InstaStudy

Understanding How to Fulfill the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus through the Holy Ghost by Embracing Volunteering as a Divine Stewardship and Service in Accordance with Biblical Principles.

This Bible study explores the profound calling God has placed upon believers, emphasizing how the indwelling Holy Ghost empowers us to live out this calling. It delves into the biblical principles of stewardship and service, framing volunteering as a divine mandate and a tangible expression of our faith and love for God and humanity, all rooted in the singular revelation of God in Christ Jesus.

1. The Divine Calling and Nature of God

1.1 The One God Revealed in Christ

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • God's singular nature is fully manifested in Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus is the complete embodiment of the Godhead bodily.
  • Our call is to know and serve this one true God revealed in His Son.

1.2 Our High Calling in Christ Jesus

Verses: Philippians 3:14; Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9
  • We are called to press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
  • Our walk should be worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called.
  • God has called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but His own purpose.

1.3 The Holy Ghost as the Spirit of God

Verses: John 14:16-18; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9-11
  • The Holy Ghost is the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, which is Jesus Himself returning to dwell within us.
  • Receiving the Holy Ghost is essential for fulfilling God's purpose.
  • The Spirit of God dwelling in us is the Spirit of Christ, giving life to our mortal bodies.

2. The Holy Ghost: Empowerment for Service

2.1 Receiving the Spirit's Power

Verses: Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Luke 24:49
  • We receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon us to be witnesses.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking with other tongues.
  • We are to tarry until we are endued with power from on high for ministry.

2.2 Gifts of the Spirit for Ministry

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • The Spirit of God distributes diverse gifts for the common good of the body.
  • Each believer is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ to serve.
  • These gifts are for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for edifying the body of Christ.

2.3 Guided by the Spirit in Service

Verses: Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:14; Acts 13:2-4
  • If we live in the Spirit, we should also walk in the Spirit, allowing Him to direct our actions.
  • As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God.
  • The Holy Ghost sets apart and sends forth individuals for specific works of service.

3. Stewardship and Service: A Biblical Mandate

3.1 God as the Ultimate Owner

Verses: Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8; 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
  • The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; we are merely stewards.
  • All silver and gold belong to the Lord, and we are entrusted with His resources.
  • Everything we have comes from God, and we return it to Him in service.

3.2 Serving Others as Serving Christ

Verses: Matthew 25:35-40; Galatians 5:13; Hebrews 6:10
  • When we minister to the least of these, we are ministering directly to Jesus.
  • We are called to serve one another through love.
  • God is not unrighteous to forget our work and labor of love shown toward His name.

3.3 Volunteering as an Expression of Love

Verses: 1 John 4:7-8; John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
  • Love for God is demonstrated through our love and service to others.
  • Our love for one another identifies us as disciples of Christ.
  • Service without genuine love is empty and profits nothing.

3.4 The Example of Christ's Service

Verses: Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-8; John 13:14-15
  • Jesus came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and give His life.
  • He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, even unto death.
  • If our Lord and Master washed feet, we ought also to wash one another's feet.

4. Practical Application: Living Out the Calling

4.1 Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts and Passions

Verses: 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:4-5; Proverbs 18:16
  • As good stewards, we are to use the gifts we have received to serve one another.
  • Each member of the body has a unique function and gift.
  • A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

4.2 Committing to Consistent Service

Verses: Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9
  • Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
  • Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
  • Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

4.3 The Reward of Faithful Service

Verses: Matthew 25:21; Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:8
  • Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many.
  • Behold, Jesus comes quickly, and His reward is with Him, to give every man according as his work shall be.
  • Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

4.4 Overcoming Obstacles to Service

Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Philippians 4:13; James 1:2-4
  • Though troubled on every side, we are not distressed; persecuted, but not forsaken.
  • We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
  • Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.