The Call to the Ministry (7)

This message is a study of the call of Paul and the apostles with reference to the call of the Christian minister. Religious dedication in a man's life is no indication that one is called of God to His work. Paul was extremely zealous prior to his call. Many are zealous for religious recognition which have not received a commission from the Lord. When God calls a man, as He did Paul, that man is turned from his religious bigotry and from his hatred of the truth. Paul teaches us that the God-called man is one who labors continually in the work. The man whom the Lord calls has a burden for the people of God. He is not simply a preacher. He has a shepherd's heart and his life is wrapped up in the lives of the sheep to whom he pastors. The God-called minister is not interested in how well the people like his message or how popular he is with the people. The God-called minister's life is devoted to the Lord and His word for the good of the people and his desire is to be faithful to the sheep. The God-called minister carries the sheep near and dear to his heart and he prays for them continually. He delights in their growth and he is deeply grieved when they are out of the way or are not rejoicing in the true riches of Christ.