Assurance and Mission: Embracing God's Global Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance in Divine Election

The assurance of salvation for believers is rooted in the divine election and calling, where the Father has chosen and given His sheep to the Son. Jesus' declaration, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold," reveals His sovereign authority and the certainty that His followers will reach their eternal home. This assurance is not based on human effort but on the unchanging promise of God. Believers can rest in the knowledge that their salvation is secure, as it is God who initiates and completes the work of salvation. The promise that "they will listen to my voice" affirms the irresistible grace that draws believers to Christ, ensuring that no one can snatch them from His hand. [06:22]

"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the assurance of your salvation, especially during times of doubt or fear?

Day 2: The Power of Irresistible Grace

Irresistible grace is the divine force that draws believers to Christ, ensuring that no one can snatch them from His hand. This grace is not merely an invitation but a powerful call that transforms hearts and minds. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that enables individuals to hear Jesus' voice and follow Him. This grace provides eternal security, as it is God who holds His sheep firmly in His grasp. Believers can find comfort in knowing that their relationship with Christ is not dependent on their own strength but on the unbreakable bond established by God's grace. [17:43]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Reflection: How have you experienced the irresistible grace of God in your life, and how can you share this experience with someone who may be struggling in their faith?

Day 3: Embracing the Global Mission

Jesus' mission extends beyond any single ethnic group, encompassing every tribe, language, and nation. This divine necessity calls believers to participate in God's unstoppable redemptive plan, breaking down barriers of ethnocentrism and racism. The call to mission is a call to humility, as it requires believers to set aside personal prejudices and embrace the diversity of God's kingdom. By participating in this global mission, believers become part of a larger story that reflects the heart of God for all people. [30:50]

"And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations." (Mark 13:10 ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to engage with and support the global mission of the church, whether through prayer, giving, or personal involvement?

Day 4: Cultivating Humility and Diversity

The certainty of God's mission should lead to humility and a commitment to gospel-based diversity. Christians are called to resist ethnic arrogance and embrace the diversity of God's kingdom, reflecting the unity of one flock under one Shepherd. This requires a willingness to listen, learn, and grow in understanding of different cultures and perspectives. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect, believers can demonstrate the love of Christ to a watching world. [33:15]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively promote and celebrate diversity within your community, and what changes might you need to make in your own attitudes or behaviors?

Day 5: Participating in God's Redemptive Plan

Our involvement in God's mission is both a privilege and a certainty. Whether through going, sending, praying, or supporting, our participation in God's redemptive plan is an unstoppable link in the fulfillment of His purposes. Believers are invited to join in this divine work, knowing that their efforts are not in vain. By aligning their lives with God's mission, they become co-laborers in bringing about His kingdom on earth. This participation is not only a duty but a joyful response to the grace they have received. [43:46]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you contribute to God's redemptive plan today, and how can you encourage others to join you in this mission?

Sermon Summary

In this message, I explore the profound truths found in John 10:16, focusing on the assurance and mission that Jesus imparts to His followers. The narrative begins with the story of Peter Cameron Scott, whose perseverance in the face of adversity exemplifies the unyielding faith and commitment that God calls us to. Scott's journey, inspired by the words of Jesus, underscores the theme of divine purpose and the certainty of God's promises.

The first point of emphasis is the assurance of salvation for believers. Jesus' declaration, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold," reveals His sovereign authority and the certainty that His followers will reach their eternal home. This assurance is rooted in the divine election and calling, where the Father has chosen and given His sheep to the Son. The promise that "they will listen to my voice" affirms the irresistible grace that draws believers to Christ, ensuring that no one can snatch them from His hand.

The second point is the global mission of God, which is unstoppable and inclusive of all peoples. Jesus' mission is not limited to a single ethnic group but extends to every tribe, language, and nation. This divine necessity, "I must bring them also," highlights the imperative of reaching the unreached and the certainty of success in God's redemptive plan. The call to mission is a call to humility, breaking down barriers of ethnocentrism and racism, and embracing the diversity of God's kingdom.

These truths challenge us to live with unshakable confidence in our salvation and boldness in our mission. We are called to resist ethnic arrogance, pursue gospel-based diversity, and commit to sending missionaries to the unreached. Our participation in God's mission is not only a privilege but a certainty, as His purposes will prevail.

Key Takeaways

1. based diversity. Christians are called to resist ethnic arrogance and embrace the diversity of God's kingdom, reflecting the unity of one flock under one Shepherd. [33:15]
5. Participation in God's Plan: Our involvement in God's mission is both a privilege and a certainty. Whether through going, sending, praying, or supporting, our participation in God's redemptive plan is an unstoppable link in the fulfillment of His purposes.

** [33:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Prayer for True Worship
[01:17] - Story of Peter Cameron Scott
[03:02] - Text Introduction: John 10:16
[04:10] - Double Confidence in Christ
[05:50] - Assurance of Salvation
[07:12] - Jesus' Sovereign Authority
[09:28] - The Father's Gift to the Son
[12:36] - Divine Necessity of Salvation
[14:55] - Jesus' Voice Today
[17:43] - Irresistible Grace
[20:18] - Evidence of Being a Sheep
[24:32] - Eternal Security in Christ
[29:35] - Global Mission of God
[33:15] - Humility and Diversity
[39:20] - Overcoming Ethnocentrism
[43:46] - Participation in God's Plan

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 10:16
- John 17:6
- Revelation 5:9

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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 reflect His mission? [06:22]
How did Peter Cameron Scott's experience at the grave of David Livingstone illustrate the impact of John 10:16 on his life and mission? [03:02]
According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' statement, "They will listen to my voice"? How does this relate to the concept of irresistible grace? [17:43]
What role does the concept of divine necessity play in Jesus' mission, as described in John 10:16? [12:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the assurance of salvation, as discussed in the sermon, provide believers with confidence in their eternal security? [27:57]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the global mission of God challenges believers to overcome ethnocentrism and embrace diversity? [33:15]
How does the sermon interpret the phrase "one flock and one Shepherd" in the context of Jesus' mission and the unity of believers? [24:32]
What implications does the sermon draw from the idea that Jesus' mission is unstoppable and inclusive of all peoples? [30:50]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about your salvation. How does the assurance of salvation discussed in the sermon help you find confidence in your faith? [27:57]
The sermon challenges us to resist ethnic arrogance and embrace gospel-based diversity. What practical steps can you take to foster diversity and unity within your community? [33:15]
Consider the concept of irresistible grace. How have you experienced God's grace drawing you closer to Him, and how can you share this experience with others? [17:43]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of participating in God's global mission. Identify one way you can actively support or engage in mission work, whether locally or globally. [43:46]
How can you cultivate humility in your life, recognizing the diversity of God's kingdom and the unity of believers under one Shepherd? [33:15]
Reflect on the story of Peter Cameron Scott. How can his perseverance and commitment to God's mission inspire you in your own faith journey? [03:02]
The sermon speaks of the certainty of God's purposes prevailing. How does this assurance impact your willingness to take risks for the sake of the gospel? [43:21]

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 gonna make it to heaven. [00:06:16]

I have other sheep and we're gonna go through this verse twice for the first confidence and then the second conference we're gonna focus on different words each time so if you miss one the first past why didn't he focus on that and coming back so focus here on the word have I have other sheep and he has them before he brings them. [00:07:00]

I must bring them also now here we're focusing on the word must a literal translation would be it is necessary that I bring them this is one of those divine necessities laid upon Jesus 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. [00:12:36]

The effect of my bringing them is that they will listen to my voice that's how I do it and the word I want you to focus on here is will they will I get so bent out of shape this week this is not in my manuscript I probably shouldn't say it my wife is price shaking her head reading some horrible theology on a blog actually wasn't a blog it doesn't matter. [00:17:43]

My King Jesus who said I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it and who says they will hear my voice and I will bring them in there will be one Shepherd one flock is wandering as he hangs on the cross whether his mission is going to succeed okay I'm done close that parentheses needed to know you know why I'm focusing your attention on the will they will listen to my voice. [00:18:09]

This is not up for grabs he's not saying maybe they do and maybe they don't 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 were 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. [00:20:18]

You do not believe because you're not part of my flock believing doesn't make you part of his flock being part of his flock enables you to believe that's what that says pretty sobering up what if someone should say well if I'm part of his flock before I believe then I don't need to believe if that is the logic of your mind you are denying the words of the Lord Jesus. [00:22:26]

There will be one flock and one Shepherd we will come back to the oneness of this but right now I'm just hammering on the Wills and the shells and the musts of this text there will be one flock there will be one flock and one Shepherd I have other sheep that are not of this fold I must bring them also they will listen to my voice there will be one flock and one Shepherd. [00:24:32]

This flock is forever you will make it to heaven let me sum up what we've seen and for those who are steeped in the Bible I'm gonna say it in a way that will make your ears ring with Romans 8 with no artificial effort at all ok so having your mind will you be able to coax in if you don't know I'm talking about it's okay you'll hear it but you get it without hearing it. [00:26:12]

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 would be one flock that is from all the ethnic groups you may think well that's an over interpretation yeah yeah it would be if I didn't have a lot of other John statements in mind which I'll show you from all the other ethnic groups around the world with the Jewish sheep in one fold and one Shepherd. [00:29:35]

I have other sheep don't you dare become ingrown don't you dare become us few are chosen few I must bring them it will cost me my life may cost you yours and there will be one flock with one Shepherd from every ethnic group on the planet not at that point you have to say aren't you going beyond the text yes I am I'm going all the way to chapter 11. [00:33:15]

Bethlehem we will resist all ethnic arrogance number to Bethlehem we will pursue gospel based diversity and Christ exalting racial harmony ethnic diversity racial harmony for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of Christ it's written in the fabric of our Redemption this is why he died and Bethlehem we will pray that the strife transcending voice of Jesus will be heard wherever ethnic hostilities are feeding destructive riots like London Birmingham Manchester and of course our own land at various times we will pray. [00:43:46]

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