Discovering God's Call  

Searching for Purpose: Understanding God's Call 

January 7, 2024 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor  

Romans 1:1-7 ESV: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 4:1-8 ESV: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."  

Mark 1:16-18 ESV: Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

Ephesians 2:10 ESV: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  

Understanding God’s Call 

1. God initiates and sustains the calling. 

1. We discover a calling in seeking the Lord and not a calling.  

1. One's calling is often shaped by an event or circumstance.  

1. A calling typically is something other than what you'd choose for yourself.  

1. A sense of spiritual discontent often drives the pursuit of one's calling.  

1. A calling is often related to the thing you can't seem to shake.  

1. A calling isn't something you do; it is something God does through you.