Embracing Christ's Ever-Present Assurance in Our Mission

 

Summary

In the final words of the Great Commission, Jesus offers a profound promise to His disciples: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This assurance is not just a future promise but a present reality. Jesus emphasizes His constant presence, using an emphatic phrase to convey that He is with us now and always. This promise is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that while human promises may falter, God's presence is unwavering.

Throughout Scripture, we see the theme of God being with His people. From the intimate creation of Adam to God's presence with Israel in the wilderness, God has always drawn near to His creation. The prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us," is fulfilled in Jesus, who dwelt among us. Yet, Jesus' physical departure was not a loss but a gain, as He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit, the Helper, empowers us, convicts the world, and ensures the fulfillment of God's mission.

The Great Commission is not a task we accomplish alone. It is the Holy Spirit who prepares hearts, regenerates souls, and brings the increase. Our role is to be faithful, trusting the Spirit to do what only He can. This understanding shapes our approach to ministry, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than human tactics.

The culmination of history is not an end but a rebirth, a transformation into a new heaven and earth where sin is no more. Until then, we are called to be faithful witnesses, shining as lights in the world. The local church plays a crucial role in this mission, being the primary means through which disciples are made and nurtured. As we engage in this mission, we do so with the assurance of Christ's presence and the empowerment of the Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' promise, "I am with you always," is a present reality, emphasizing His constant presence in our lives. This assurance is foundational, reminding us that while human promises may fail, God's presence is steadfast and unwavering. [01:18]

- The theme of God being with His people is woven throughout Scripture, from creation to the prophecy of Emmanuel. Jesus' incarnation fulfills this promise, and His physical departure ushers in the presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides us. [06:17]

- The Holy Spirit is central to the fulfillment of the Great Commission, preparing hearts and ensuring the success of God's mission. Our role is to be faithful, relying on the Spirit's power rather than human strategies. [10:24]

- The culmination of history is a transformation into a new heaven and earth, where sin is no more. Until then, we are called to be faithful witnesses, shining as lights in the world, with the assurance of Christ's presence and the Spirit's empowerment. [14:20]

- The local church is the primary means through which disciples are made and nurtured. As we engage in the mission of the Great Commission, we do so with the understanding that the church is central to God's plan for reaching the world. [23:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - The Great Commission's Final Words
- [00:49] - Jesus' Assurance to the Disciples
- [01:38] - Human Promises vs. God's Presence
- [02:50] - God With Us: A Biblical Theme
- [04:31] - God's Presence in the Wilderness
- [05:11] - Prophecy of Emmanuel Fulfilled
- [06:17] - Jesus' Incarnation and Presence
- [07:11] - The Advantage of Jesus' Departure
- [08:52] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [10:24] - The Spirit's Work in the Great Commission
- [12:56] - The End of the Age and New Creation
- [14:20] - The Culmination of History
- [16:02] - Empowered by the Spirit
- [18:06] - The Role of the Local Church
- [20:09] - Being Witnesses and Light
- [22:44] - The Church's Role in the Great Commission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:18-20
2. John 16:7-11
3. Acts 2:41-47

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 28:20, what specific promise does Jesus make to His disciples, and how does this promise relate to the theme of God's presence throughout Scripture? [01:18]

2. According to John 16:7, why does Jesus say it is to the disciples' advantage that He goes away? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this context? [08:52]

3. In Acts 2:42-47, what activities were the early church devoted to, and how did these activities contribute to the growth of the church? [22:44]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of the Great Commission? [10:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of Jesus' constant presence in Matthew 28:20 provide comfort and assurance to believers today? [01:18]

2. What does Jesus mean when He says in John 16:7 that it is better for Him to leave so the Holy Spirit can come? How might this understanding affect a believer's reliance on the Holy Spirit? [08:52]

3. In what ways does the description of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 serve as a model for modern churches in fulfilling the Great Commission? [22:44]

4. How does the sermon explain the role of the local church in the mission of making disciples, and why is this role considered central to God's plan? [23:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a challenging situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith, and how can you remind yourself of Jesus' promise, "I am with you always," in your daily life? [01:18]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit rather than human strategies. What are some practical ways you can depend more on the Holy Spirit in your personal ministry or daily interactions? [10:24]

3. Consider the activities of the early church in Acts 2:42-47. Which of these activities do you feel your church or small group could focus on more, and how might this enhance your community's spiritual growth? [22:44]

4. The sermon highlights the role of the local church in making disciples. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to nurture and make disciples? What specific steps can you take this week to contribute to this mission? [23:04]

5. Jesus' departure was described as advantageous because it allowed the Holy Spirit to come. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit in your life, and what changes might you need to make to prioritize this relationship? [08:52]

6. The sermon mentions the culmination of history as a transformation into a new heaven and earth. How does this future hope influence your current perspective on life's challenges and your role as a witness for Christ? [14:20]

7. Identify one person in your life who may be open to learning about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, and what role can the Holy Spirit play in guiding this interaction? [10:24]

Devotional

Day 1: The Ever-Present Promise of Jesus
Jesus' promise, "I am with you always," is not just a comforting thought for the future but a present reality that transforms our daily lives. This assurance is foundational to our faith, reminding us that while human promises may fail, God's presence is steadfast and unwavering. In a world where uncertainty and change are constant, the knowledge that Jesus is with us provides a deep sense of peace and security. This promise encourages us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we are never alone. [01:18]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of Jesus' constant presence today? How can this assurance change the way you approach these areas?


Day 2: God With Us: A Fulfilled Promise
The theme of God being with His people is woven throughout Scripture, from the creation of Adam to the prophecy of Emmanuel. Jesus' incarnation fulfills this promise, and His physical departure was not a loss but a gain, as it ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit empowers and guides us, ensuring that we are never without divine assistance. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a testament to God's ongoing commitment to be with us, guiding us in truth and empowering us for His mission. [06:17]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How have you experienced the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your life recently? What steps can you take to become more aware of His presence?


Day 3: The Spirit's Role in the Great Commission
The Holy Spirit is central to the fulfillment of the Great Commission, preparing hearts and ensuring the success of God's mission. Our role is to be faithful, relying on the Spirit's power rather than human strategies. This understanding shapes our approach to ministry, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than our own efforts. By trusting in the Spirit, we can be confident that our efforts in sharing the gospel will bear fruit, as it is the Spirit who regenerates souls and brings the increase. [10:24]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own efforts in your ministry or personal evangelism?


Day 4: The Transformation of History
The culmination of history is not an end but a rebirth, a transformation into a new heaven and earth where sin is no more. Until then, we are called to be faithful witnesses, shining as lights in the world. This vision of the future gives us hope and purpose, motivating us to live as ambassadors of God's kingdom. As we engage in this mission, we do so with the assurance of Christ's presence and the empowerment of the Spirit, knowing that our labor is not in vain. [14:20]

"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and earth influence your daily life and priorities? What changes can you make to align more closely with this future hope?


Day 5: The Church's Role in the Great Commission
The local church is the primary means through which disciples are made and nurtured. As we engage in the mission of the Great Commission, we do so with the understanding that the church is central to God's plan for reaching the world. The church provides a community where believers can grow in their faith, be equipped for ministry, and support one another in the mission. By participating actively in the life of the church, we contribute to the fulfillment of God's mission on earth. [23:04]

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the mission of your local church? What specific role can you play in making and nurturing disciples within your community?

Quotes


One of the things that I love to tell my children is that I'll take care of them and when my children were younger, I would say this I would say I'll always take care of you, but I realized over time that in saying that, I was actually saying something to them making a promise to them that I couldn't actually always keep because the truth of the matter is I won't always be able to take care of them. [00:01:38]

We see even from creation itself how the Lord created Adam and Eve and how did he create Adam was it from far away sort of reaching down no we see a very beautiful close and intimate portrait of God almighty condescending and breathing into man's nostrils the breath of life not from far away not reaching out barely able to touch but in a very beautiful close proximate intimate way. [00:03:20]

The prophecy in Isaiah 7 Matthew brings in in Matthew chapter 1 and verse 23 we shall call his name Jesus right we read about in Matthew 1 21 and he shall save his people from their sins and then we read in chapter 1 and verse 23 of Matthew it says behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel which means God with us. [00:05:33]

Jesus is saying it's to your advantage because if I go and when I go, I will send the helper I will send the comforter I will send the one who will go before you and the one who will convert your own souls and regenerate you and awaken you to the gospel I will send to you the one who will go before you into the nations. [00:09:44]

The reason that the great commission will be fulfilled and the reason there will be true godward success in the fulfillment of the great commission is because the holy spirit will not allow God's mission to be thwarted the holy spirit will do the work that God has called us to do and as we are faithful as secondary agents and secondary means in the sovereign providence of God. [00:10:52]

We preach the word of God in season and out of season clearly lovingly and boldly and letting the holy spirit do the rest he takes the word of God and he applies it to our hearts he takes the word of God and he instills it within our minds he takes the word of God and goes forth accomplishing precisely what God has intended. [00:12:00]

The end of the age the language of the end of the age is not how we typically think of the end of things the end of a book or the end of a film but rather it's the culmination of all things it's the consummation of all things there is no end of the world there's only its rebirth there's no end of everything but rather there's a culmination. [00:14:00]

Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ will be fully and finally saved delivered rescued they will be brought into the new heavens and new earth where Jesus our Lord is king and it's only then where we'll be able to look at our neighbor and we'll say know the Lord teaching them the things of the Lord and they will say I already know the Lord. [00:14:45]

The local church ordinary simple churches planted established and nurtured in all the world are the primary means that God has given for the fulfillment of the fullness of the great commission because it's in the local church where disciples are made and nurtured it's only the church that is called to baptize and administer the Lord's supper. [00:22:44]

In all our efforts in evangelism and missions to the ends of the earth what we need to be first and foremost are faithful church members here so that we might be faithful in planting and watering churches over there because it's the church the body of Christ the assembly of God's people that are that group that God has established to be the faithful means of fulfilling the great commission. [00:23:40]

If you're a Christian you don't have to try to be a witness you are a witness you don't have to strive to be the light of the world you are the light of the world so go and shine and as we do this as we as the church come together and reflect the truth of God and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ to the watching world. [00:20:04]

The church as it shows its love as it goes about the ordinary work that Christ has called us to do the Lord uses that work uses us as the local church wherever the churches are planted in all parts of the world to add to the church finally we look at acts chapter 2 where we see the early church doing just that. [00:20:40]

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Transcript
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