Embracing God's Mission: Redemption, Restoration, Relationship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Southlake! It's wonderful to be back and see so many new faces. Today, I want to talk about the mission of God, or the Missio Dei. Understanding God's mission helps us to participate fully in it, especially in a world filled with chaos and trouble. David Bosch and Juergen Moltmann, two theologians, remind us that mission is an attribute of God, not just an activity of the church. God's mission is fundamentally about salvation, which encompasses three interconnected parts: redemption, restoration, and relationship.
First, God's mission to redeem is evident from the beginning of creation. Since Adam and Eve's fall, God has been working to redeem all of creation. Scriptures like John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:4-7 highlight God's plan to redeem us through Jesus Christ. Redemption is about being forgiven and brought back into God's family.
Second, God's mission to restore is illustrated in the story of Job. Despite losing everything, Job remained faithful, and God restored him abundantly. This restoration isn't just about material possessions but about restoring our relationship with God. Joel 2:25-26 and Romans 5:8-11 emphasize that God desires to restore what has been lost, especially our relationship with Him.
Third, God's mission of relationship is about making us His friends and children. Sin broke our relationship with God, but through Jesus, we are reconciled. 1 John 4:9-10 and Romans 10 highlight that while God has done the work, we must cooperate by believing and confessing.
Understanding God's mission leads us to our role in it. Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16 instruct us to go and make disciples, not just converts. Making disciples involves investing time and building relationships. Preaching the gospel isn't just about words but living a life that exudes the good news. Micah 6:6-8 challenges us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
As we celebrate Southlake's 100 years, let's commit to God's mission. Will we accept the mission to redeem, restore, and build relationships? Let's stand together and pray for strength and guidance to fulfill this mission.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Mission of Redemption: Redemption is about God bringing us back into His family through Jesus Christ. This mission has been in place since the fall of Adam and Eve. Scriptures like John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:4-7 remind us that God’s plan for redemption was set before the foundation of the world. Redemption is not just forgiveness but being adopted into God's family. [05:14]
2. God's Mission of Restoration: Restoration goes beyond material possessions; it’s about restoring our relationship with God. The story of Job and Joel 2:25-26 illustrate that God desires to restore what has been lost. This restoration is primarily about our relationship with Him, making us whole and bringing us back to His original intention. [09:53]
3. God's Mission of Relationship: Sin broke our relationship with God, but through Jesus, we are reconciled. 1 John 4:9-10 and Romans 10 emphasize that while God has done the work, we must cooperate by believing and confessing. This relationship is not just about being friends of God but being His children, saved from condemnation. [14:09]
4. Making Disciples: Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16 instruct us to go and make disciples, not just converts. Making disciples involves investing time and building relationships. It’s about teaching others to obey Jesus' commands and living a life that exudes the good news. This requires effort, patience, and a deep commitment to others. [21:02]
5. Living Out the Mission: Micah 6:6-8 challenges us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. This framework helps us fulfill God's mission in ways that are natural and attractive to others. It’s not just about a to-do list but living a life that reflects God's love and justice. This holistic approach makes our mission more impactful and meaningful. [26:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:41] - Introduction to God's Mission
[02:54] - Understanding Missio Dei
[04:02] - God's Mission of Redemption
[05:14] - Scriptural Basis for Redemption
[07:18] - The Story of Job
[09:53] - God's Mission of Restoration
[12:46] - Restoration in Relationship
[14:09] - God's Mission of Relationship
[16:30] - Interconnected Mission
[17:11] - Cooperating with God's Mission
[19:08] - Instructions for the Mission
[21:02] - Making Disciples
[22:37] - Preaching the Gospel
[24:49] - Taking the Initiative
[26:14] - Doing Justice, Loving Mercy
[29:01] - Accepting the Mission
[31:33] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16 (NLT): "For this is how God loved the world. He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
2. Ephesians 1:4-7 (NLT): "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."
3. Romans 5:8-11 (NLT): "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 3:16 say about the extent of God's love for the world? How does this verse connect to the concept of redemption? [05:14]
2. According to Ephesians 1:4-7, when did God decide to adopt us into His family, and what was His motivation? [05:14]
3. In Romans 5:8-11, what actions did God take to restore our relationship with Him, and what are the results of this restoration? [13:20]
4. How does the story of Job illustrate God's mission of restoration? What was restored to Job, and what does this signify about God's character? [09:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's mission of redemption, as described in John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:4-7, change our perspective on salvation? [05:14]
2. What does the restoration of Job's fortunes teach us about God's desire to restore our relationship with Him? How does this apply to our personal lives? [09:53]
3. Romans 5:8-11 speaks about being made friends of God. What does this new relationship entail, and how should it impact our daily lives? [13:20]
4. The sermon mentioned that making disciples involves investing time and building relationships. How does this align with Jesus' instructions in Matthew 28:18-20? [21:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on John 3:16, how can you personally share the message of God's love and redemption with someone in your life this week? [05:14]
2. Ephesians 1:4-7 speaks of being adopted into God's family. How does this truth affect your sense of identity and belonging? How can you live out this identity in your community? [05:14]
3. Considering Romans 5:8-11, what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and experience the fullness of being His friend? [13:20]
4. The story of Job shows that God can restore what has been lost. Is there an area in your life where you need God's restoration? How can you seek His restoration this week? [09:53]
5. Jesus' command to make disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 involves teaching others to obey His commands. Identify one person you can mentor or disciple. What practical steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth? [21:02]
6. Micah 6:6-8 challenges us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. What specific actions can you take this week to live out these principles in your interactions with others? [26:14]
7. The sermon emphasized living a life that exudes the good news. What changes can you make in your daily behavior to reflect the hope and confidence that comes from knowing Jesus? [23:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Redemption Through Jesus Christ
Description: Redemption is about God bringing us back into His family through Jesus Christ. This mission has been in place since the fall of Adam and Eve. Scriptures like John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:4-7 remind us that God’s plan for redemption was set before the foundation of the world. Redemption is not just forgiveness but being adopted into God's family. [05:14]
Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt distant from God. How can you embrace the truth of being redeemed and adopted into His family today?
Day 2: Restoration Beyond Material Possessions
Description: Restoration goes beyond material possessions; it’s about restoring our relationship with God. The story of Job and Joel 2:25-26 illustrate that God desires to restore what has been lost. This restoration is primarily about our relationship with Him, making us whole and bringing us back to His original intention. [09:53]
Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel loss or brokenness. How can you invite God to restore that area and deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Reconciliation Through Jesus
Description: Sin broke our relationship with God, but through Jesus, we are reconciled. 1 John 4:9-10 and Romans 10 emphasize that while God has done the work, we must cooperate by believing and confessing. This relationship is not just about being friends of God but being His children, saved from condemnation. [14:09]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. What steps can you take today to deepen your belief and confession in Jesus, embracing your identity as His child?
Day 4: Investing in Discipleship
Description: Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16 instruct us to go and make disciples, not just converts. Making disciples involves investing time and building relationships. It’s about teaching others to obey Jesus' commands and living a life that exudes the good news. This requires effort, patience, and a deep commitment to others. [21:02]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who you can invest in spiritually. How can you begin to build a deeper relationship with them and help them grow as a disciple of Jesus?
Day 5: Living Out God's Mission
Description: Micah 6:6-8 challenges us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. This framework helps us fulfill God's mission in ways that are natural and attractive to others. It’s not just about a to-do list but living a life that reflects God's love and justice. This holistic approach makes our mission more impactful and meaningful. [26:14]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Consider your daily actions and attitudes. How can you incorporate justice, mercy, and humility into your interactions with others today, reflecting God's mission in your life?
Quotes
1. "It can be difficult to see the mission of God on earth if we don't know what we're looking for. Especially when we look around us and we see all the chaos and the trouble and the stuff that's happening in our world. It's really difficult to see God's mission if we don't know what we're looking for. But it is a thing, and when we understand it, then we can more fully cooperate and participate in it." [02:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first part of God's mission is the mission to redeem. Since Adam and Eve sinned and were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, God has been working to redeem all of creation back to the way he originally intended it. We can read the Bible and find throughout the whole text this thread of redemption that in the laws that God gave to his people and in the places where we, we read about him withholding his anger and his wrath, not punishing his people even though they had rebelled against him over and over and over." [04:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It was God's plan all along to take us back from the state we were in because of the brokenness that sin caused in the world. I don't believe God ever intended for sin to enter his creation. That was not his plan. But when it did, he immediately set to work implementing his plan to redeem his creation and to redeem us. The law couldn't do it for us. But it did set the stage so that at just the right time, God sent Jesus so that through his sacrificial death and resurrection, we could be redeemed." [06:07] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's restoration, it doesn't mean that we get, necessarily get everything back that we had before. His mission of restoration is not necessarily a mission to restore our temporal, earthly possessions, like we read in Job. But it is the promise that God desires to and will restore our relationship to him. It has been God's desire and his pleasure all along. All along to redeem and restore, to put things back the way he intended it in the first place." [12:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's mission is to restore. At least until the time he returns to earth, it is primarily one of restored relationship with him. You see, even while we were still his enemies, he was doing the work of restoration on behalf of all humanity so that, we can be in right relationship with him, which leads us to the next part of God's mission. Isn't that nice how it just kind of flows right into there? And that is the mission of relationship." [13:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When we're in right relationship with God, not only do we have the privilege of being his friends or his children, we are saved from suffering his condemnation. And when we're in right relationship with God, we have the promise of eternal life. Sin broke humanity's relationship with God. And there is nothing that any of us can do to fix that. We are powerless to make things right with God. But God not only has the power to make our relationship with him right, he desires to do it more than anything." [14:09] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "While God has been the one moving toward us, pursuing us, desiring to redeem, restore, and make right our relationship with him, we have to cooperate with him. God has moved towards us. He's already done the work needed for us to be redeemed, restored, and in relationship with him. We just need to cooperate, to open the door, to believe with our hearts, to confess with our mouths." [15:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "See, making disciples takes time and it takes effort. It takes relationship. And I grew up during a time in the church when getting people saved was the only thing. Don't get me wrong, though. People knowing Jesus, repenting for their sins so they can spend eternity, with God is not a bad thing, okay? It's not a bad thing. It's just not necessarily the main thing. See, the main thing is making disciples in them. Investing in their lives, taking the time to mentor and to teach them what it means to be a follower of Jesus." [21:02] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I can't help but believe that preaching the gospel has as much to do with living in a way that exudes this good news, that it just oozes out of us. That people somehow just know that we are different, that we live with a hope and a confidence that comes out of knowing and following Jesus. When we have the opportunity telling people about the good news, of the hope that we have because of who Jesus is and what he's done in our lives. How he has loved us, how he has redeemed us, how he has restored us, and how he has reconciled our relationship with him." [23:23] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "But it does mean we take the initiative. We take the initiative. We are on the offensive. Okay, not being offensive. That's different. But we are on the offensive. We're the ones carrying the ball to the goal line. And yes, that's a football reference. Because it's a football reference. It's football season. But we're the ones carrying the ball to the goal line. And that goal is to make disciples, to make followers of Jesus, who we will spend eternity with worshiping God." [24:49] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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