Called to Action: Sharing Christ with Urgency
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to action, to be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that is in desperate need of His love and salvation. As we delve into the Scriptures, particularly Luke chapter 10, we are reminded of the urgency and the responsibility that comes with being followers of Christ. The Lord appointed 70 others, sending them out in pairs to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. This act of sending out is not just a historical account; it is a template for our mission today.
The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. This truth resonates as much today as it did back then. We are surrounded by a vast field ripe for the harvest, a world teeming with souls yearning for the truth, whether they realize it or not. The staggering number of people moving into Tennessee alone, with over 83,000 in 2022, highlights the continuous influx of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, each one an opportunity to share the Gospel.
As laborers in God's field, we are not to be weighed down by material concerns. Jesus instructed the 70 to carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes, and to rely on the hospitality of those they encountered. This instruction is a call to trust in God's provision, to step out in faith, knowing that our needs will be met by our Heavenly Father. We are to eat what is set before us, to stay in the house where we are welcomed, and to bless those who receive us. These actions are not just about physical sustenance or shelter; they are about building relationships, about being present and engaged with those we are called to serve.
The mission is not without its challenges. We will encounter rejection, as not everyone will be receptive to the message of Christ. Yet, even in rejection, we are to respond with grace, wiping the dust from our feet as a testimony against them, and moving on to those whose hearts are open. We must remember that it is not us they are rejecting, but Christ, and ultimately, the Father who sent Him.
The consequences of rejecting Christ are severe. The cities that witnessed His miracles yet remained unrepentant will face a harsher judgment than those like Tyre and Sidon, which did not have the same opportunity to hear the truth. This underscores the importance of our mission to make Jesus known. For those who have not heard, we must go and tell. For those who have heard and rejected, we pray for their hearts to be softened.
In summary, our mission is clear: to make Jesus known. We are to go out, trusting in God's provision, building relationships, and sharing the Gospel with boldness and love. We are to be wise, understanding that winning souls is the true measure of wisdom. And we must be persistent, never giving up on those who have yet to receive Christ, for the next encounter may be the moment of their salvation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Harvest is plentiful, and we are called to be laborers in God's field, sharing the Gospel with urgency and compassion. We must recognize the vast opportunities to witness for Christ in our own communities and beyond, as the world is filled with people hungry for the truth. [56:41]
- Trusting in God's provision is essential as we carry out our mission. Just as Jesus instructed the 70 to carry no provisions, we too must rely on God to meet our needs, freeing us to focus on the spiritual needs of others. This trust fosters a deeper dependence on God and a freedom from material concerns that can hinder our witness. [01:06:03]
- Rejection is not a reflection of our failure but a rejection of Christ Himself. When we face opposition or indifference, we must remember that our role is to faithfully deliver the message of salvation; the response is in God's hands. This perspective helps us to persevere in the face of discouragement. [01:26:27]
- The severity of judgment for those who reject Christ after witnessing His power and grace is a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in our mission. It compels us to share the Gospel with clarity and urgency, knowing that eternal destinies hang in the balance. [01:24:34]
- Persistence in evangelism is key. The story of Dr. Gray Allison's repeated visits to a man who initially rejected the Gospel demonstrates that our steadfastness can eventually lead to someone's salvation. We must never tire of sharing Christ, for we never know which conversation will lead to a breakthrough. [01:20:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 10:1-16
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the 70 disciples when He sent them out? ([52:08])
2. How did Jesus describe the state of the harvest and the laborers in Luke 10:2? ([55:57])
3. What were the disciples instructed to do if a city did not receive them? ([18:51])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs rather than individually? ([54:03])
2. What does it mean to "wipe the dust from your feet" as a testimony against those who reject the message? How does this apply to our mission today? ([18:51])
3. How does trusting in God's provision, as instructed by Jesus, challenge our modern-day approach to mission and evangelism? ([06:03])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the statement, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." How can you personally respond to this call to be a laborer in God's field? ([55:57])
2. Jesus instructed the disciples to carry no money belt, no bag, and no shoes. What are some "material concerns" in your life that might be hindering your witness? How can you begin to trust God more in these areas? ([06:03])
3. Have you ever faced rejection when sharing the Gospel? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Jesus' instruction to respond with grace? ([18:51])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of building relationships and being present with those we are called to serve. Can you think of a specific person or group in your community that you can start building a relationship with? ([06:36])
5. The consequences of rejecting Christ are severe. How does this truth impact your sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel with others? ([24:34])
6. Persistence in evangelism is key. Think of someone you have shared the Gospel with who has not yet accepted it. How can you continue to engage with them and pray for their salvation? ([20:37])
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of trusting in God's provision. Share a time when you stepped out in faith and saw God provide for your needs. How can this experience encourage you to take further steps of faith in your mission? ([06:03])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Harvest's Abundance
The fields are ripe for harvest, and the laborers are few. This vivid imagery calls believers to recognize the vast opportunities to witness for Christ in their own communities and beyond. The world is filled with people hungry for the truth, and it is the responsibility of each believer to step into the role of a laborer in God's field. This means actively seeking out those who are searching for meaning and offering them the hope found in the Gospel. It is not a passive waiting for people to come but an active going out to meet them where they are. The staggering number of people moving into new areas, such as Tennessee, is a testament to the continuous opportunities to engage with a diverse range of individuals. Each person represents a unique chance to share the love and salvation of Jesus Christ. [56:41]
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'" (Matthew 9:37-38 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your immediate community have you overlooked as a potential person to share the Gospel with, and how can you begin that conversation this week?
Day 2: Trust in Divine Provision
As believers step out to fulfill their mission, trusting in God's provision is paramount. Jesus instructed the 70 to carry no provisions, teaching them to rely on God to meet their needs. This instruction is not just about physical sustenance but also about a deeper spiritual lesson. It is a call to trust that God will provide for the laborers as they focus on the spiritual needs of others. This trust allows believers to foster a deeper dependence on God and a freedom from material concerns that can hinder their witness. It is a reminder that God is the ultimate provider and that His provision may come through the hospitality and generosity of those they encounter in their mission. [01:06:03]
"And he said to them, 'Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.'" (Luke 9:3 ESV)
Reflection: What material concerns are you allowing to hinder your mission, and how can you surrender these to God to more fully rely on His provision?
Day 3: Grace in the Face of Rejection
Rejection is an inevitable part of sharing the Gospel, but it is not a reflection of personal failure. When believers face opposition or indifference, it is important to remember that the message of salvation is what is being rejected, not the messenger. This perspective helps maintain perseverance in the face of discouragement. Believers are called to respond with grace, wiping the dust from their feet as a testimony against those who reject Christ, and moving on to those whose hearts are open. The role of the believer is to faithfully deliver the message; the response is in God's hands. [01:26:27]
"And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." (Mark 6:11 ESV)
Reflection: How can you better prepare yourself to face rejection with grace, and what can you do to ensure it doesn't discourage you from continuing to share the Gospel?
Day 4: The Urgency of the Gospel Message
The severity of judgment for those who reject Christ after witnessing His power and grace is a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in sharing the Gospel. It compels believers to share the message with clarity and urgency, knowing that eternal destinies hang in the balance. The cities that witnessed Jesus' miracles yet remained unrepentant will face a harsher judgment than those that did not have the same opportunity to hear the truth. This underscores the importance of the mission to make Jesus known and the urgency with which believers must approach their calling. [01:24:34]
"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes." (Luke 10:13 ESV)
Reflection: What can you do to convey the urgency of the Gospel message in your daily interactions, and how can you ensure that you are not missing opportunities to share it?
Day 5: Persistence in Evangelism
Persistence in evangelism is key to the mission of spreading the Gospel. The story of Dr. Gray Allison's repeated visits to a man who initially rejected the Gospel demonstrates that steadfastness can eventually lead to someone's salvation. Believers must never tire of sharing Christ, for they never know which conversation will lead to a breakthrough. This requires patience, endurance, and a deep-seated hope that God is working in the hearts of those they encounter. Each attempt to share the Gospel is a seed planted, which in God's timing, may grow into a life transformed by Christ. [01:20:37]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 ESV)
Reflection: Can you think of someone who has been resistant to the Gospel in the past, and how might you approach them differently now with persistence and hope?
Quotes
- "The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. The problem isn't that God doesn't have those out there that will believe your message; the problem is too few people are sharing the message." [58:39](Download | )
- "Trust in God's provision is essential. Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes. Go in faith and trust me. Child of God, let us live by faith, not by sight." [01:07:09](Download | )
- "Rejection is not personal; they're rejecting Jesus, and He can handle it. When you talk about Him and they reject you, realize they're rejecting Him and the Father who sent Him." [01:26:27](Download | )
- "The severity of judgment for those who reject Christ after witnessing His power and grace is sobering. Those who knew the truth and rejected the gospel will suffer greater judgment." [01:24:34](Download | )
- "Persistence in evangelism is key. Dr. Gray Allison went back a 17th time, and the man heard the gospel and repented and believed. We must never tire of sharing Christ." [01:20:37](Download | )
- "Jesus reassures the 70 that the Harvest is plentiful; there will be a positive response to the message you share. Share the gospel because the Harvest is plentiful." [57:19](Download | )
- "The appointment by Christ to the 70 was to prepare the people for Jesus to come to them. We today are to go tell people of the Jesus that has come, has died, has resurrected." [55:57](Download | )
- "The world is coming to Tennessee. With over 120 different people groups here, the mission field is vast and diverse, requiring our urgent attention and action." [48:26](Download | )
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