Clarifying the Mystery of Discovering Your Life’s Race
The One God Chose for You! From Sunday, December 1, 2024
Yes, the race God chose for you can at first be a foggy mystery to you!
Your Starting Point?
Understanding the call of God on your life and the spiritual journey (running the race) in which you are to engage may at first be a mystery to you. You may not be sure what God is calling you to be and do within His Kingdom—through your local church or other places.
It may even be true that no one ever told you God has chosen a spiritual race for you to run. You are not sure you signed up for the race. You just professed Jesus as your Savior and were involved in regular worship and otherwise attending church. Was that not enough?
Key Question:
How do I engage in a spiritual journey to become a fully devoted follower of Christ through running the race God chose for me?
Consider These Three People from the New Testament
Read the scripture of John 3:1-21 about Nicodemus coming to see Jesus. The New Testament provides several clues that suggest Nicodemus underwent a spiritual transformation:
Initial Encounter: Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, visits Jesus secretly at night. This suggests a sense of curiosity and a desire for deeper understanding, even if he's initially hesitant to openly associate with Jesus.
Jesus' Teaching: Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus emphasizes the need for spiritual rebirth, explaining that one must be "born again" to enter the kingdom of God. This teaching challenges Nicodemus's understanding of salvation and potentially sparks a spiritual awakening.
Subsequent Actions: While not explicitly stated, Nicodemus' later actions, such as helping to bury Jesus, suggest a growing faith and courage. This act, done in secret due to fear of the Sanhedrin, demonstrates a willingness to support Jesus, even at personal risk.
Symbolic Significance: Some interpret Nicodemus' secret visit and later actions as symbolic of a spiritual journey from darkness to light. This interpretation aligns with Jesus' teachings about light and darkness, and the idea of overcoming fear and doubt.
It's important to note that the Bible doesn't provide a definitive account of Nicodemus' full spiritual journey. However, the available evidence suggests a potential transformation from a cautious observer to a believer who, though discreet, supports Jesus and his message.
The Woman of Samaria—John 4:7-26
The story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 provides strong evidence of her spiritual formation. Here are some key points:
Initial Encounter: Jesus, a Jew, initiates a conversation with a Samaritan woman, breaking social and religious barriers. This unexpected interaction suggests a willingness to engage with someone outside her cultural and religious group.
Revelation of Identity: Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah, the one who satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. This revelation sparks a spiritual awakening within the woman.
Thirst for Living Water: The woman initially seeks physical water, but Jesus offers her "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst. This symbolizes a shift from material desires to spiritual needs.
Understanding of Worship: Jesus explains that true worship involves worshiping God "in spirit and truth." This understanding leads the woman to a deeper connection with God, transcending religious rituals and traditions.
Evangelistic Zeal: After her encounter with Jesus, the woman shares the good news with her fellow Samaritans, leading to a spiritual revival in her community. This demonstrates her newfound faith and commitment to spreading the message of Christ.
Overall, the Samaritan woman's journey from a life of isolation and religious division to a life of faith and spiritual transformation is a powerful example of God's grace and the transformative power of His Word.
Stephen in Acts 6:5-15 and Acts 7:54-60
The New Testament book of Acts provides several indications of Stephen's spiritual formation:
Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit: Acts 6:5 describes Stephen as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." This suggests a deep spiritual connection and a reliance on God's guidance.
Miracles and Signs: Stephen is said to have performed "great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). This demonstrates a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work in his life.
Eloquent Defense of the Faith: When falsely accused and brought before the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivered a powerful speech defending the gospel and the ministry of Jesus Christ (Acts 7). This speech reveals a deep understanding of Scripture and a passionate commitment to the truth.
Forgiveness and Martyrdom: As Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors (Acts 7:60). This act of forgiveness, even in the face of extreme suffering, demonstrates a remarkable level of spiritual maturity and a love for his enemies.
These qualities collectively paint a picture of a man deeply rooted in faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, and willing to sacrifice his life for the sake of the gospel. Stephen's spiritual formation is evident in his unwavering belief, his miraculous abilities, his eloquent defense of the faith, and his ultimate act of forgiveness and martyrdom.
Key Learnings: The New Testament outlines several key steps towards becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ:
Faith and Repentance: Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and repenting of sins are foundational. (Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38)
Baptism: This symbolizes the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38)
Receiving the Holy Spirit: This empowers believers to live a godly life and perform spiritual works. (Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13)
Learning and Obeying God's Word: Studying the Bible and applying its teachings to daily life is essential. (John 17:17, 2 Timothy 3:16)
Prayer and Communion with God: Regular communication with God through prayer and worship strengthens the spiritual connection. (Matthew 6:6-13, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Loving Others: Following Jesus' command to love God and neighbor is a hallmark of a devoted follower. (Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34)
Living a Christ-like Life: Striving to live according to God's moral standards and resisting sin. (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Sharing the Gospel: Telling others about Jesus Christ and inviting them to faith. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15)
Which ones of these are part of the race God has chosen for you?