Called Out: Time to Shine

Text: Philippians 2:12-18 (NASB 1995)

Drawing from Philippians 2:12–18, this sermon urges Christians to “shine as lights” by allowing God’s transforming power to become visible through obedience, humility, grace, and joyful service. Believers have the power to shine because God works within them, the place to shine wherever He has positioned them in a broken world, and the privilege of sacrificially serving others for His glory. Rather than manufacturing their own light, disciples are called to depend on Jesus and faithfully reflect Him to their families, neighbors, coworkers, and communities.

Called Out: Sinner or Saint?

Text: Ephesians 1:1-6 (ESV)

When we build our identity on performance, we live as sinners trying harder—never secure, always striving. But Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians by declaring something entirely different: You are a saint, not because of what you've done, but because of what God has done. Before the foundation of the world, God chose you, blessed you, and predestined you for adoption—not because you were great, but because He is. This identity isn't earned by our decisions; it's received as a gift, chosen for us before we ever had the chance to choose Him. When that truth settles in, it doesn't produce pride or passivity—it produces a humble, secure confidence that fuels active faith: Repenting, walking in holiness, and proclaiming the excellencies of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Called Out: We Are...the Church!

Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)

As followers of Jesus, we have been chosen by God and called out to serve Him. We have been built into a new community – the church – to declare the praises of God, who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are to be holy; to look, live, and love differently. We are God’s special possession and are to make Him known everywhere we go! We are the church!

The Backstory

Text: Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18 (ESV)

Oftentimes we can be tempted to believe that only the “ultra–spiritual” and “super–holy” are the ones who are suited for serving as pastors, missionaries, and leaders within the church. As a result, we may not only disqualify ourselves from the possibility of serving in these ways, we may also distance ourselves from the process of training and equipping those who are pursuing these roles. Through the story of Joshua’s early life we can discern that the people of God play a vital role in the development of leaders for the next generation, and it is from those ordinary people that God often calls out and calls up those He appoints to lead. Whether or not He calls you to lead, He calls all of us to celebrate and encourage strength and courage in those who respond to His call to lead.