Discussion Jumpstarter

Study leader reference - not a definitive answer

Question 5

Joy said she “highly, highly dislike[s]” calling-language because she’s heard it used as an excuse (“I didn’t feel called to give…to serve…to share the gospel…”); what are the most respectable-sounding ways Christians today avoid obedience by appealing to guidance, and how does John 14:15 (“If you love me, you will keep my commandments”) confront those habits?

Another way to ask: What are some polite or “spiritual-sounding” ways Christians avoid obeying by saying, “I don’t feel led/called”? How does John 14:15 (“If you love me, you will keep my commandments”) challenge those excuses?

Discussion Jumpstarter

Direct Answer
Joy says “guidance” talk can become a respectable cover for disobedience—delaying service, generosity, sacrifice, or evangelism until God makes it feel certain or comfortable. John 14:15 confronts this by tying love to obedience: instead of waiting for a special call, believers should keep Christ’s commands.

Support from Transcript:

Joy: “I highly, highly dislike how we generally use this idea of calling.”
Examples she’s heard: “I didn’t feel like God was calling me to serve… to give money… to move….”
She says it becomes an excuse: “God didn’t write this thing on the wall… so I’m going to go on serving myself as I please.”
She highlights evangelism: “I didn’t feel God calling me to share the gospel with this person… so I’m just going to continue living my… comfortable life.”
She insists the call is already given: Scripture calls us “to care for the poor in need, to spread the gospel… to build the church.”
Her corrective is John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” shifting the focus from private messages to revealed commands.

Discussion Follow-ups What spiritual-sounding phrase do you use when you really mean ‘I don’t want to’? Which command of Jesus do you most often put behind a ‘waiting for guidance’ filter?

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