Assurance and Mission: Embracing God's Global Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance in Divine Ownership

The assurance of salvation is rooted in the profound truth that Jesus declares His ownership over His followers. This ownership is not based on human actions but on God's eternal choice. Jesus' words, "I have other sheep," signify a divine election that precedes any response from us. This means that our salvation is secure in His sovereign plan, and we can live with the confidence that we will make it to heaven. The promise that "they will listen to my voice" assures us that His call is irresistible and certain. This divine certainty is a source of comfort and hope for believers, knowing that our belonging to Him is unshakeable. [06:46]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: In what ways can you rest in the assurance of being chosen by God today, especially in moments of doubt or fear?

Day 2: The Unstoppable Mission of Christ

The divine necessity of Jesus' mission is highlighted by His words, "I must bring them." This phrase underscores the unyielding purpose of Christ to gather His sheep, ensuring that His mission will be accomplished. Our salvation is not left to chance but is a divine certainty, as Jesus' mission is unstoppable. This truth invites believers to trust in the certainty of God's plan and to participate in His mission with confidence. The assurance that Jesus' mission cannot fail provides a foundation for living boldly in faith, knowing that His purpose will be fulfilled. [12:27]

Isaiah 46:10-11 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's mission today, trusting in its divine certainty and unstoppable nature?

Day 3: Embracing the Global Vision

Jesus' words, "not of this fold," emphasize the inclusivity of His mission, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. This global vision challenges believers to resist ethnocentrism and embrace the diversity of God's kingdom. The promise of "one flock and one Shepherd" calls us to pursue gospel-based diversity and unity. This vision invites us to see beyond our immediate context and to participate in God's mission to reach all peoples. By embracing this global scope, we align ourselves with God's heart for the world and His desire for a diverse and unified kingdom. [30:37]

Revelation 7:9 (ESV): "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to embrace and celebrate the diversity of God's kingdom in your community?

Day 4: Inspired by Historical Missionaries

The lives of missionaries like John Elliott, David Brainerd, and William Carey serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing call to reach the unreached. Their stories inspire believers to participate in God's mission, driven by the assurance that Jesus' mission cannot fail. These historical examples challenge us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that we are part of a larger story of God's work in the world. By reflecting on their dedication and perseverance, we are encouraged to step out in faith and contribute to the mission of reaching all nations with the gospel. [41:08]

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Reflection: How can the stories of past missionaries inspire you to take action in your own life to reach those who have not yet heard the gospel?

Day 5: Living with Confidence and Boldness

Believers are called to live with unshakable confidence in their salvation and boldness in participating in God's mission. This involves resisting ethnic arrogance, pursuing gospel-based diversity, and committing to sending missionaries to the unreached. By aligning ourselves with God's unstoppable purpose, we find our lives intertwined with His mission. This call to action invites us to examine our own lives and to live with intentionality and courage, knowing that our personal salvation and corporate mission are secure in His hands. [44:23]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate boldness in your faith today, trusting in the power and love that God has given you?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truths found in John 10:16, focusing on the assurance and mission that Jesus imparts to His followers. We began by reflecting on the life of Peter Cameron Scott, whose perseverance in the face of adversity was reignited by the words of Jesus, "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring." This verse serves as a foundation for two key confidences: the assurance of our salvation and the certainty of God's global mission.

Firstly, we delved into the assurance that believers will make it to heaven. Jesus' declaration, "I have other sheep," signifies His sovereign ownership and the divine election of His followers. This ownership precedes our response to His call, underscoring the truth that our salvation is rooted in God's eternal choice. The necessity of Jesus' mission, expressed in "I must bring them," assures us that His purpose is unyielding and will be accomplished. The promise that "they will listen to my voice" further solidifies our confidence, as it is not a matter of chance but a divine certainty that His sheep will respond to His call.

Secondly, we examined the global scope of God's mission. Jesus' words, "not of this fold," highlight the inclusivity of His mission, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. This mission is not limited to a specific group but extends to all peoples, ensuring that there will be "one flock and one Shepherd." This global vision challenges us to resist ethnocentrism and embrace the diversity of God's kingdom. The historical examples of missionaries like John Elliott, David Brainerd, and William Carey remind us of the ongoing call to reach the unreached, driven by the assurance that Jesus' mission cannot fail.

In conclusion, these truths call us to live with unshakable confidence in our salvation and boldness in participating in God's mission. We are invited to resist ethnic arrogance, pursue gospel-based diversity, and commit to sending missionaries to the unreached. Our lives are intertwined with God's unstoppable purpose, and we are assured that both our personal salvation and our corporate mission are secure in His hands.

Key Takeaways

1. based diversity, and committing to sending missionaries, we align ourselves with God's unstoppable purpose. [44:23]
** [44:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Prayer for True Worship
[01:17] - Story of Peter Cameron Scott
[03:01] - Text for the Day: John 10:16
[04:10] - Double Confidence from John 10:16
[06:07] - Assurance of Salvation
[09:48] - Jesus' Sovereign Ownership
[12:27] - Divine Necessity of Jesus' Mission
[14:55] - How Jesus Calls His Sheep
[17:27] - Certainty of Jesus' Mission
[19:25] - Assurance of Eternal Life
[24:20] - One Flock, One Shepherd
[30:37] - Global Scope of God's Mission
[35:33] - Warning Against Ethnocentrism
[41:08] - Historical Examples of Mission
[44:23] - Call to Action for the Church

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 10:16

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Observation Questions:

What does Jesus mean when He says, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold"? How does this statement relate to His mission? [03:01]
How does the sermon describe the significance of Jesus' statement, "I must bring them"? What does this imply about His mission? [12:27]
In the sermon, what examples are given of historical missionaries who were inspired by the global scope of God's mission? [41:08]
How does the sermon explain the assurance of salvation for believers based on John 10:16? [06:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of divine election, as discussed in the sermon, impact a believer's understanding of their salvation? [09:48]
What does the sermon suggest about the inclusivity of Jesus' mission and its implications for the church today? [30:37]
How does the sermon address the potential for ethnocentrism within the church, and what solutions does it propose? [34:53]
In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to participate in God's global mission, and what are the potential challenges mentioned? [43:40]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: How does the assurance of salvation influence your daily walk with Christ? Are there areas where you struggle to trust in this assurance? [06:07]
The sermon challenges us to resist ethnic arrogance and embrace diversity. How can you actively promote gospel-based diversity in your community or church? [44:23]
Consider the historical examples of missionaries mentioned in the sermon. Is there a particular story that inspires you to engage in mission work? How can you take a step towards that inspiration this week? [41:08]
The sermon emphasizes the necessity of Jesus' mission. How can you align your personal goals with God's global mission? What practical steps can you take to support missionaries or mission work? [12:27]
How can you ensure that your understanding of being "chosen" by God does not lead to a sense of superiority over others? What practices can help maintain humility in your faith journey? [32:52]
The sermon speaks about the certainty of Jesus' mission. How does this certainty affect your willingness to take risks for the sake of the gospel? Can you identify a specific risk you feel called to take? [43:18]
Reflect on the sermon’s call to action for the church. What role do you see yourself playing in sending or supporting missionaries to unreached peoples? How can you begin to fulfill that role? [46:00]

Sermon Clips

I have other sheep Jesus says that are not of this fold I must bring them also they will listen to my voice so there will be one flock and one Shepherd there are four statements sovereign absolutely authoritative divine Jesus statements in that verse and they are massively crucial for your confidence that you're going to make it to heaven. [06:16]

I have other sheep and he has them before he brings them otherwise he wouldn't say I must bring them look at verses 3 & 4 again from last week to him that is the Shepherd of the sheep the gatekeeper opens the sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [07:03]

The father has them Jesus calls them and the father gives them to him and they come to him that's how you got saved the father had chosen them for himself and he gives them this is Jesus way one of his ways of talking about the New Testament teaching truth of election. [11:19]

I must bring them and your salvation Christian happen because of that word must that's why you're a Christian Jesus had to get you and he got you the Father has chosen them I will lay down my life for them and therefore I must bring them there's no question they will be brought. [12:36]

The Sheep come they know his voice why wouldn't they come of course they come they know his voice the sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and he leads them out now here's the question for you how does he do that today I mean Jesus physically is in heaven. [14:29]

I do not pray father I do not pray for these only in other words of those sheep who had responded I do not pray for these only but also for those who will believe in me through their word that is John Piper and possibly you any day of the week that's how it happens. [16:14]

I have other sheep that are not of this fold I must bring them The effect of my bringing them is that they will listen to my voice that's how I do it and the the word I want you to focus on here is will they will I get so bent out of shape this week. [17:37]

This is how you know you are a sheep if you don't follow ever you never work and if you do follow you always work did you get that that's my summary of this if you never fell if you go out of you incite don't want anything to do with it I don't want this Christianity stuff. [20:11]

I have sheep they're not they're not of the fold that's already in existence in that case a Jewish fold I could say here okay here we are fold or gather his Bethlehem he has other sheep besides us and he must bring them not necessarily develop him but to himself. [30:53]

I have other sheep that are not of this fold that is they they're not of ethnic Jewish Israel I must bring them also they will listen to my voice there will be one flock that is from all the ethnic groups you may think well that's an over interpretation. [31:18]

I have other sheep not for the nation only but also to gather into one one flock and different terminology the children of God who are scattered abroad he could have said the sheep he said God's children are scattered and I'm just focusing on the word scattered here. [36:27]

I have other sheep must must it is a divine necessity which means not only will you make it to heaven this missions gonna succeed he died you ransom people for God from every tribe he died for them the father gave them to him he's going to speak over them how missionaries. [38:20]

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