Let Every Man Abide in the Same Calling
God meets us in the line of our calling, and we should make the most of our incidental opportunities to fulfill His purposes.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of embracing one's calling and recognizing that life's changes and trials may be part of God's divine plan for our lives. He illustrates this through the example of Aquila and Priscilla, whose relocation led them to meet Paul and ultimately serve Christ. Simpson encourages believers not to complain about their circumstances but to see them as opportunities for God's purpose to unfold. He reminds us to abide in our calling and make the most of our everyday duties, trusting that God is at work in our lives.
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Do you complain about your calling or fret about the changes and trials of life? How do you know but that these very changes are the divine methods by which God's purposes of blessing and usefulness concerning you are being fulfilled? Had Aquila and Priscilla not been compelled to leave Rome and break up their home and business, they probably would never have met Paul, nor would they have come to know and serve Christ through this providential meeting. Had they not been working persons pursuing their ordinary vocation, they would not have been brought into contact with the apostle. it was in the line of their calling, their common duties and the providential changes of their lives that God called them.
And so He meets us.
Do not attempt to run away from your calling, but, as the apostle has so aptly put it, Let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God (1 Corinthians 7:24). Make the most of your incidental opportunities.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Abiding in One's Calling
- A. God's purposes are fulfilled through our trials and changes
- B. Our ordinary vocations can lead to extraordinary opportunities
- C. We should not run away from our calling
- II. The Example of Aquila and Priscilla
- A. Their providential meeting with Paul was a result of their calling
- B. They were working persons pursuing their ordinary vocation
- III. The Call to Abide in One's Calling
- A. Let every man abide in the line of his calling
- B. Make the most of incidental opportunities
Key Quotes
“Had Aquila and Priscilla not been compelled to leave Rome and break up their home and business, they probably would never have met Paul, nor would they have come to know and serve Christ through this providential meeting.” — A.B. Simpson
“It was in the line of their calling, their common duties and the providential changes of their lives that God called them.” — A.B. Simpson
“Let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God (1 Corinthians 7:24)” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Be intentional about making the most of every situation, and trust that God is working through you.
- Look for opportunities to serve others and make a positive impact, and trust that God is working through you.
- Remember that God's purposes are being fulfilled through your trials and changes, and trust that He is working everything out for your good.