5 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CALLING

1 Timothy 3:10 - But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

1. Spend time with God in prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Chuck Smith - The essence of prayers is warfare, Intercessory prayer puts us on the offensive in spiritual battles. Our prayers become a spiritual force that fight the evil forces of Satan.

A. Have a place where you can constantly meet God.

B. Pray for God to use you. (Active grace)

C. Pray for the people you will be serving.

E.M. Bounds - Prayer is often the deciding factor in spiritual battles. The tragedy is that the enormous power available to us through prayer is so often wasted because we do not pray.

D. Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:12 - Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

E. Pray to be one mind with your pastor.

F. Pray for vision on how God would use you.

G. Pray for passion.

H. Pray for wisdom on how to be affective.

In James 1:5-8 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

2. Spend time in God’s Word

Psalm 25:14 - The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.

A. Read your bible daily.

B. Must believe God's word.

C. Take notes at every bible study.

D. Study and know your doctrine.

2 Timothy 2:15 - Be diligent (Study) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

E. Build your book library.

F. Let God speak to you through the bible.

1. And memorize these bible verses that God speaks to you.

2. Take the time to study so that the Lord can teach you.

John 14:26 - But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Pastor Raul in his book “Doctrine” – It is through God’s Holy Word that we grow closer to God and learn of His character; only then can we live our lives consecrated to Him.

Joshua 1:6-9 - Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Remember the bible will keep you from sin, but sin will keep you from the bible.

3. Put Your Calling To Practice Now

1 Timothy 4:6 - If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

A. Be accountable in your life.

B. Spend time with people that are like-minded.

C. Focus on having a servant’s heart.

D. Serving in ministry.

E. Look for Barnabas’, look for Paul’s and look for a Timothy’s to be in your life.

1. Paul was a person who would disciple others.

2. Look for someone to disciple you.

3. And Timothy was someone who was a disciple.

4. Look for someone you can disciple.

F. Build integrity with others around you.

Ministry is not about who does it best, but who comes to get the job accomplished.

1. It’s not about the most talented, but who is available to get the job done.

4. Prepare Your Personal Life At Home

1 Timothy 6:10-12 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

A. Pray and read with your wife if you are married.

B. Be sure your family life is in order.

C. Deal with wasting time.

D. Do not seek much entertainment.

E. Do not have a love for money.

5. Prepare Yourself for Spiritual Warfare

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

A. Understand this, Satan will attack any area of weakness in your foundation.

1. Satan wants to discourage you and your family.

2. Sometimes its not your wife, friend, or co-worker, but what is attacking them.

3. Satan will send spies to find weaknesses.

4. The key to great ministry!

5. Is to let God raise you up so that Satan does not build pride.

1 Timothy 3:7 - Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.