Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Christ, everyone is called. What is to be called?
It is a privileged, ongoing summons from God to fulfill a certain purpose. It is something that is inescapable, and yet there if free will so that it can be refused to be walked out. But it its core is that calling is a great honor. Not because of anything we have done, but because God has decided.
In some ways, all are called to similar things. In other ways, a person may be called to a particular task. We see this in Paul’s opening statements.
There is a specific calling and one that Paul talks about. Paul himself is called. It wasn’t something he decided, but rather the Holy Spirit called him to a specific task, to be an apostle. Are all called to be apostles? Not at all.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts” (1 Cor 12:27-31).
The Greek in this text is written so that the answer implied is “no.”
So are all called to be sent? Yes. But are all called to the specific role of apostle? The answer is no.
Some people God has called for leadership positions and/or places of specific roles. It is not common, but they exist.
But there’s another type of calling which is for all people.
The Scriptures say are called for and that is the calling to be holy. Everyone has this calling. We are all called to pursue holiness and righteousness. It’s a rich priveilege. It’s a gift. And it a calling we all are to fulfill.
But there’s more.
We are also called into something special, and that is the calling into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. It’s a gift. It’s a privilege. And it’s a calling.
You are called into fellowship with Jesus, the highest royalty in all the universe.
To be called by royalty is nothing small. You cannot enter a king’s presence without a call. Otherwise it will come a threat and you will be killed. It’s been that way from the beginning.
But God calls us. Not just for a one-time meeting for business. But to the eternal fellowship and friendship with his Son.
It is your calling to be in fellowship with Him. What a privilege. It’s a good reminder as we enter each day with the privilege of being in fellowship with him.
So in summary, some are called to specific roles, like Paul was when he was called to be an apostle. And all of us are called to more general, but no less important things, such as we are called to be holy and called to be in fellowship with Jesus.