Aligning with God's Mission for True Happiness
Summary
In the face of a new year, we are reminded of the profound question: How happy do we truly want to be? True happiness, as we understand, is found in aligning ourselves with God's mission. God, the happiest being in the universe, created us to share in His happiness. To achieve this, we must embrace His mission as our own, leading us to a God-sized happiness. As we embark on this journey, we celebrate a significant milestone for our community, marking the beginning of our second decade. This is a time to reflect on our past, acknowledge our imperfections, and commit to the vision of becoming a fruitful tree planted by streams of water, as opposed to being swayed by the winds of worldly temptations.
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:16-20, serves as our guiding light. It is not merely a suggestion but an authoritative command to make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just for the perfect but for the imperfect, the "elevenish" church, as we are called to do God's perfect work despite our flaws. Our journey is marked by a bipolarity of faith, where worship and doubt coexist. Yet, it is through obedience to God's will that we come to know Him more deeply.
The Great Commission is a call to action, a challenge to make a difference in the world by making disciples. It is a reminder that our lives, relationships, and ministries should be centered on disciple-making. This requires more than understanding; it demands an undertaking, a commitment to embodying the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. As we strive to fulfill this mission, we are assured of Christ's presence with us, empowering us to overcome doubts and challenges.
In this new year, let us not be consumed by the transitory concerns of life but focus on the eternal mission God has entrusted to us. The Great Commission requires our full commitment, and every heart without Christ is our mission field. As we move forward, let us remember who calls us, who goes with us, and who supports us. May we be bold ambassadors of Christ, sharing His love and truth with the world.
Key Takeaways
- True happiness is found in aligning our lives with God's mission. By participating in His mission, we share in His divine happiness, which surpasses any worldly joy. This alignment requires us to embrace God's mission as our own, leading to a deeper, God-sized happiness. [02:18]
- The Great Commission is an authoritative command, not a suggestion. It calls us to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's will. This command challenges us to move beyond being religious consumers to becoming true followers of Christ. [20:26]
- Our faith journey is marked by a bipolarity of worship and doubt. This coexistence is a natural part of the Christian experience, and through obedience to God's commands, we can overcome doubt and grow in our faith. [11:14]
- Disciple-making is the core of our Christian life. Every aspect of our lives, from relationships to work, should be centered on making disciples. This requires more than understanding; it demands an undertaking, a commitment to living out the teachings of Christ. [23:26]
- Christ's presence assures us of His support in fulfilling the Great Commission. He empowers us to overcome challenges and doubts, providing the courage, wisdom, and resources needed to carry out His mission. [33:48]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - Pursuit of Happiness
[02:18] - Aligning with God's Mission
[03:04] - Celebrating a Milestone
[04:10] - Vision 2030
[05:24] - The Great Commission
[06:57] - Rick Warren's Insight
[09:16] - Imperfect Yet Chosen
[11:14] - Worship and Doubt
[13:41] - Faith in Action
[15:49] - Knowing God Through Obedience
[17:06] - The Authority of Jesus
[19:48] - Command to Make Disciples
[22:27] - Privilege of the Great Commission
[23:26] - Disciple-Making as a Core Mission
[26:36] - Challenge of True Learning
[28:11] - Embodying Christian Doctrine
[30:21] - Assurance of Christ's Presence
[33:48] - Empowerment for the Mission
[35:11] - Our Turn to Respond
[36:15] - Eternal Focus Over Transitory Concerns
[37:27] - Call to Action for 2025
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:16-20
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the "eleven disciples" mentioned in Matthew 28:16, and how does it relate to the theme of imperfection in the sermon? [09:16]
2. How does the sermon describe the coexistence of worship and doubt among the disciples, and what does this reveal about the nature of faith? [11:14]
3. According to the sermon, what are the four "all" statements in Matthew 28:18-20, and why are they important? [17:06]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "God-sized happiness," and what role does aligning with God's mission play in achieving it? [02:18]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Great Commission is more than just a command but a privilege and honor for believers? [21:26]
2. How does the sermon interpret the presence of doubt among the disciples as a normal part of the Christian experience, and what implications does this have for modern believers? [14:30]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between obedience to the Great Commission and experiencing God's presence and support? [33:48]
4. How does the sermon challenge the idea of being a "religious consumer" versus a "real Christian," and what does this mean for one's approach to the Great Commission? [20:26]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current level of happiness. How might aligning your life more closely with God's mission lead to a deeper sense of joy? [02:18]
2. Consider a time when you experienced both worship and doubt. How did you navigate that tension, and what can you learn from it for future situations? [11:14]
3. Identify one area in your life where you can actively participate in disciple-making. What specific steps can you take this week to engage in this mission? [23:26]
4. How do you perceive the Great Commission in your life? Is it more of a command or a privilege, and how does this perception affect your actions? [21:26]
5. Think about a recent challenge or doubt you faced. How can you apply the sermon’s message of obedience to overcome it and grow in your faith? [14:30]
6. Evaluate your role in your church community. Are you more of a religious consumer or an active participant in God's mission? What changes can you make to align more with the latter? [20:26]
7. Reflect on the assurance of Christ's presence in your life. How does this promise empower you to take bold steps in fulfilling the Great Commission? [33:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with God's Mission for True Happiness
True happiness is not found in the fleeting pleasures of the world but in aligning one's life with God's mission. This alignment allows individuals to share in God's divine happiness, which surpasses any worldly joy. By embracing God's mission as their own, believers can experience a deeper, God-sized happiness. This involves a commitment to living out God's purpose and participating in His work, leading to a fulfilling and joyful life. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded that God, the happiest being in the universe, created us to share in His happiness. [02:18]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to align your daily activities and decisions with God's mission, seeking His joy rather than temporary happiness?
Day 2: The Authoritative Command of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is not merely a suggestion but an authoritative command from Jesus to make disciples of all nations. This command challenges believers to move beyond being religious consumers to becoming true followers of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will, calling individuals to actively participate in disciple-making. This mission is not reserved for the perfect but is entrusted to the imperfect, who are called to do God's perfect work despite their flaws. By embracing this command, believers can fulfill their purpose and make a significant impact in the world. [20:26]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Great Commission today, and who in your life can you begin to disciple or share the love of Christ with?
Day 3: Embracing Faith Amidst Worship and Doubt
The journey of faith is marked by a bipolarity where worship and doubt coexist. This coexistence is a natural part of the Christian experience, and through obedience to God's commands, believers can overcome doubt and grow in their faith. It is through this process of obedience that individuals come to know God more deeply and experience His presence in their lives. By acknowledging their doubts and choosing to worship, believers can strengthen their faith and trust in God's promises. [11:14]
"Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you experience doubt, and how can you choose to worship and trust God in those moments today?
Day 4: Disciple-Making as the Core of Christian Life
Disciple-making is the core of the Christian life, and every aspect of a believer's life, from relationships to work, should be centered on making disciples. This requires more than understanding; it demands an undertaking, a commitment to living out the teachings of Christ. By embodying the teachings of Christ in their daily lives, believers can influence others and lead them to a deeper relationship with God. This mission is a privilege and a responsibility, calling individuals to be bold ambassadors of Christ in the world. [23:26]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate disciple-making into your daily routine, and who can you invest in spiritually this week?
Day 5: Assurance of Christ's Presence in Fulfilling the Mission
Christ's presence assures believers of His support in fulfilling the Great Commission. He empowers them to overcome challenges and doubts, providing the courage, wisdom, and resources needed to carry out His mission. As believers strive to fulfill this mission, they are reminded that they are not alone; Christ goes with them, supporting and guiding them every step of the way. This assurance gives believers the confidence to be bold ambassadors of Christ, sharing His love and truth with the world. [33:48]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you rely on Christ's presence and strength to overcome a specific challenge or fear you face in fulfilling His mission today?
Quotes
If you really want to be happy, you need to know who really is happy. And the happiest person in the universe. God do you remember Perry crisis from cornerstone Bible study dancing God God is a happy of all. And he loves us with his happiness, made us with his happiness, created us to seek his happiness. [00:01:50] (29 seconds)
When we follow God and participate in his mission, we will have a God-sized happiness. Today, I want to wish you a different and deeper greeting for New Year. That is huge, holy New Year. Hopefully, huge, holy, happiest New Year. For that, I want to say I have a big picture. [00:02:30] (28 seconds)
There, we pray that we will become a fruitful tree planted by streams of water rather than the chaff that's blown by the wind of our emotions and the temptations of the world. So starting point for our second decade is the big picture of God. The big picture of God. That is God's greatest mission for us. [00:05:24] (27 seconds)
Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Community Church and the author of a bestseller, Purpose Driven Life, once said, Great commitment, the great commandment, and great commission will make a great church. Translating, anyone who is committed to the great commandment of Jesus that's loving each other as Christ loved us and great commandment of reaching out to the lost will make a great life. [00:07:03] (33 seconds)
The church that Jesus sends into the world is an elevenish imperfect, followable, yet Jesus used this imperfect church to do his perfect work. One commentator says, 이 11개의 교회는 완전히 다른 교회가 아닙니다. 원래의 교회가 아닙니다. 예수는 완벽한 사람들에게 완벽한 목적을 주십니다. [00:09:49]
So Christians are both believers and doubters, adoring and wondering, trusting and questioning. Is it not refreshing that Matthew admits that? You know all disciples experience, all disciples of Christ experience, this spiritual bipolarity. Bipolarity. And denied, it's not healthy. [00:12:16] (33 seconds)
Obedience to the will of God is a way to know the knowledge of God. You know, John 7, 17 said anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Great medical missionary Albert Schweitzer once said this, follow God and you will know him. [00:15:02] (27 seconds)
Great commission is not a good recommendation, but God's command. It is not a suggestion for better spiritual life or improved life. It is an authoritative command for Christians. So, how you take great commission reveals whether you are a religious consumer or you're a real Christian. [00:20:13] (21 seconds)
Whatever we do with our life must be related to disciple making whether in dating marriage friendship parenting work even ministry are to be centered on disciple making you I said even ministry because a lot of churches they're busy but they are not focusing on discipleship or making disciples. [00:24:07] (31 seconds)
Let us never allow ourselves to be dragged down by pettiness or take the things of this earth so seriously they burden us day after day. Let us live constantly in the promise God does not want us to be swallowed up in what is transcendent. God does not want us to be swallowed up in what is transitory but calls us what is eternal. [00:36:15] (21 seconds)
Brothers and sisters, I want to tell you this. Great commission will not be fulfilled with our spare time and our spare money. It requires our heart, all of our heart, and strength and, you know, prayers. But it's worth it. And every heart without Christ is our mission field. [00:37:27] (22 seconds)
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