Romans 1:6
6 Among [en] whom [hos] are [este] ye [humeis] also [kai] the called [kletos] of Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos]: KJV-Interlinear
6 among whom you also are the
called of Jesus Christ; NASB
Jesus Christ calls on all people to believe in
Him. Not many answer that call. Jesus Christ calls on all believers to pursue
a daily study through instruction. Not
many answer that call. Many are Christians
in name. Few are Christians in genuine commitment.
Although the gospel and doctrine are readily
available, the degree of excuses or indifference or rejection remains high.
Paul addresses the believers in Rome, who are
gentiles, making it clear that there was a population of Christians in Rome, in
those early years and decades following the Cross.
And despite the obvious opposition toward Christianity,
many people pursued Christ and their spiritual lives, because they desired it.
All are called.
However, most are interested more in public appearances and pretending spirituality,
rather than living it.
The excuses for not pursuing a daily study are
many. Don’t have enough time. Too busy.
What I am doing is fine. I have
my own way of serving God. That doesn’t
apply to me. I can figure it out on my
own. I already know enough. I don’t agree with the daily thing. If I pray then that is good enough.
And all of these excuses and many more, are all
false attitudes, and distractions and barriers to ones spiritual advancement.
You cannot know if you do not learn. You cannot
learn if you are not taught.
Praying that your schoolwork will magically get into
your head will not work. You have to
study and be taught and review your studies and take tests to prove your
knowledge and so forth. The spiritual
learning process if no different. ‘Study
(from instruction) to show thyself mature.’
If God thought you could do it on your own, or that
you could design your own spiritual methods, then He would not mandate a specific
learning process. A process that
requires self-discipline and a commitment to learning and advancing in
accordance with His plan, not yours.
But called, is a very specific word, ‘kletos.’ It is not a mere external invitation to a
privilege, but a call for an internal or effectual and genuine response to
conform to His will, to the will of the one who is calling.
Christ calls you to come and do things His way, not
your way.
Mans way is works.
Works is arrogance. Arrogance is still
the driving force of sin. Sin is the path
of failure.
Keep your excuses, believe your excuses, and you
will certainly fail.
It is one thing to be called. It is quite another to legitimately answer.
