Called To Be Saints
Henry Omotayo
Called To Be Saints (Romans 1:1-7)
Message No. 0510 | Twitter @GodandUs |
Read Past Messages at: https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/wordforwise
The word ‘Saint,’ arguably one of the greatest words in the dictionary, is a word people generally don’t want to be associated with. When you tell someone, ‘You’re a saint,’ you’ll notice a quick and instant rejection of that status from the person ‘No, I’m not.’ But, why is this so? Does the Bible not say in Romans chapter 1 verse 7 that we are called to be saints? Why then do people refuse to be seen as saints? Is it humility or an acceptance that we are not worthy of the status? Is it a lack of understanding of what the status is or is it a rejection of God’s calling?
When I looked up the meaning of the word ‘Saint’ in the dictionary, I see a reflection of the meaning ascribed to it by some groups in the society. The dictionary says that a saint is “a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and typically regarded as being in heaven after death.” While the first part of this definition is correct (as per scriptures), the second part suggests that a saint is someone who is already dead, meaning that, typically, no living human being is a saint, or, can be referred to as a saint. If only dead people are saints, why is it then, that the Bible says God called us to be saints? Why is it that, in 1 Peter 1:15-16, the Bible says:
But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
Looking at the Words in Romans 1 and 1 Peter 1, it is obvious that God’s definition and calling for saints is about who we are now, while alive. For the avoidance of doubts, there is nothing wrong in referring to people who are already dead as saints, provided that their lives justify the status. However, what I suggest we focus attention on, for those of us who are alive, is the requirement of our Maker for us to be saints, while alive. The next logical question is, what do we need to do to fulfil this requirement?
If you ask a general question, ‘Who is a saint?’ you might receive answers like; someone who is gentle, humble, cannot hurt a fly, not abusive, not insubordinate, treads so quietly with the weight of a feather, can barely look you in the eyes, and so on. However, while all of those answers might be good, the only thing God is looking for, in order to consider us as saints, is obedience. In Romans 1:5-7, Paul wrote to the Romans:
Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God is looking for our obedience to the faith, obedience to God’s written Word and to the leading of the Holy Spirit. God is looking for obedience to the Great Commission as well as obedience to love God and our neighbors. So, when we are all quick to distance ourselves from the status or title ‘Saint,’ what we are saying is that we do not meet the requirements of God for complete obedience. The question is, how then can we meet His requirements for anything else?
In God’s Kingdom, obedience cannot be substituted for service, for being very busy for God, for being a financial pillar in the church or for doing or being anything else that does not translate to complete obedience before God. We are unable to choose what to obey and what to not obey. Partial obedience is another phrase for disobedience.
Are you obedient to God’s Word? If your answer is yes, good for you, you are a saint. You don’t have to carry the title or even accept it, but, in God’s Kingdom, you are a saint. Are you disobedient to God’s Word? I am sorry if your answer is yes, because there is no middle ground to stand on. What is the way forward? I leave you with the New Living Translation of Hebrews 12:1:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us
As we enter a new week, I pray that every weight that is responsible for our lack of complete obedience be stripped off us, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Remain blessed and remain safe!
PLEASE ACT NOW:
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
To leave a comment for this message, read older messages or share via social media:
1. Please push the ‘Reply’ button to email your comments and visit https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/wordforwise to read previous messages and share with friends and family.
2. To add new readers, please email their names and email addresses to he...@henryomotayo.com
3. To unsubscribe, please email “Unsubscribe” to he...@henryomotayo.com