Sermons on Matthew 28:19
The various sermons below offer a rich tapestry of interpretations and theological themes surrounding Matthew 28:19, each contributing unique insights while sharing common threads. A recurring theme is the communal aspect of discipleship, emphasizing that making disciples is a collective responsibility of the church community. This communal focus is evident in the emphasis on teaching core Christian doctrines and supporting new believers in their faith journey. Another shared theme is the integration of evangelism into daily life, suggesting that sharing the gospel should be a natural part of everyday interactions rather than a separate, formal activity. Additionally, the sermons collectively highlight baptism as a significant public declaration of faith, symbolizing an inward commitment to Christ and marking a transformative step in the believer's spiritual journey.
Despite these commonalities, the sermons also present contrasting approaches to interpreting Matthew 28:19. One sermon emphasizes the participle form of "go" in the Greek text, suggesting a lifestyle of discipleship rather than a command, which contrasts with another sermon that prioritizes baptism as a crucial step in the Christian journey, likening it to the fuel that powers salvation. The role of the Holy Spirit is uniquely highlighted in one sermon, which underscores the Spirit's divine personhood within the Trinity, challenging misconceptions of the Spirit as merely a force. Furthermore, the radical nature of baptism is emphasized in another sermon, portraying it as a risk-taking act of faith that signifies becoming a "new creation." These diverse interpretations offer a multifaceted understanding of the passage, providing a pastor with a range of perspectives to consider when preparing a sermon on this pivotal scripture.
Matthew 28:19 Interpretation:
Guarding Faith: The Dangers of Idolatry and Discipleship (Vriesland Church) interprets Matthew 28:19 by emphasizing the importance of discipleship as a communal act. The sermon highlights that making disciples involves teaching the core doctrines of the Christian faith and encouraging individuals to publicly declare their faith. This interpretation underscores the communal responsibility of the church to support and guide new believers in their faith journey.
Living Out Our Vision: Transforming Lives Through Christ (Grace Church Fremont) interprets Matthew 28:19 by emphasizing the participle form of "go" in the Greek text, suggesting it should be understood as "while going," which shifts the focus from a command to a way of living. The sermon highlights that the primary action is to "disciple," which involves inviting others to be students of Jesus in everyday life, rather than a formal or structured evangelistic effort. This interpretation challenges the traditional view of evangelism as a separate activity and instead integrates it into daily living.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) interprets Matthew 28:19 as a clear affirmation of the Trinity. The sermon uses an analogy comparing the Trinity to the Archangel Michael to emphasize the distinct divinity of the Holy Spirit, contrasting it with a created being. This analogy helps clarify the unique status of the Holy Spirit as God, rather than a mere heavenly creation.
Pressing Forward: The Journey of Faith and Baptism (City Church Treasure Coast) interprets Matthew 28:19 as a call to prioritize baptism as an essential part of the Christian journey. The sermon uses the analogy of a car, where baptism is likened to the gasoline that powers the engine of salvation, emphasizing that while baptism does not save, it is crucial for a complete Christian life. The sermon also highlights the Greek word "baptizo," meaning to immerse, to support the practice of full immersion in baptism.
Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith in Christ (SouthPoint Church) interprets Matthew 28:19 by emphasizing baptism as an outward symbol of an inward commitment to Christ. The sermon uses the analogy of marriage to explain that baptism is a public declaration of a decision already made internally, similar to how a wedding ceremony publicly declares a couple's commitment to each other.
Radical Faith: Embracing Risk Through Baptism (Highest Praise Church) interprets Matthew 28:19 by emphasizing the act of baptism as a dramatization of what has already occurred spiritually within a believer. The sermon highlights that baptism is not for salvation but a public declaration of one's faith and a commitment to follow Christ. The pastor uses the Greek term for "creation" to explain that baptism signifies becoming a "new creation," something that has never existed before, rather than a remodeled version of the old self. This interpretation underscores the transformative power of baptism as a radical step of faith.
Matthew 28:19 Theological Themes:
Guarding Faith: The Dangers of Idolatry and Discipleship (Vriesland Church) presents the theme of discipleship as a communal responsibility. The sermon emphasizes that the act of making disciples is not just an individual endeavor but a collective effort of the church community. This theme highlights the importance of communal support, teaching, and encouragement in the process of discipleship.
Living Out Our Vision: Transforming Lives Through Christ (Grace Church Fremont) presents the theme that evangelism is not an isolated activity but a lifestyle. It emphasizes that evangelism should be relational and integrated into everyday interactions, rather than being seen as a task or event. This perspective encourages believers to view their daily lives as opportunities for discipleship and sharing the gospel naturally.
The sermon also introduces the idea that personal relationships are foundational to evangelism and discipleship, suggesting that the most effective evangelism occurs within existing relationships where trust and authenticity are present.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) presents a distinct theological theme by emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in the Trinity as a divine person, not just a force or symbol. The sermon highlights the Holy Spirit's omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, drawing from various scriptures to illustrate these attributes. This approach challenges the common misconception that the Holy Spirit is merely a symbol of God's power or presence.
Pressing Forward: The Journey of Faith and Baptism (City Church Treasure Coast) presents the theme that baptism is not merely a ritual but a command that signifies obedience and alignment with God's will. The sermon stresses that baptism is a public profession of faith and a necessary step in the journey of discipleship.
Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith in Christ (SouthPoint Church) introduces the theme that baptism is not about achieving a mystical feeling or fulfilling a religious ritual but is a symbolic act that represents a believer's death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
Radical Faith: Embracing Risk Through Baptism (Highest Praise Church) presents the theme of baptism as a radical act of faith that involves risk-taking. The sermon suggests that baptism is a public declaration of dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ, emphasizing the idea of becoming a "new creation" rather than a remodeled version of the old self. This theme is distinct in its focus on the radical nature of faith and the transformative power of baptism as an initiation into a new life.
Matthew 28:19 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Guarding Faith: The Dangers of Idolatry and Discipleship (Vriesland Church) provides historical context by discussing the practice of public profession of faith. The sermon explains that this practice is rooted in the early church's tradition of publicly declaring one's faith as a way to affirm the meaning of baptism and to be welcomed into the church community. This insight connects the contemporary practice of profession of faith with its historical roots in the early Christian church.
Living Out Our Vision: Transforming Lives Through Christ (Grace Church Fremont) provides historical context by explaining the significance of baptism in the early church, particularly the distinction between Jewish and Christian baptism. It notes that baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit marked a conversion from Judaism to Christianity, highlighting the early church's understanding of Jesus as the Messiah and the importance of this belief in the baptismal practice.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) provides historical context by discussing the temporary and selective presence of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, contrasting it with the permanent indwelling of the Spirit in believers after Jesus' ascension. This insight helps to understand the transformative shift in the Holy Spirit's role from the Old to the New Testament.
Pressing Forward: The Journey of Faith and Baptism (City Church Treasure Coast) provides insight into the cultural significance of baptism in countries where it can be a life-threatening act of faith. The sermon highlights that in some parts of the world, baptism is a public declaration that can lead to persecution or death, emphasizing the freedom and privilege of being able to be baptized openly in other regions.
Radical Faith: Embracing Risk Through Baptism (Highest Praise Church) provides historical context by explaining that baptism in the time of Jesus was understood as a rite of initiation into something new. The sermon references the practice of baptism by John the Baptist and others in the Bible as an invitation to a new life, highlighting the cultural significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith and commitment.
Matthew 28:19 Cross-References in the Bible:
Guarding Faith: The Dangers of Idolatry and Discipleship (Vriesland Church) references the Apostles' Creed as a way to connect the act of profession of faith with the broader Christian tradition. The sermon uses the Creed to affirm the core beliefs of the Christian faith, which are essential for making disciples as instructed in Matthew 28:19. This cross-reference serves to ground the act of discipleship in the foundational beliefs of Christianity.
Living Out Our Vision: Transforming Lives Through Christ (Grace Church Fremont) references Luke 19:10, where Jesus states that He came to seek and save the lost, and 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, where Paul describes believers as Christ's ambassadors. These passages are used to reinforce the idea that believers are called to represent Jesus and share the gospel, emphasizing the responsibility of Christians to be active in evangelism and discipleship.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) references several Bible passages to support the interpretation of Matthew 28:19. It cites 1 Corinthians 2:10 to illustrate the Holy Spirit's omniscience, Genesis 1:1-2 to show the Spirit's omnipotence, and Psalm 139 to highlight the Spirit's omnipresence. These references collectively affirm the Holy Spirit's divine attributes and role within the Trinity.
Pressing Forward: The Journey of Faith and Baptism (City Church Treasure Coast) references Mark 16:15, which restates the Great Commission, emphasizing the importance of both preaching the gospel and baptizing believers. The sermon uses this cross-reference to reinforce the idea that baptism is a critical component of the Christian mission.
Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith in Christ (SouthPoint Church) references Romans 6:4 to explain that baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. This passage is used to illustrate the transformative nature of baptism as an outward expression of an inward change.
Radical Faith: Embracing Risk Through Baptism (Highest Praise Church) references Acts 8:36-38, where Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch. This passage is used to illustrate the immediacy and sincerity required for baptism, emphasizing that belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is the only prerequisite for baptism. The sermon uses this story to encourage believers to take the step of baptism as a public declaration of their faith.
Matthew 28:19 Christian References outside the Bible:
Guarding Faith: The Dangers of Idolatry and Discipleship (Vriesland Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians when discussing Matthew 28:19.
Living Out Our Vision: Transforming Lives Through Christ (Grace Church Fremont) references Michael Green's book "Evangelism in the Early Church," which describes how early Christianity spread through informal conversations rather than formal preaching. This reference supports the sermon's emphasis on relational evangelism and the idea that the gospel spreads naturally through personal interactions.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Fueling Our Mission (Hilltop.Church) explicitly references Dennis Prince, a CRC pastor, and his book "The Holy Spirit Factor," which contends for the place of the Holy Spirit in the church. The sermon uses Prince's work to support the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, emphasizing the historical and ongoing significance of these practices in Christianity.
Pressing Forward: The Journey of Faith and Baptism (City Church Treasure Coast) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in its discussion of Matthew 28:19.
Radical Faith: Embracing Risk Through Baptism (Highest Praise Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in its discussion of Matthew 28:19.
Matthew 28:19 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Guarding Faith: The Dangers of Idolatry and Discipleship (Vriesland Church) does not provide any illustrations from secular sources specifically related to Matthew 28:19.
Living Out Our Vision: Transforming Lives Through Christ (Grace Church Fremont) uses the analogy of an "elevator speech" from the recruiting field to illustrate the importance of being able to succinctly and clearly articulate the gospel. This analogy is used to encourage believers to be prepared to share their faith in everyday situations, highlighting the need for clarity and readiness in evangelism.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) uses the analogy of an eagle hovering over its eggs to illustrate the Holy Spirit's role in creation, likening it to the Spirit hovering over the waters in Genesis. This vivid imagery helps convey the nurturing and life-giving aspect of the Holy Spirit's presence during creation.
Pressing Forward: The Journey of Faith and Baptism (City Church Treasure Coast) uses the analogy of a car to illustrate the importance of baptism. The sermon compares baptism to the gasoline that powers a car, emphasizing that while the engine (salvation) is essential, the car cannot function properly without gasoline (baptism). This analogy is used to convey the idea that baptism is a necessary component of the Christian life, not just an optional add-on.
Radical Faith: Embracing Risk Through Baptism (Highest Praise Church) uses the analogy of remodeling versus new creation to illustrate the transformative power of baptism. The pastor explains that while remodeling involves making changes to an existing structure, becoming a new creation through baptism means becoming something entirely new that has never existed before. This metaphor is used to emphasize the radical transformation that occurs through faith and baptism.