Boldly Embracing Our Mission in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound invitation of Jesus to come to Him for rest, as He offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. We reflected on Psalm 46, which reminds us of God's unwavering presence and strength, even amidst chaos and turmoil. As a church, we are committed to helping each individual take their next step with Christ, whether that means beginning a relationship with Him or deepening an existing one. We also highlighted the importance of supporting church planting efforts through the Annie Armstrong Easter offering, emphasizing the transformative impact of new churches in unreached areas.
Our focus then shifted to the reality of living as Christians in a world that can often feel hostile. Drawing from Matthew 10:16-25, we discussed the call to be bold in sharing the kingdom message, even in the face of persecution. Jesus sends us out as sheep among wolves, urging us to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. This mission requires us to embrace the challenges, rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and persevere through trials, knowing that Jesus Himself faced persecution and overcame it.
We are reminded that our faith journey is not one of comfort and security but of allegiance to Christ, who empowers us to stand firm. As we navigate a world that may reject us, we find solace in the fact that Jesus is with us, equipping us to be His witnesses. Our perseverance is not just about enduring hardships but about holding on to the hope and promise of the kingdom to come. Let us be encouraged to boldly proclaim the gospel, trusting in the Spirit's power and preparing the next generation to stand firm in their faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace the Mission: Jesus calls us to be bold in our faith, sending us as sheep among wolves. This mission requires us to be shrewd and pure, navigating a world that may be hostile to the gospel. Our allegiance to Christ means prioritizing His kingdom over comfort and security. [48:06]
2. Empowered for Witness: The Holy Spirit equips us to speak and act in moments of persecution. We are reminded that God provides the words and wisdom we need when we rely on Him. This empowerment is a testament to God's presence and power in our lives. [58:43]
3. Persevere to the End: Following Jesus means being prepared for persecution, as He was persecuted. Our commitment to Christ involves enduring hardships and standing firm in our faith, knowing that our reward is not of this world but in the kingdom to come. [01:10:03]
4. Rely on the Spirit: In moments of uncertainty and challenge, the Holy Spirit works through us, turning our words into a force that changes hearts. Our daily spiritual disciplines prepare us to be vessels of God's truth and love. [01:02:53]
5. Prepare the Next Generation: As we face increasing challenges to our faith, it is crucial to equip the next generation to stand firm. By grounding them in the gospel and teaching them to rely on God's word, we prepare them for a future where their faith may be tested. [01:14:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Invitation to Rest
- [01:15] - Reading Psalm 46
- [02:45] - Church Welcome and Mission
- [04:30] - Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
- [06:15] - Prayer for Church Planters
- [09:00] - Global Church and Persecution
- [12:00] - Scripture Reading: Romans 5
- [14:30] - Introduction to Matthew 10
- [16:00] - Sheep Among Wolves
- [18:30] - Embrace the Mission
- [21:00] - Empowered for Witness
- [24:00] - Persevere to the End
- [27:00] - Preparing the Next Generation
- [30:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 10:16-25
- Psalm 46
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus describes sending His followers out as "sheep among wolves." What characteristics does He instruct them to embody, and why might these be important? [51:08]
2. According to Psalm 46, what are some of the ways God is described as a refuge and strength for His people? How does this imagery provide comfort in times of trouble? [37:04]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of being "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." What does this mean in the context of living out one's faith in a hostile world? [51:08]
4. How does the Holy Spirit assist believers when they face persecution, according to Matthew 10:19-20? [58:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might it mean for a Christian to be "shrewd as serpents" while maintaining innocence, and how can this balance be achieved in everyday life? [51:08]
2. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit's guidance during persecution (Matthew 10:19-20) affect a believer's confidence in sharing their faith? [58:43]
3. In what ways does Psalm 46 encourage believers to trust in God's presence and power during chaotic times? How can this trust be practically demonstrated? [37:04]
4. The sermon emphasized the need to prepare the next generation to stand firm in their faith. What are some practical steps that can be taken to equip young believers for future challenges? [01:14:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt like a "sheep among wolves." How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to embody the qualities Jesus describes in Matthew 10:16? [51:08]
2. Consider a time when you relied on the Holy Spirit for words or wisdom in a challenging conversation. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how can you prepare yourself for future opportunities to witness? [58:43]
3. Psalm 46 speaks of God as a refuge and strength. Identify a current challenge in your life where you need to lean on God's strength. What specific steps can you take to trust Him more in this situation? [37:04]
4. The sermon discussed the importance of perseverance in the face of persecution. What are some practical ways you can cultivate perseverance in your spiritual life, especially when facing opposition? [01:10:03]
5. How can you actively support church planting efforts, such as those mentioned in the Annie Armstrong Easter offering, in your community or beyond? What role can you play in spreading the gospel to unreached areas? [37:04]
6. Think about a young person in your life who is growing in their faith. How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual development and prepare them to stand firm in their beliefs? [01:14:57]
7. Reflect on your current spiritual disciplines. Are there areas where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance? What changes can you make to ensure you are a vessel of God's truth and love? [01:02:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Boldness in Faith
In a world that often feels hostile to the message of the gospel, Christians are called to embrace their mission with boldness. Jesus sends His followers out as sheep among wolves, urging them to be both shrewd and innocent. This mission is not about seeking comfort or security but about prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else. As believers navigate the challenges of living out their faith, they are reminded that their allegiance to Christ requires courage and wisdom. The call to be bold is not just about speaking out but also about living a life that reflects the values of the kingdom. [48:06]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel hesitant to share your faith. What steps can you take this week to be more bold and intentional in that area?
Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in equipping believers to be effective witnesses, especially in moments of persecution. When faced with challenges, Christians are reminded that they are not alone; the Spirit provides the words and wisdom needed to navigate difficult situations. This empowerment is a testament to God's presence and power in the lives of His followers. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can speak and act with confidence, knowing that God is working through them to accomplish His purposes. [58:43]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt unprepared to share your faith. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in similar situations in the future?
Day 3: Perseverance Through Trials
Following Jesus involves being prepared for persecution, just as He was persecuted. The journey of faith is not one of comfort but of commitment to Christ, which often means enduring hardships. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, knowing that their reward is not of this world but in the kingdom to come. Perseverance is not just about enduring difficulties but about holding on to the hope and promise of what lies ahead. [01:10:03]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and perseverance in your faith journey?
Day 4: Relying on the Spirit's Guidance
In moments of uncertainty and challenge, the Holy Spirit works through believers, turning their words into a force that changes hearts. Daily spiritual disciplines prepare Christians to be vessels of God's truth and love. By cultivating a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate life's challenges with grace and wisdom. This reliance on the Spirit is not just about seeking guidance but about being open to the transformative work God wants to do in and through them. [01:02:53]
Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."
Reflection: Consider your daily spiritual practices. How can you intentionally create space to listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life?
Day 5: Equipping the Next Generation
As the world presents increasing challenges to the Christian faith, it is crucial to prepare the next generation to stand firm. By grounding them in the gospel and teaching them to rely on God's word, believers can equip young people to face a future where their faith may be tested. This preparation involves not only imparting knowledge but also modeling a life of faith and reliance on God. By investing in the spiritual growth of the next generation, believers ensure that the message of the gospel continues to thrive. [01:14:57]
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Reflection: Identify a young person in your life whom you can mentor in their faith. What practical steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth this week?
Quotes
"Lord Jesus tells us this Come to me All of you who are weary and burdened And I will give you rest Take up my yoke and learn from me Because I am lowly and humble in heart And you will find rest for your souls For my yoke is easy And my burden Is light Would you stand to your feet And let's read God's word back to him From Psalm 46 Let's read this from our hearts God is our refuge and strength A helper who is always found In times of trouble Therefore we will not be afraid Though the earth trembles And the mountains topple Into the depths of the seas Though its water roars and foams And the mountains quake with its turmoil Selah There is a river Its streams delight the city of God The whole dwelling place of the Most High God is within her She will not be toppled God will help her when the morning dawns Nations rage Kingdoms topple The earth melts when he lifts his voice The Lord of armies is with us The God of Jacob is our stronghold Come see the works of the Lord Who brings devastation on the earth He makes wars cease throughout the earth He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces He sets wagons ablaze Stop fighting and know that I am God Exalted among the nations Exalted on the earth The Lord of armies is with us The God of Jacob is our stronghold Amen Do you believe it?" [00:11:34] (111 seconds)
"Good morning and welcome to Hebron Baptist Church. I'm Pastor Sean, and I'm glad that you're here this morning. We welcome you here to Hebron Baptist Church. We are a church that is committed to helping you take your next step with Christ. So, if you're here by invitation of someone, we will welcome you to say, Trust in Jesus Christ today. We hope that you would trust and faith in Jesus Christ and be saved. Or maybe you've been a Christian for a long time. We can help you, either learning to be a disciple, staying in the Word, growing in faith, becoming a missionary, going to the ends of the earth, going on short -term missions, whatever that is, we want to help you become and take your next step. So, we're glad that you're here this morning." [00:21:46] (47 seconds)
"In your bulletin is information about our Annie Armstrong Easter offering. We will be promoting that. You'll see a video later in our service today as we support our church plants across America and Canada. The North American Mission Board is our partner in funding and starting churches across America and Canada. And in this guide is some of their stories. So, you're going to hear some of their stories, but this is a way for you to pray for them. So, this week, please do this. If anything, please make sure that you pray for these this week. And over the next couple of weeks, we'll be highlighting some of their stories. So, we hope that you'll do that. This is a time that we focus on them." [00:23:32] (49 seconds)
"Living as a Christian today, we truly understand and get a sense of what it's like, what Jesus is saying to the disciples here in Matthew chapter 10. When Jesus sends us with the kingdom message, we are going to a culture that is lost and also enemies of God. And therefore living as a Christian today can feel like volunteering for the juice box gig and finding out you're going to the gauntlet. The reality for us as Christians is that we know that we will face persecution of some kind. Maybe it's a light eye roll. Maybe it's tension with family and friends. Maybe it's being ostracized at the break room or even in your family. Finally, we know that as Christians, we stand for a kingdom. And though the kingdom is good news, it divides and puts us in the crosshairs of the world." [00:47:01] (70 seconds)
"These pressures are real, but there is comfort that Jesus gives us today. First, he knows what we're facing. Two, he has overcome it. And three, he is saying he will go with us as we face the trials that are ahead. Maybe you're experiencing some of these today. Maybe you feel like a fish out of water in your family. Maybe you feel like you don't have a home in your home. Maybe you're the only Christian in your home. Maybe it's not persecution as they would face, flogging or jail time or death. But we are facing persecution at a growing rate." [00:48:52] (53 seconds)
"Jesus in verse 16 says, I am sending you like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves. We are boldly to go into the with the message of the kingdom and of the gospel, knowing that we will face persecution. But Jesus says that we should go boldly. I am sending you out again with his authority. Now, this is a very startling picture, isn't it? Jesus says, I'm sending you like sheep. Sheep are helpless, defenseless, slow. Yet, Jesus is saying, I know I'm sending you that way. He's sending us into a place that is far from God who is in evils. They are in darkness. Brothers and sisters, we know the reality of the world that we are being sent." [00:51:08] (54 seconds)
"The reality is, Jesus is proclaiming and telling us that he is knowingly sending us to a world that will hate us. And that will come against us. And friends, in a world and a culture that prioritizes comfort and security. This is Jesus reminding us, this is not the calling that I am sending you to. Christianity is not a one of comfort and security. It's allegiance to the king. It's allegiance to go where he sends. Comfort and Christianity are oxymorons. It can't be that way. We cannot expect security and comfort to be a part of our discipleship." [00:55:34] (53 seconds)
"This is a good reminder to us that those that God calls, he equips. Those that God sends, he empowers. The believers and Christians have the Holy Spirit in us that we might do his kingdom work. Verse 19 through 20, Jesus warns that you're going to be facing persecution. There are going to be times that you are set to justify or speak among people who are hostile to the name of Jesus. Now here he says, governors, kings, and to the Gentiles. And even though that we might not have the, the ear of a king or prince or prime minister or governor or mayor or council person. Hmm. Jim we have." [00:58:15] (60 seconds)
"Friends, in the same way, so often that we get, we shy away from sharing the gospel. We think of the worst. We think of the, the cancel culture that we are a part of. We think of the eye rolls. We think of the ways that people might ostracize us, but friends, let us not make light of the Holy Spirit working in us. It is then that we are growing and relying on the spirit more. The more often that we put ourselves in situations that we know we need to share the gospel and that we're in situations that we might be in hostile territory, that's after actually God stripping us away from our crutches and saying, don't do it yourself. Rely on me." [01:04:26] (48 seconds)
"Brothers and sisters, be reminded that even if you're going into persecution, that we can depend on the spirit. But number three, persevere to the end. Persevere to the end. We imitate King Jesus as we bear his name. Verse 21 through 25, Jesus lays out how that brothers will betray brothers, fathers, children. Children will rise up against parents. He says in verse 22, you will be hated by everyone because of my name. They will persecute you in town, flee from another. A disciple is not above his teacher, a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher, to slave his master. If they called the head of the house, Beelzebub, how much more will the members of his household?" [01:09:23] (51 seconds)
"Friends, the gospel and the kingdom is a, is the hope of the world and good news, but it brings division because it says that the kingdom of this world will not pay out. It leads to death and destruction. And you can't keep living according to this world. The gospel good news is that there is only hope in the righteousness of Jesus, but he must be your Lord and savior. Boom. Right there, there's a division, a dividing line. And Jesus says there will be brothers against brothers, children against parents, parents against children. It is dividing line. And sometimes brothers and sisters in churches, when the faithful Bible and gospel is preached, those who are, who are, who are still of the world flee because they don't like what they're being called to." [01:11:08] (58 seconds)
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