Day 11: The Compelling Force of the Call | 1.14.26

Beware of refusing to hear the call of God. Everyone who is born again is called to testify to the fact of his new birth. However, this call is not the same as the call to preach, but is merely an illustration that can be used in preaching. In this verse, Paul was referring to the stinging pains produced in him by the compelling force of the call to preach the gospel. Never try to apply what Paul said regarding the call to preach to those souls who are being called to God to be born again. There is nothing easier than being born again because it is solely God’s sovereign work – “Look to Me, and be saved” (Isaiah 45:22). Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for the saving new birth experience. We are sentenced to be obedient to the gospel message of His Cross, namely, to repent, be baptized in water, and receive His empowering Spirit. But discipleship has an option with it – “If anyone..” (Luke 14:26).

Paul’s words concern our being made servants of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never sought as to what we will do or where we will go. God makes us as broken bread and poured-out wine to please Himself. To be “separated to the gospel” means being able to hear the call of God (Romans 1:1). Once someone begins to hear that call, a distress and urgency worthy of the name of Christ becomes clear. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely extinguished. Only one thing matters and remains– “separated to the gospel.” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him. The inner turmoil mounts even more. The only reason a Bible college should exist is so that we may discern whether God has called anyone who truly cares about proclaiming His gospel and to determine if God has a solid hold on us for this purpose. Beware of competing calls once the call of God arrests you.