one well grounded in doctrine ... this Word comes to
him directly from God; that it ... This is in the called a very wonderful operation ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxviii the coming of the.htm

Introduction
... (ii) Their titles: Ministers are called God's sowers (1 Corinthians 9:11). Therefore ...
now. God's ministers are called stars (Revelation 1:20). ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/1 introduction.htm

Methodist Church Union in England.
... 3. Christ's ministers in the Church are stewards in the household of God, and shepherds
of His flock. Some are called and ordained to this sole occupation, and ...
/.../methodist church union in england.htm

The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service ...
... unto Him, and having authorized His ministers to declare ... the fearful wrath of Almighty
God, unless they ... the preparatory service, which is called Confession and ...
/.../chapter xvi the preparatory service.htm

The Ministry and Prayer
... ministers of God. They mount up highest and are nearest to Him who has called them.
They advance more rapidly and in Christian living are most like God. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.htm

Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... 1. Qualifications of Ministers."They must possess good natural and acquired abilities,
deep and ardent piety, be specially called of God to the work, and ...
/.../confession of the free-will baptists.htm

"God with Us"
... no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some ... of man" whose name shall
be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 1 god with us.htm

The Various Names of Christ According to Both Natures it is Shown ...
... the authority of the Father and Lord, and ministers to His ... had lost faith in Him,
who also there is called the Angel, and who promised that God would give ...
/.../chapter cxxvi the various names of.htm

God who Appeared to Moses is Distinguished from God the Father.
... Therefore he called the name of the city Segor (Zoar). ... you not perceived, my friends,
that one of the three, who is both God and Lord, and ministers to Him ...
/.../chapter lvi god who appeared to.htm