Do we know that as a believer we are set apart for God’s purposes? As a Christian, our lives are not our own; they are His. Here’s what we are taught:
“Through Him and for His name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” (Romans 1: 5)
- We are to call people into obedience that comes from faith.
- It is our faith that makes us obedient.
The next verse says, “You also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1: 6)
- If we are feeling like we don’t belong, we DO belong to Jesus Christ.
- We are called by God and to God, to be saints.
We belong to Jesus. We are of the family of God. We are family!
God’s longing is for our belonging; to belong to Him!
Paul shows how he longs to visit Rome again. He says, “How constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” (Romans 1: 8)
When he wrote this letter, he probably was still in Corinth on his third missionary journey. He longs to see them to impart to them, to make them strong, so they can be mutually encouraged by his fellow believers. That’s why we need one another! He tells them:
“Be not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1: 16)
(Shared from Romans 1: 1-15, Paraphrased)
It’s all in His name… when we need help, call His name. “Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth.” (Psalm 54: 1-2)
After we do that, praise Him. “I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.” (Psalm 54: 6-7)
- Notice he sees triumph after He praises our God.
- Before he praised Him, all he could see was the attacks coming against him.
- Praise changes our view of things and repositions us to see from a different place–from a place of triumph. (Shared from Psalm 54, Paraphrased)
Set Apart For Kingship Israel is asking for a king. So Samuel goes to the Lord since this displeased him. The Lord tells him, “It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” (1 Samuel 8: 7)
- When people reject the gospel or shun us as a Christian, it is not us they are rejecting, but the Lord.
The Lord lets Samuel know what their “new king” will take from them, and how it will not be a good idea.
It has been twenty to twenty-five years since they had a king. Samuel is older now, and there is new leadership in place.
They had forgotten that God is their King. They still wanted a man to rule over them.
- If you’re called into leadership, let God call you.
- God’s direction is above man’s suggestion.
What does Samuel do at this point? He hears from the Lord who says, “Listen to them and give them a king.” (1 Samuel 8: 21)
- We must be careful what we ask for.
Being set apart for God’s purposes will require a strong faith, a willingness to stand alone, and an obedient heart. Step out and let God lead, inquire of Him often–like every minute of your life. In this, we learn to stand alone and stand above the opinions of man.
“Those whom God set apart, He called, He put right with Himself, and He shared His glory with him.” (Romans 8: 30-39)
- Standing in this place is in His place–sharing in His glory.
- There is no better place than here. If you’ve got the best, who needs the rest! (Shared from 1 Samuel 8, Paraphrased)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.
