Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ

Summary

In our journey as followers of Christ, we are called to a life of obedience and proclamation of the Gospel. This calling is not a mere suggestion but a divine commission, a sacred duty entrusted to us by the Lord Himself. As we delve into the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, has commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations.

The authority of Christ is the bedrock of our mission. It is an everlasting authority that knows no bounds, neither in the physical realm nor in the spiritual. This authority is not limited by human constructs or geographical borders; it is absolute and eternal. It is with this understanding of Christ's sovereign rule that we can confidently step out into the world to fulfill our calling.

The commission of Christ is clear and unequivocal. We are to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded. This task is not optional; it is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We are not merely called to invite people to church and leave the work of evangelism to the ordained; we are all sent out to share the good news of the Gospel with our family, friends, and co-workers.

The presence of Christ is our constant encouragement. He assures us that He is with us always, to the end of the age. This promise is not just a word of support; it is the reality of God's abiding presence with us as we engage in the work of the kingdom. We are not alone in this mission; our Sovereign King is with us, leading, strengthening, and comforting us every step of the way.

As we share the Gospel, we must remember that salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit. Our role is to plant and water the seeds of faith, but it is God who gives the growth. We must be prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in us, yet do so with gentleness and respect, knowing that it is not our eloquence or knowledge that saves, but the power of the Spirit at work in the hearts of those we encounter.

Key Takeaways:

- The authority of Christ is the foundation of our mission to make disciples. His sovereign rule over all creation gives us the confidence to step out in faith, knowing that He orchestrates our encounters and empowers our efforts. We are not acting on our own authority but on the highest authority given by God Himself. [49:33]

- The commission of Christ is not a passive suggestion but an active command to every believer. We are all called to participate in the work of the Gospel, not as spectators but as active agents of God's reconciling love. This commission is a sacred trust, a holy responsibility that we carry with joy and seriousness.

- The presence of Christ is our encouragement and strength as we engage in the work of making disciples. His promise to be with us always is not merely a comforting thought but a living reality that sustains us in every challenge and opportunity we face in sharing the Gospel.

- Salvation is ultimately a work of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on our abilities or knowledge. Our role is to faithfully share the message of Christ, trusting that the Spirit will do the work of convicting, converting, and transforming the hearts of those who hear.

- As disciples of Christ, we must be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have, but always with gentleness and respect. Our goal is not to win arguments but to lovingly point others to the truth of the Gospel, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through our testimony to draw people to Christ.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus claim about His authority in Matthew 28:18?
2. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands His disciples to take?
3. How does Jesus assure His disciples of His presence in Matthew 28:20?
4. In the sermon, what personal fears did the pastor mention about sharing the Gospel? ([04:03])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the authority of Christ significant for the mission of making disciples? ([05:05])
2. How does understanding that salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit impact our approach to evangelism? ([16:52])
3. What does it mean to be emboldened by the commission of Christ, and how should this affect our daily lives? ([14:08])
4. How does the promise of Christ's presence provide encouragement and strength in fulfilling the Great Commission? ([33:13])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hesitant to share your faith. What specific fears held you back, and how can the understanding of Christ's authority help you overcome these fears? ([04:03])
2. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What steps can you take this week to share the Gospel with them, keeping in mind that it is the Holy Spirit who works in their hearts? ([16:52])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of praying for boldness in your daily routine? What specific prayer can you start with? ([31:27])
4. Think about your current understanding of the Gospel. Are there areas where you feel unprepared to give a defense for your faith? What resources or steps can you take to grow in this area? ([29:08])
5. The pastor mentioned that living out the Gospel should match what we say. Reflect on your daily actions and interactions. Are there areas where your life does not align with the message of the Gospel? How can you address these inconsistencies? ([21:05])
6. Consider the promise that Jesus is with us always. How can this assurance change the way you approach difficult conversations about faith? ([33:13])
7. The pastor encouraged the congregation to share the Gospel with family and friends before they hear it from the church. Who in your immediate circle can you start a spiritual conversation with this week? ([19:47])

Devotional

Day 1: Christ's Authority Empowers Our Mission
The authority of Jesus Christ is not just a theological concept; it is the very foundation upon which we stand as we carry out the Great Commission. This authority transcends all earthly powers and gives us the boldness to step out in faith, knowing that our efforts are backed by the One who holds all creation in His hands. When we understand that we are operating under the highest authority, our perspective shifts from uncertainty to confidence. We are not just volunteers; we are ambassadors of the King, sent out with His message and His backing. This divine endorsement is what enables us to face opposition, cultural barriers, and our own limitations, as we make disciples of all nations.

The authority of Christ also shapes how we view our encounters with others. We do not need to force conversations or manipulate situations; we can trust that God is orchestrating our steps and that He has gone before us to prepare the hearts of those we will meet. Our role is to be obedient and to share the Gospel with love and truth, leaving the results in God's capable hands. This understanding frees us from the pressure to 'convert' people and allows us to focus on being faithful witnesses of Christ's love and salvation [49:33].

Matthew 10:1 - "And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction."

Reflection: How does recognizing Christ's authority over all aspects of life change the way you approach sharing your faith with others?

Day 2: The Commission Calls Us to Active Engagement
The commission given by Christ is not a passive suggestion but an active command that requires our engagement. It is a sacred trust, a responsibility that we carry not out of obligation but out of love for our Savior and for those who do not yet know Him. This commission is not reserved for a select few; it is the collective calling of the church, where every member plays a vital role in the mission. We are all equipped with unique gifts and opportunities to share the Gospel, whether it be through our words, our actions, or our very lives.

Understanding the commission as a holy responsibility instills a sense of purpose and urgency in our hearts. We are not simply waiting for people to come to us; we are actively going out into the world, seeking opportunities to demonstrate and declare the love of Christ. This active engagement is not about adding another task to our busy schedules; it is about integrating the mission into every aspect of our lives, making discipleship a natural outflow of our relationship with Jesus [49:33].

1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: In what ways can you integrate the mission of making disciples into your daily routines and interactions?

Day 3: Christ's Presence Sustains Us in Our Mission
The promise of Christ's presence with us is not just a comforting thought; it is a powerful reality that sustains us as we engage in the work of making disciples. This assurance is not dependent on our feelings or circumstances; it is a constant truth that undergirds every step we take in obedience to the commission. Knowing that Jesus is with us always, to the end of the age, gives us the courage to face challenges and the perseverance to continue when the going gets tough.

Christ's presence brings comfort in times of loneliness, strength in times of weakness, and wisdom in times of uncertainty. As we step out to share the Gospel, we can rely on His guidance and the peace that comes from knowing He is in control. This divine companionship is what enables us to move beyond our comfort zones and to take risks for the sake of the kingdom. It is the source of our joy and the reason for our hope as we labor in the fields that are ripe for harvest [49:33].

Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: How does the reality of Christ's presence in your life give you confidence and peace as you share your faith with others?

Day 4: The Spirit's Work in Salvation
Salvation is ultimately a work of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on our abilities or knowledge. Our role is to faithfully share the message of Christ, trusting that the Spirit will do the work of convicting, converting, and transforming the hearts of those who hear. This truth relieves us from the burden of trying to 'save' people through our own efforts and allows us to rest in the power of the Spirit to bring about spiritual birth and growth.

As we plant and water the seeds of faith, we do so in partnership with the Holy Spirit, who is the true agent of change in people's lives. Our responsibility is to be obedient in sharing the Gospel and to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have. We do this with gentleness and respect, knowing that it is God who opens blind eyes and softens hard hearts. This partnership with the Spirit is what empowers our witness and ensures that the glory goes to God alone for any fruit that is produced [49:33].

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."

Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own efforts in sharing the Gospel with others?

Day 5: Gentle and Respectful Witness
As disciples of Christ, we are called to give a reason for the hope we have, but to do so with gentleness and respect. Our goal is not to win arguments but to lovingly point others to the truth of the Gospel. This approach reflects the character of Christ, who always engaged with people in love and humility. It also acknowledges the dignity of every person we encounter, respecting their journey and their freedom to respond to the message of Christ.

Engaging in gentle and respectful conversation about our faith requires us to listen well, to understand where others are coming from, and to respond with compassion. It means being honest about our own struggles and doubts, while also sharing the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. This kind of witness is compelling and attractive, drawing people not to us but to Christ, through whom they can find true hope and salvation [49:33].

Colossians 4:5-6 - "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: How can you practice sharing your faith with gentleness and respect in conversations with friends, family, or colleagues this week?

Quotes

- "The authority of Christ empowers us because it's the foundation on which we are sent out into the world to go and live out the Great Commission." [12:22] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "We have to remember our identity as Disciples of Christ and our calling to make disciples no matter the cost." [25:18] (Download | )

- "Salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit. When we start struggling with what words to use, remember their salvation is not dependent on me and not you." [25:59] (Download | )

- "The presence of Christ encourages us. Our Sovereign King who has all authority in Heaven and Earth has commissioned us for such a great work and he goes with us." [34:30] (Download | )

- "We are being sent right where we are in our homes, in our workplace, at the ball fields, that we would share the good news of the Gospel to our family and our friends and our co-workers." [17:59] (Download | )

- "The commission of Christ emboldens us because he's giving us a specific purpose, a mission one that we did not come up with on our own but Christ himself has given it to us." [14:41] (Download | )

- "We can't change what that corn seed's going to become, but there's a process that God has created for it to become the corn that we eat. It's the same for The Souls of people; God has an ordained process in which they come to Christ and you and I are part of that process." [17:24] (Download | )

- "Jesus is always with us, leading us, strengthening us, comforting us, and he says he is with us till the end of the age. The presence of Christ encourages us." [35:15] (Download | )

- "We must first go and proclaim the good news of the Gospel. That's what we are about as being disciples." [15:44] (Download | )

- "The authority of Christ is the bedrock of our mission. It is an everlasting authority that knows no bounds, neither in the physical realm nor in the spiritual." [07:30] (Download | )

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?