When God Calls

There was a time when we heard that sound and immediately answered the phone right? Before caller-ID before cell phones, we answered every time a call came in. If you are to young to remember those days, think about when you first got your phone.

But time has passed, and things have changed. Now, we answer when it’s someone we know. Or if we fell like talking to that person.

In other words, we only answer the calls we want to answer.

When we first come to Christ, we are eager to do everything He calls us to. When He calls, we answer.

But time passes, life happens, and we can start screening God’s calls. We begin to only answer when we want to.

Beloved, God is calling and we need to pick up the phone.

If you are here this morning and you have trusted Jesus Christ as your savior, you have been called by God into a life of full time service for Him.

That may mean vocational ministry, it may mean lay ministry. Regardless of your position, you have been called into full time service.

We belong to God. We are His by right of purchase. Because we are His, He has the right to direct us as He wills.

When we are called by God there are some things we can expect.

Our passage today gives us three expectations to consider.

When we are done here this morning we will be challenged to follow Christ no matter where or how He leads.

Expectation #1…

If we are not willing to sacrifice, we are not worthy to serve.

1. When Called Expect Sacrifice vv. 1-3

If I asked you to describe , what would you say? Faith.

In this chapter, all about faith, Abraham gets 6 verses or 15% of the chapter.

Why?

When we consider the life of Abraham, we find that he was repeatedly called to sacrifice.

Over and over again this man of God sacrificed in pursuit of obedience.

In our passage we find another man sacrificing for the Lord.

God calls Timothy to sacrifice in two ways.

Timothy is called to make…

a. A living sacrifice vv. 1-2

READ v. 1

In the last verse of ch. 15 Paul and Silas travel through Syria and Cilicia (S).

In the region of Cilicia, Paul and Silas arrive in Derbe and Lystra (S).

It is here that Paul meets Timothy.

The first thing Luke feels we need to know about Timothy is that he is a disciple.

Who is Timothy a disciple of? Jesus Christ.

What do we learn here? The first thing people thought of when they heard Timothy’s name was “Oh, he’s a follower of Jesus.”

Does anyone else find that convicting? What is the first thought when my name is mentioned? When your name is mentioned?

Timothy is a follower of Jesus and everyone knows it.

Timothy was also half Jewish and half Gentile.

To a certain extent, this would have made Timothy an outcast.

Yet, in the body of Christ, it didn’t. Beloved, this is how the church is to operate! Those who would be the outcasts of society should find warm welcome in the body of Christ!

Instead of being an outcast, v. 2 says Timothy was well spoken of!

READ v.2

Well spoken of – μαρτυρέω (martyreō) testify; bear witness. To be approvingly testified of, to be or become affirmed favorably by firsthand authentication.

Well spoken of – μαρτυρέω (martyreō)

Not just in his home town. Timothy had a good reputation in the entire area. Lystra and Iconium (S).

Timothy did not use his low social status as an excuse for bad behavior. Timothy had a good reputation.

Where did he learn that? Turn to (p.1366 ).

(p. 1366)

2 Timothy 1:3–5 NKJV

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

Timothy learned his christ-honoring lifestyle from his mother and grandmother! Moms, grandma’s you could be raising a Timothy right now. Raise him well.

Turn the page to (p.1368 ).

(p.1368 )

2 Timothy 3:14–15 NKJV

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The foundation for the man Timothy became was laid in his home. He learned to follow Christ from a mother and grandmother who sacrificed everything to trust in Christ. How can I say that? Because in that time following Christ meant giving up your national identity, your social standing, and sometimes even your family.

Timothy was a follower of Jesus Christ which would have brought rejection from the Greek family of his father as well as the Jewish family of his mother. Timothy lived a life of sacrifice for Christ. The kind of life we learn about in (S).

Romans 12:1–2 NKJV

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

This is Timothy. Timothy lived a holy acceptable life as is evidenced here by his testimony.

A disciple puts the purposes of Christ before the desires of self.

In the next verse we learn that Timothy had truly given his body to Christ.

Having been called to be a living sacrifice, Timothy is called to make…

Timothy is called to make…

b. A lasting sacrifice v. 3

Paul sees this young man who is living sacrificially for Christ and he wants to take him on their trip.

Before that can happen, Paul believes it is necessary to ask a further sacrifice of Timothy.

Timothy permanently sacrifices his identity when he is circumcised. This is a complete identification with the Jews.

At first glance this seems like a strange thing for Paul to do considering the controversy they had just dealt with in regards to circumcision.

What is important to recognize here is that Timothy is already a believer. He is a follower of Christ with a good reputation. This circumcision has nothing to do with his salvation. It will enable him to minister more effectively as he goes with Paul.

Paul’s practice was to enter synagogues first. Paul’s actions in circumcising Timothy enable him to accompany Paul anywhere.

Everyone knew Timothy’s father was Greek, so Paul circumcised him.

This is a permanent, personal sacrifice that will enable Timothy to minister.

Timothy makes a second permanent sacrifice in that, to my knowledge, we have no record of him ever going home.

Timothy sacrificed himself to serve the Lord. What are we sacrificing? Are we sacrificing?

says this (S).

1 Timothy 5:23 NKJV

No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

Timothy faced physical sickness often! Yet still, he served and sacrificed.

There are trials and difficulties that all of us face. Those are the cross we bear. We must take up our cross and follow Jesus.

When we are called, God expects personal sacrifice.

If we are not willing to sacrifice, we are not worthy to serve.

Are we sacrificing for Christ?

Sacrifice needs to be an expectation. It comes with the territory.

There is a second expectation…

2. When Called Expect Results vv. 4-5

When you swing an axe at a tree, you expect to slice into it (S).

When you take a knife to chop lettuce, you expect it to cut (S).

When you push the home button on your phone (hold it up), you expect it to respond (S).

In almost every area of life we know that actions bring about certain results.

God calls us with a purpose. He expects results, and we can too.

Now, those results are not always clearly visible, but they always exist.

In the next two verses we see two results of God’s call on Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

First of all…

a. The call results in obedience v. 4

God has called these men into His service. Therefore, they serve.

At the end of ch. 15:41 stated that Paul and Silas were “strengthening the churches.” Their method of strengthening is to deliver the decree from the Jerusalem council.

Churches are strengthened by truth, sound doctrine, and Biblically accurate preaching.

That is what these men provide.

The decree is viewed as something almost sacred. Something to be hand delivered and entrusted to those approved.

These churches are expected to “keep” or guard the decrees.

When God calls us, we go. We obey.

We mentioned earlier. Look at what vv. 7-8 say. (S).

Hebrews 11:7–8 NKJV

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Noah obeyed even though he had no experience with rain or floods.

Abraham obeyed even having no idea where He was going.

We trust our God and when He calls, we obey.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy faithfully and obediently deliver the the news that circumcision is not required for salvation.

We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Nothing else.

When God calls there is no debate, only obedience.

How are we doing at that?

Has the call of God produced obedience in our lives?

There is a second result…

b. The call results in growth v. 5

When doctrine is corrected, the church is strengthened.

A weak church is evidence of weak doctrine, weak theology.

God is not going to trust a church with growth if it is not teaching accurately and growing in faith.

God calls these men to share the correction laid out by the apostles and elders. They obey and the result is growth.

Churches = assemblies. These gatherings of believers were strengthened. And grew.

Notice. They are strengthened in the faith. Definite article. KJV has “established” I like that a little better. It takes my mind to a firm foundation or a strong root system.

Their faith had been weakened by false teaching in regards to circumcision. This false teaching was not the faith but a false faith!

The decree they deliver to the churches strengthens people in the faith. It confirms what they had been taught.

Again we note that this makes Paul’s actions with Timothy seem strange.

What had they been taught? Look back at .

The important thing to remember is that Timothy was already a believer with a good reputation. His circumcision was not motivated by salvation, but by service.

Acts 13:38–39 NKJV

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

The decree they deliver to the churches strengthens people in the faith. It confirms what they had been taught.

Believe that Jesus died to forgive your sin and you are justified. You are declared righteous by God!

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.

That is what they were taught, and that is what is affirmed by the decision of the Jerusalem council.

As this sound doctrine takes root in the church, they grow in numbers daily.

Daily. Should we take this literally? I see no textual reason not to.

The increase in numbers comes only after the strengthening of faith.

God is not going to trust a church with growth if it is not teaching accurately and growing in faith.

Churches = assemblies. These gatherings of believers were strengthened. And grew.

Growth is a product of sound doctrine.

This is true both in the corporate body of Christ, as well as in our individual lives.

But sound doctrine must be balanced with love and grace.

The Ephesian church is commended in Revelation for having sound doctrine and working hard.

But in we have these words (S).

Revelation 2:4–5 NKJV

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

To grow, our sound doctrine must be coupled with love for Christ and others.

Are we growing? Do we have sound doctrine? Are we loving and gracious?

Expect sacrifice, expect results. Finally…

3. When Called Expect Direction vv. 6-10

Raise your hand if you have ever used a GPS.

This is one of those pieces of technology that I love. It tells you every turn to take, it reroutes when you take a wrong turn, It’s fantastic.

God will guide us like a GPS but with one vital difference. A GPS tells you every turn in advance. God often tells you the next turn only in time to take it.

In the remaining verses we will consider this morning, God is directing Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

We will consider two distinct methods of direction.

Both of these require sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as well as a willingness to follow His direction.

If we do not recognize God’s direction, we cannot follow it.

Method #1…

a. Direction through denial vv. 6-8

V. 6 (S).

Forbidden could also be translated prevented.

We don’t know what form this prevention took. However it was communicated, it was plain to Paul and Silas that this was the Holy Spirit’s doing.

This can be difficult to comprehend. The Holy Spirit prevented them from preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, that message of salvation. The Holy Spirit wouldn’t allow them to proclaim it in Asia.

We don’t always understand how God works. We don’t always understand the direction He gives. We don’t have to understand. We are required to obey.

There are times in our lives when God’s direction makes no sense. Obey anyway.

The word “permit” in v. 7 makes me think of a closed door.

READ v. 7 (S)

At this point, some of us would begin to get discouraged.

Closed door after closed door makes us begin to wonder if there will ever be an opportunity!

What Paul, Silas and Timothy do here is such a powerful example for us.

READ v. 8 (S)

Everywhere they want to go, God says no.

They want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ! But God says no.

Two vital lessons.

First, Not every good desire is God’s plan for our life.

You may desire to do something because you see a need. However, God has someone better suited to the task! If God allowed us to do it, it would end in disaster. God has a plan for my life and your life. It may or may not contain all that we desire.

Second, Always keep looking for a place to serve.

Don’t give up after the first closed door. Don’t take your ball and go home! God has a plan for your life and my life and that plan is not for us to give up!

God has a plan! That reality, that confidence is what keeps us going when doors are closing.

A closed door is just as much God’s direction as an open one.

When God closes a door, find another one.

That is exactly what Paul, Silas, and Timothy do.

Having been directed by denial we now find them directed through method #2…

b. Direction through entreaty vv. 9-10

READ V. 9

They have traveled farther and farther west trying to find a place to minister, now they are expected to go even further!

Doesn’t God know that there are people closer to home who need to hear the gospel?

Of course He does! But He wants you to minister to someone else. God’s call on each of our lives is unique and different.

God’s activity in our lives prepares us for the service He calls us to.

Here we need to be reminded of what the book of Acts is and is not.

The book of Acts is a record of events in the early growth and expansion of the church. Acts is primarily descriptive.

The book of Acts is not a manual for what we can expect in our lives today. Acts is not prescriptive.

Why do I stress that here? We are not waiting for a dream to tell us where to preach the gospel and who to preach it to.

Why not? Because we have already been told what to do. It’s on our banner, hiding behind the play stuff. lol.

We don’t need a vision. Why not? Because we have already been told what to do. It’s on our banner, hiding behind the play stuff. lol.

Jesus told His disciples to look at the fields because they were ready to be harvested.

We live in a field that is white for harvest!

We don’t need a vision. Why not? Because we have already been told what to do. It’s on our banner, hiding behind the play stuff. lol.

The problem is not with the harvest. The problem is with the laborers. That’s what Jesus said in (S).

Luke 10:2 NKJV

Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

Our problem is a lack of laborers. God is calling ! Pick up the phone.

We need more laborers to gather the harvest. Are you laboring? Am I?

V. 10

Paul has the vision and immediately acts. No delay, no hesitation. God directs, we act.

No delay, no hesitation.

Here is an interesting note that I will mention off and on throughout the rest of Acts.

Luke switches pronouns here. From they to we. Luke is now present with Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

Concluding - if the Holy Spirit prevented going anywhere else, this must be where He wants us to go!

Notice something very important. In order to receive direction, they had to keep moving.

The call didn’t come until Troas!

Phrygia - no. Galatia - no. Mysia - no. Bithynia - no. No, no, no, no.

How discouraging! Yet when the call came, they immediately act.

How immediate are my actions when God calls?

Abraham - Go, and then I will tell you where.

Noah - build, then the rain will come.

Scripture is full of these kinds of examples.

God want’s us to demonstrate faith, then He gives direction.

Paul, Silas and Timothy are called to preach the gospel to or evangelize the people of Macedonia.

We will see what happens there, next time.

Conclusion

3 thoughts to walk out of here with this morning.

1 - A disciple lives a life of sacrifice.

i. Willing to lead vv. 1-5

To be disciples of Jesus Christ we must take up our cross daily and follow Him.

1. Leading in discipleship vv. 1-3

2. Leading in encouragement vv. 4-5

What does that mean? It means those trials, difficulties, challenges, and fears; those are allowed into our lives to make us stronger. Endure and find that Christ will bear the burdens we cast on Him.

ii. Willing to be led vv. 6-10

2 - Those called by God will be used for His purpose.

We obey without hesitation and God faithfully grows and matures us.

1. Led by refusal vv. 6-8

We do not call the shots. God does that.

3 - When Christ has His rightful place, we move at His direction.

Move past closed doors. And wait for one to open.

Closed doors are God’s tool to guide us.

God is going to lead through difficulty and trial, but also through joy and peace.

2. Led by invitation vv. 9-10

No matter the circumstances, when God calls, we answer.

God will sometimes lead through saying “no”, we keep looking until He says “yes”.

Serve sacrificially, expect results, and follow God’s direction.

Acts 16:1–10 NKJV

Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

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