The Christian Calling

From this chapter, I want to highlight three facets of God's call: Its dual, efficacious, and elective nature. Rather than follow the order of the text, I will re-order the points for the purpose of developing the logical flow involved in our calls.
I. Its dual nature: external and internal (vv. 22-24).
II. Its efficacious nature (v. 9; cf. vv. 1, 2).Then nature of God's call is that it is efficacious, irresistible, sovereign and effective. Theologians use words like a "summons" — not a mere invitation; that summons is vested with Sovereign power to enable you respond and heed the call. It is like Jesus calling out Lazarus, "Lazarus, come out." That word enabled Lazarus to respond.
III. Its elective nature: Calling works with Election (vv. 26-31).
Notice Paul's exact choice of words in vv. 26-31. He would have them consider their CALLING (v. 26) and then he goes about expounding that topic. In v. 26 he changes the verb to "But God CHOSE" (three times). What are we to make of this? Well, God calls men and women into fellowship with his Son efficaciously those whom He has chosen.
Applications

1. Have you been called?
2. Have you considered your calling (v. 26)?
   It should produce four responses:
3. Humility— Why was I made to hear thy voice, when thousands make a wretched choice?
4. Gratitude — Being thankful for His abundant saving mercies!!!!
5. Boasting in God — He did it, He gets the glory, the credit and honor!
6. Zeal — to glorify Him and to make Him known!