What is your calling?

1 Corinthians 1:1–3 (NIV) — 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have a tendency to skip over the greetings in order to get to the “meat” of the letter. While it is tempting to do so, we should resist that urge because there are often good lessons to learn here. Paul follows the regular format of a letter written at that time period – the writer, the reader, and a greeting of some sort. But Paul fills that format with important theology.

Paul identifies himself as an apostle. But what does it mean to be called? Why does God call some people for one kind of service and some for another kind? Are callings restricted to just ministry (pastor, evangelist, missionary, etc.), or can someone be called to secular positions (farmer, factory worker, mother, etc.)? How have you seen God’s calling in your life? Can you see his calling now?

Paul says his calling is by the will of God. As we read through this letter we will see why this is important. Lots of different people were claiming authority to lead the church in different directions. Paul’s authority comes from God’s calling and it is by the will of God.

To the church of God in Corinth. Notice the prepositions here: of God, in Corinth. What does it mean to be “of God”? What does it mean to be “in Corinth”? Can you see that in your relationship with God? Are you of God or merely in God? Are you of the world or merely in the world? What can you do today to shape your identity “of God in [your place]”?

To those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people. What does it mean to be “sanctified”? Do you think of yourself as sanctified? There’s a calling in here as well, called to be his holy people. Do you think of yourself as a holy person? We’re not sanctified or holy by what we’ve done. We are sanctified and holy by what Christ Jesus has done. What can you do today to increase your awareness of being sanctified and holy?

Together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours. We are part of one church. We are “together with all …” This includes the church down the road and the church across the ocean. This includes those who don’t even go to church. How does this idea of being “together with all” make you feel? How can you enhance this sense of togetherness within yourself and within other Christians?

This section speaks to our identity as followers of Christ. Talk to Jesus about your calling, your relationship with God, your sanctification, your holiness, and your togetherness.