CALLED TO BE SAINTS

CALLED TO BE SAINTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Key Verse: "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours." — 1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Leviticus 19:2; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14

Description: God has called every believer to live a holy, separated, and Christ-centred life that reflects His character.

INTRODUCTION
The Christian life begins with God's gracious call. Paul reminds the believers in Corinth that they were not merely members of a church but people who had been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. This calling is not reserved for a select few but extends to every genuine follower of Christ.

To be a saint does not mean attaining perfection through human effort. Rather, it means being set apart for God's purpose through faith in Jesus Christ. God's grace saves us, transforms us, and empowers us to live lives that honour Him in a world filled with compromise.

Today, many believers desire God's blessings but neglect His call to holiness. The Lord still desires His children to be distinct in character, conduct, speech, and devotion. Every believer must embrace the privilege and responsibility of being called to be saints.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR DIVINE CALLING
Every believer has been called by God into a life of holiness and fellowship with Christ. This calling defines our identity and determines how we should live before God and the world.

a) Called Through Christ's Sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:2)
God first sanctifies us through Jesus Christ before calling us to live as saints. Our holiness is rooted in Christ's finished work and is demonstrated through daily obedience.

b) Called To Belong To God (Romans 1:7)
Believers belong to God and should reflect His ownership in every area of life. Our conduct should distinguish us from the values and practices of the world.

c) Called Before The Foundation Of The World (Ephesians 1:4)
God's purpose for holiness existed before our birth. His eternal plan is that we should be holy and blameless before Him.

d) Called Into Fellowship With Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9)
God's call is not merely to religious activity but to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms every aspect of our lives.

Biblical Example: Abraham responded to God's call by leaving his former life in obedience, becoming the father of faith (Genesis 12:1-4).

2. PURSUE A LIFE OF HOLINESS
Holiness is God's expectation for every believer. It is the visible evidence that our lives have been transformed by His grace.

a) Be Holy Because God Is Holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)
God's holy nature becomes the standard for His children. We are called to imitate His purity in our thoughts, words, and actions.

b) Separate From Worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)
Believers are to reject sinful practices and maintain a lifestyle that honours God, even when surrounded by worldly influences.

c) Present Your Body To God (Romans 12:1-2)
True worship involves surrendering every part of our lives to God's will. Daily consecration enables spiritual transformation.

d) Pursue Peace And Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
Holiness should be actively pursued with diligence because it prepares us for deeper fellowship with God.

Biblical Example: Joseph maintained his purity by refusing the temptation of Potiphar's wife, choosing holiness over temporary pleasure (Genesis 39:7-12).

3. REFLECT CHRIST IN DAILY LIVING
Being called to be saints requires believers to display Christ's character consistently. Our lives should testify to the transforming power of the Gospel.

a) Walk Worthy Of Your Calling (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Our daily conduct should match the high calling we have received in Christ through humility, patience, and love.

b) Shine As Lights In The World (Philippians 2:15)
Believers should stand out as examples of righteousness in a morally dark generation.

c) Be An Example To Others (1 Timothy 4:12)
Our speech, behaviour, love, faith, and purity should encourage others to follow Christ.

d) Produce The Fruit Of The Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
A saint's life should continually display the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Example: Daniel remained faithful to God in Babylon and became a shining testimony despite living in a pagan society (Daniel 6:1-23).

4. REMAIN FAITHFUL UNTIL THE END
God not only calls believers but also strengthens them to remain faithful throughout life's journey. Endurance is essential for every saint.

a) Stand Firm In The Faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Believers must remain spiritually alert and steadfast despite opposition and temptation.

b) Keep Your Garments Pure (Revelation 3:4-5)
Faithfulness requires continual repentance and spiritual vigilance.

c) Endure Trials With Joy (James 1:2-4)
Trials strengthen faith and develop spiritual maturity in those who trust God.

d) Look Forward To Christ's Return (Titus 2:11-13)
The hope of Christ's coming motivates believers to live godly and holy lives.

Biblical Example: Paul remained faithful to the end of his ministry and confidently declared that he had finished the race and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

CONCLUSION
God's call to be saints is both a privilege and a responsibility. Through Jesus Christ, every believer has been set apart for His glory and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflects His holiness. This calling should shape our identity, conduct, and relationship with God.

Let us respond wholeheartedly to God's call by pursuing holiness, walking in obedience, and remaining faithful until Christ returns. As we live as true saints, our lives will glorify God and become powerful testimonies that draw others to Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for calling me into Your marvellous light; help me to walk worthy of my calling in Jesus name.

2. Lord, sanctify my heart and make me holy in every area of my life in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from every form of worldliness and compromise in Jesus name.

4. Holy Spirit, empower me to reflect the character of Christ wherever I go in Jesus name.

5. Lord, help me to live a life that pleases You every day in Jesus name.

6. Father, give me grace to overcome every temptation that seeks to defile my life in Jesus name.

7. Lord, fill me continually with the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

8. Father, strengthen me to remain faithful in every season of life in Jesus name.

9. Lord, make my life a shining testimony that draws many people to Christ in Jesus name.

10. Father, keep me blameless until the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the holiness of God, and your life shall continually reflect the beauty of Christ.

2. You shall overcome every temptation that seeks to hinder your spiritual growth and destiny.

3. You shall be preserved by the power of God and remain faithful until the end.

4. You shall shine as a light in your generation, bringing glory to the name of the Lord.

5. You shall experience increasing grace to live above sin and every form of compromise.

6. You shall fulfil God's divine purpose for your life as one who is called to be a saint.

7. You shall be strengthened daily by the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness and truth.

8. You shall enjoy intimate fellowship with Christ and grow continually in spiritual maturity.

9. You shall be an instrument through whom many souls are drawn into the Kingdom of God.

10. You shall finish your Christian race with joy and receive the crown of righteousness prepared for all who faithfully love His appearing. Amen.