Answering the Call: Embracing the Great Commission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our series on "A New Life Under Construction" by focusing on the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28. Jesus commands us to "Go and make disciples," a directive that is foundational to the Christian church. This command is not optional; it is a responsibility that we must take seriously. Unfortunately, many churches in America are not actively discipling, which has led to a decline in witnessing and evangelism. Our church's motto this year, "Answer the Call," emphasizes the urgency of stepping up to this responsibility.
Witnessing is about declaring what Jesus has done in our lives, sharing the good news of His life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry and miracles, and they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel. We, too, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. The chief work of the church is to share the gospel, and we must be intentional about it. Peter reminds us that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, called to proclaim the excellencies of God who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Living a holy life is a powerful form of witnessing. People are always watching, and our actions can draw them to Christ. We must also be ready to share our testimony, explaining the hope that we have in Jesus. This involves listening actively, asking questions, and responding with grace and compassion. We should not judge others but love them as Jesus did.
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 illustrates how Jesus reached out to a despised tax collector, leading to his transformation. Jesus loved Zacchaeus before he was saved, and this love led to Zacchaeus' repentance and desire to make amends. We must follow Jesus' example, loving and witnessing to everyone, regardless of their past.
There is no "Plan B" for spreading the gospel. Jesus entrusted this mission to His followers, and it is our responsibility to continue it. As we close in worship, let us commit to speaking the name of Jesus and sharing His message with the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Great Commission is a Command, Not an Option: Jesus' directive to "Go and make disciples" is foundational to the Christian faith. It is a command that requires action and commitment from every believer. Ignoring this command leads to a decline in church vitality and witness. We must take this responsibility seriously and actively engage in discipling others. [01:46]
2. Witnessing is Declaring What Jesus Has Done: Witnessing involves sharing the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It is about proclaiming the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. This responsibility is not just for the apostles but for all believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share their testimonies and the gospel. [05:12]
3. Living a Holy Life as a Form of Witnessing: Our actions speak louder than words. By living a life that reflects Jesus' teachings, we can draw others to Christ. People are always observing, and our genuine, holy living can lead them to ask questions about our faith, providing opportunities to share the gospel. [19:56]
4. Active Listening and Compassionate Engagement: When witnessing, it is crucial to listen actively and respond with grace. Asking questions and understanding the other person's perspective can open doors for meaningful conversations about faith. We must approach others with love and compassion, not judgment, reflecting Jesus' approach to Zacchaeus. [16:23]
5. Urgent Compassion and Love in Witnessing: We must have an urgent compassion for the lost, understanding that every person has an eternal destiny. Our witnessing should be motivated by love, aiming to bring others into a relationship with Jesus. This involves praying for others, sharing our hope, and being led by the Holy Spirit in our interactions. [36:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:46] - The Great Commission
[03:30] - Answer the Call
[05:12] - Witnessing Defined
[06:50] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[08:45] - The Chief Work of the Church
[10:31] - Proclaiming God's Excellencies
[12:26] - Sharing Your Testimony
[14:28] - Engaging with Others
[16:23] - Active Listening
[18:07] - Asking Questions
[19:56] - Living a Holy Life
[21:34] - Explaining Scripture
[23:04] - The Story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
[26:38] - Overcoming Preconceived Ideas
[28:37] - Heart Alignment
[30:30] - Always Be Ready
[32:18] - Gentle and Reverent Witnessing
[34:21] - Urgent Compassion
[36:26] - Led by Love
[38:25] - The Story of Zacchaeus
[42:43] - Loving the Lost
[44:43] - No Plan B
[46:36] - Worship and Commitment
[48:45] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
2. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
3. Acts 1:8 (NIV)
> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
#### Observation Questions
1. What command does Jesus give in Matthew 28:18-20, and what are the specific actions He instructs His followers to take?
2. According to 1 Peter 2:9-10, what are the identities and responsibilities of believers?
3. In Acts 1:8, what promise does Jesus give about the Holy Spirit, and what is the expected outcome for the apostles?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 considered foundational to the Christian faith? How does this command impact the church's mission today? [01:46]
2. How does 1 Peter 2:9-10 describe the transformation of believers, and what does it mean to "declare the praises" of God? [10:31]
3. What does it mean to be empowered by the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 1:8, and how does this empowerment relate to witnessing? [06:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the Great Commission. How can you personally "go and make disciples" in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone? [01:46]
2. Consider your own testimony. How can you effectively share what Jesus has done in your life with others? Identify one person you can share your testimony with this week. [12:26]
3. Living a holy life is a form of witnessing. What areas of your life need to align more closely with Jesus' teachings to be a better witness? [19:56]
4. Active listening and compassionate engagement are crucial in witnessing. How can you improve your listening skills to better understand and respond to others' needs? [16:23]
5. Reflect on the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19). How can you show love and compassion to someone who is often judged or marginalized? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [38:25]
6. There is no "Plan B" for spreading the gospel. How does this urgency affect your approach to evangelism? What changes can you make to prioritize witnessing in your life? [44:43]
7. How can you cultivate a heart led by love in your interactions with others? Think of a specific situation where you can demonstrate Christ-like love and compassion this week. [36:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Great Commission is a Command, Not an Option
Jesus' directive to "Go and make disciples" is foundational to the Christian faith. It is a command that requires action and commitment from every believer. Ignoring this command leads to a decline in church vitality and witness. We must take this responsibility seriously and actively engage in discipling others. The Great Commission is not just a suggestion; it is a mandate that Jesus gave to His followers. This command is essential for the growth and health of the church. When we neglect this responsibility, we see a decline in the church's influence and effectiveness in the world.
The Great Commission calls us to be proactive in our faith, to step out of our comfort zones, and to share the message of Jesus with others. It is a call to action that requires us to be intentional about making disciples. This means investing time and energy into building relationships, teaching others about Jesus, and helping them grow in their faith. As we answer this call, we will see the church flourish and the kingdom of God expand. [01:46]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you actively engage in discipling someone in your life this week? What steps can you take to share the message of Jesus with them?
Day 2: Witnessing is Declaring What Jesus Has Done
Witnessing involves sharing the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It is about proclaiming the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. This responsibility is not just for the apostles but for all believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share their testimonies and the gospel. Witnessing is a powerful way to share the love of Jesus with others. It is about telling others what Jesus has done in our lives and how He has transformed us. This is not just a task for the apostles or church leaders; it is a responsibility for every believer.
When we witness, we are sharing the hope and joy that we have found in Jesus. We are telling others about the difference He has made in our lives and inviting them to experience the same transformation. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses, giving us the courage and the words to share our faith. As we witness, we are fulfilling the Great Commission and helping to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. [05:12]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Think about a recent experience where you saw Jesus at work in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone this week?
Day 3: Living a Holy Life as a Form of Witnessing
Our actions speak louder than words. By living a life that reflects Jesus' teachings, we can draw others to Christ. People are always observing, and our genuine, holy living can lead them to ask questions about our faith, providing opportunities to share the gospel. Living a holy life is a powerful form of witnessing. When we live in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus, we are showing others what it means to follow Him. Our actions can speak louder than our words, and people are always watching how we live.
When we live a holy life, we are setting an example for others to follow. Our actions can draw people to Christ and open doors for us to share the gospel. By living in a way that honors God, we are demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. This can lead others to ask questions about our faith and provide opportunities for us to share the good news of Jesus with them. [19:56]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: In what ways can your daily actions reflect the teachings of Jesus more clearly? How can you be more intentional about living a holy life that draws others to Christ?
Day 4: Active Listening and Compassionate Engagement
When witnessing, it is crucial to listen actively and respond with grace. Asking questions and understanding the other person's perspective can open doors for meaningful conversations about faith. We must approach others with love and compassion, not judgment, reflecting Jesus' approach to Zacchaeus. Active listening and compassionate engagement are essential when witnessing to others. It is important to listen to what others are saying and to understand their perspective. This can open doors for meaningful conversations about faith and provide opportunities to share the gospel.
When we listen actively, we are showing others that we care about them and that we value their thoughts and feelings. This can help to build trust and create a safe space for them to share their struggles and questions about faith. By responding with grace and compassion, we are reflecting the love of Jesus and demonstrating His approach to others. This can lead to deeper and more meaningful conversations about faith and can help to bring others closer to Jesus. [16:23]
James 1:19 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you could have listened more actively. How can you practice active listening and compassionate engagement in your interactions this week?
Day 5: Urgent Compassion and Love in Witnessing
We must have an urgent compassion for the lost, understanding that every person has an eternal destiny. Our witnessing should be motivated by love, aiming to bring others into a relationship with Jesus. This involves praying for others, sharing our hope, and being led by the Holy Spirit in our interactions. Urgent compassion and love are essential when witnessing to others. We must understand that every person has an eternal destiny and that our witnessing can make a difference in their lives. Our motivation for witnessing should be love, aiming to bring others into a relationship with Jesus.
When we witness with urgent compassion, we are showing others that we care about their eternal destiny. This involves praying for others, sharing our hope, and being led by the Holy Spirit in our interactions. By witnessing with love and compassion, we are reflecting the heart of Jesus and demonstrating His love for others. This can help to bring others closer to Jesus and can make a lasting impact on their lives. [36:26]
Jude 1:22-23 (ESV): "And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the love of Jesus? How can you show urgent compassion and love in your interactions with them this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Witnessing is the task of declaring what has happened, especially in relation to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believers are given the responsibility, listen to that word, responsibility of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the world at all times and in all places. We're commanded to do it." [05:12] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God has given us beautiful testimonies. God has given you a beautiful testimony. You need to hear that. See, I don't care where you're at, where you came from. If you believe in Jesus Christ, how you got here is beautiful. You have a pastor, you don't know what I used to do. You don't know all the bad things. You don't know all the bad things. Now, that's the point. You see, you didn't do anything to earn your salvation. Jesus gave it to you. He saved you." [10:31] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are called to share what Jesus has done in our lives. We are called to witness the incredible power and beauty of this faith. And I know sometimes we struggle with that. You know, how do I do that? Listen, I'm going to just be honest with you. You'll never see me on a street corner, and I just don't approach people randomly and just start preaching to them. But what I do is I look for opportunities, because they're everywhere." [14:28] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. This is radical. In other words, live like Jesus tells us to live. Live a good life. Live a holy life. People watch you, whether you recognize it or not. They're observing. And especially once they know you're a Christian, like, ah, are they one of those hypocrites? I want to get them. I'm going to watch them." [19:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are ambassadors for Christ. You know what an ambassador is? An ambassador is somebody who represents royalty or the leader of a nation, right? And they go to other nations and speak on their behalf. They're ambassadors. Paul is saying, Southlake, you're ambassadors for Christ. As though we're making an appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." [34:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Here's the reality. Churches that are not actively promoting people to witness. I just read this this weekend. You ready for this? That's a church that will be closed within 14 years. It's one generation from closing the doors and it's not going to be closed. It's going to be closed within 14 years. It's going to be closed within 14 years. At any moment. And so when we are called, we are commanded to be a witness." [03:30] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit will equip both the apostles and us for building the church. You see, this is why we're here. This is a new life under construction. This is the chief work of the church, to witness to people, to share the gospel. And we can only do it if we're led by the Holy Spirit. We can only do it under the power of the Holy Spirit. I don't know if you've heard that. The chief work of the church. In other words, the first thing the church is supposed to do is witness. That's number one." [08:45] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have preconceived ideas. When we say that we are to witness to others, and share what God has done in our lives, and we start going, oh, yeah, but Uncle Charlie, see, he believes this, you know, and I've heard him say that. And we start building all these preconceived ideas of what people are going to say to us. And we don't do anything that the Bible tells us to do. What the Bible tells us to do is we're supposed to be led by the Holy Spirit, yes? That's the whole point of this series. We're being led by the Spirit." [26:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to have the right alignment. Our heart. I say this all the time. Jesus is a heart condition. really is. If you believe in Jesus, it reshapes your heart, how you view people, how you view the world around you. It's a heart condition. So we have to have the heart in the right position. The first thing with that is we need to be disciples. Jesus says, go and make disciples. He's saying that to the apostles who are building the church. And that command gets passed along to every generation. Go and make disciples." [28:37] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Peter says, give an account of the hope that is in you, right? If you're a Christian and you don't have hope, I'm not sure you actually have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm not trying to step on anybody's toes. I'm not trying to be arrogant with that comment. man, if you have a relationship with Jesus, you have hope. You have incredible hope. And Peter says, because of that, give an account. In other words, witness to people why you have hope in a fallen, broken world. Why do you have hope?" [30:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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