I therefore...beseech you that you walk worthy of the calling by which you are called 2 With all humility and meekness,

{Our Story thus far: In light of God's grand plan (1:1-13) to display His glory in blessing believers (by reversing the effects of the Fall) He has formed them into a unified temple in which He can manifest Himself to the world. Paul prayed (1:15-19) and taught so the body of believers would know/experience: the power available to them (1:20-2:10); the inheritance awaiting them (2:11-3:21); and the task before them (4:1-6:24): working in unity to glorify God (make Him look good in the eyes of others).}

I. Our Calling is an Invitation to Share in the Glory of God

(A prospect which generates hope.)

Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

2Th 1:11 we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure...

2Ti 1:9 saved...called...not...works, but...his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

II. Experiencing the Hope of Our Calling is Conditional upon Walking Worthily

1Th 2:11-12...exhorted, encouraged, charged...That ye would walk worthy of God, who has called you into his kingdom and glory

2Pe 1:10, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

conditional attainment; parallel to election; calls for diligence; can be made sure; failure to exercise diligence results in falling

III. Walking Worthily is Living Consistently with the Invitation to Partake of God's Plan

A.

Php 1:27 conduct worthy...gospel of Christ...stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Col 1:9...pray for you...filled...his will 10...to walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened...patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks...qualified to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

B. Top five clues that you're low minded:

  5) Your idea of high-brow comedy is jokes about snakes' belly-buttons

  4) The carpet cleaner mistakenly gives you a shampoo (thinking you're a door mat)

  3) You laugh at Bill's jokes (weak attempts at humor)

  2) You don't think about humility (you really don't think about much)

  1) You just know, either because: a) you know everything; b) or you've purposed to be humble and pursued it so you:

                Have only God's agenda for your life (having yielded your rights and expectations, your will is His will)

                Understand that all you are and have has been a function of God's grace for His glory

                Meet your needs in your relationship with God so you're free to live for what's in another's best interest

                Believe that God can do anything through anyone (including you or in spite of you)

                Look to learn from the people, circumstances and trials God's placed in your life

                Expect that God will pour out his grace, both now and in the future, far more than you deserve

C. Top five clues that you're meek:

  5) All your clothes are triple starched for backbone support

  4) You call cabbies "Sir" and tip them $5 at the start of the trip

  3) You think that George Bush's lips were actually moving when he spoke of a kinder, gentler nation

  2) You feel guilty about hurting Ed McMahon's feelings if you don't read and respond to his every letter

  1) Computer-generated phone calls hang up on you, and you get down on yourself for not being more polite

                Mean between passion and passivity (power under control)

                Exerting God's power, will and preferences rather than your own in relationships and circumstances

                Effortful Fruit  Col 3:12 Put on...as the elect of God, holy and beloved, tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

                                1Ti 6:11 thou, O man of God, flee from these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness

                Keeping at God's tasks regardless of insults, difficulties, frustration, your own preferences

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. If God "called" would He get a busy signal, put on hold, answering machine, an answering service or a non-working number?