Embracing Our Mission: Becoming Gospel Opportunists
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by expressing the joy of being in the house of the Lord and welcoming everyone to Lexington Park Baptist Church. I reminded the congregation of Galatians 2:20, which speaks of our identity in Christ, and led us in prayer, asking for open hearts to receive God's word and for His presence to be felt among us. I shared updates on church activities, including our men's group, the showing of "The Chosen" series, and upcoming events like the vision conference and a walk-through baby shower.
I then delved into the heart of the sermon, focusing on the importance of seizing gospel opportunities and being gospel opportunists. I emphasized that sharing the gospel should transform us, making us less like the world and more like Jesus. I challenged the congregation to pray for God to make them gospel opportunists, ready to share Jesus with those in need.
I spoke about the mission that has existed for over 2,000 years since Jesus established the Great Commission, and how it will continue as long as necessary. I invited those who had not yet received the gospel or been baptized to step forward and make that declaration, highlighting the importance of believer's baptism and the urgency of responding to the gospel.
I reminded the congregation that Jesus did not perform miracles during His 40 days after resurrection but focused on compelling us to go with the message of the gospel. I stressed that despite the troubles of the world, we should not fear because Jesus has overcome the world. Our mission remains to share the eternal perspective of the gospel, which is the answer to the world's problems.
I recounted the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples after His resurrection, rebuking their unbelief, and commanding them to go into the world and preach the gospel. I clarified the significance of baptism as a response to belief, not a condition for salvation, and the importance of making disciples who look like Jesus.
I concluded the sermon by reiterating that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, and He has extended that authority to us to share the gospel. I encouraged the congregation to act on this authority with responsibility, to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them all that Jesus commanded, with the assurance that Jesus is with us always.
Key Takeaways:
1. Being a gospel opportunist is not just about recognizing opportunities to share the gospel but being transformed by it to become more like Jesus. This transformation is a continuous process that aligns our desires and actions with the kingdom of God, rather than the world. It is a call to live out the gospel authentically and to be ready to share it with others. [01:35:47]
2. The Great Commission is not a temporary assignment but a timeless mission that has spanned over two millennia and will continue until the end of the age. This mission is not just for a select few but for all believers, calling us to be active participants in spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations. [01:36:20]
3. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a step of obedience for believers. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation and should be a natural response to believing in Jesus. While baptism does not save us, it is a significant step in the believer's journey, symbolizing death to sin and new life in Christ. [01:15:19]
4. The authority given to us by Christ to share the gospel is not to be taken lightly. It is a responsibility that comes with the power to change lives and shape destinies. As we share the gospel, we do so under the highest authority, knowing that our message has the backing of heaven itself. [01:20:36]
5. Jesus' promise to be with us always is the ultimate assurance for believers. As we go about fulfilling the Great Commission, we do not do so in our own strength but with the presence of Christ empowering us. This promise should embolden us to share the gospel fearlessly, knowing that we are never alone in our mission. [01:32:42]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2. Matthew 28:16-20 - "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
3. Mark 16:12-16 - "Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 2:20 say about our identity in Christ?
2. According to Matthew 28:16-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission?
3. In Mark 16:12-16, how did Jesus respond to the disciples' unbelief? [01:09:30]
4. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in Mark 16:15-16?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Galatians 2:20 describe the transformation that occurs when we identify with Christ?
2. What is the significance of Jesus stating that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" in Matthew 28:18? How does this authority impact our mission? [01:20:01]
3. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of belief and baptism in Mark 16:16? What does this tell us about the relationship between faith and obedience?
4. How can the rebuke of the disciples' unbelief in Mark 16:14 serve as a lesson for us today? [01:10:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Galatians 2:20 speaks of being crucified with Christ and living by faith. How can you live out this identity in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you struggle to let Christ live through you?
2. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 calls us to make disciples of all nations. What practical steps can you take this week to share the gospel with someone in your community? [01:23:22]
3. Jesus' promise to be with us always (Matthew 28:20) is a source of comfort and strength. How can this assurance help you overcome fear or hesitation in sharing your faith? [01:32:42]
4. In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands us to preach the gospel to all creation. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you create an opportunity to share Jesus with them this week? [01:35:47]
5. Reflect on the importance of believer's baptism as described in the sermon. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience? If you have been baptized, how can you support others in your church who are considering baptism? [01:15:19]
6. The sermon emphasized the need to be gospel opportunists. What are some specific ways you can be more intentional about looking for and seizing opportunities to share the gospel in your daily interactions? [01:36:20]
7. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their unbelief in Mark 16:14. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with unbelief? How can you seek to strengthen your faith and trust in Jesus' promises? [01:10:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Gospel Living
The journey of faith is not merely about accepting the gospel but allowing it to transform one's life from the inside out. This transformation is a process that molds believers to become more like Jesus, aligning their desires and actions with the kingdom of God. It is about living out the gospel authentically, which means that the values of the world no longer dictate one's choices and behaviors. Instead, there is a noticeable change in how one interacts with others, prioritizes time, and makes decisions. This transformation is continuous, challenging believers to grow and mature in their faith, becoming effective witnesses to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. It is a call to be vigilant, to recognize and seize opportunities to share the gospel, and to be ready to serve those in need with the love and message of Christ [01:35:47].
"Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." - Ephesians 4:24
Reflection: How has the gospel transformed a specific aspect of your life, and how can you demonstrate this change to others today?
Day 2: Embracing the Timeless Mission
The Great Commission is not a task with an expiration date; it is a timeless mission that has been passed down through generations of believers. This mission calls every follower of Christ to be an active participant in spreading the good news of salvation to all corners of the earth. It is a divine mandate that transcends time and culture, uniting believers in a common purpose to make disciples of all nations. The mission is as relevant today as it was over two millennia ago, and it will continue until the end of the age. Believers are encouraged to step out in faith, to share the gospel with boldness, and to invest in the spiritual growth of new disciples, teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded [01:36:20].
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to actively participate in the Great Commission within your community?
Day 3: The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is a profound step of obedience for believers, symbolizing their identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has taken place through faith in Jesus. Baptism does not confer salvation but is a significant milestone in a believer's spiritual journey. It is a public declaration of faith, a testimony to the world of one's commitment to follow Christ. This act of obedience is a response to the gospel message and serves as a witness to others of the life-changing power of Jesus. It is a celebration of new life in Christ and a commitment to walk in that newness of life [01:15:19].
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on that experience and how it has shaped your walk with Christ. If not, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience?
Day 4: Living Under Christ's Authority
Christ has given believers the authority to share the gospel, a responsibility that carries the power to change lives and shape destinies. This authority should not be taken lightly; it is a divine commission that comes with the backing of heaven itself. As believers share the gospel, they do so under the highest authority, with the confidence that their message is empowered by the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth. This authority is not for personal gain but for the fulfillment of the Great Commission, to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey all that Jesus has commanded. It is a call to act responsibly, to steward this authority with wisdom and love, and to be faithful ambassadors of Christ [01:20:36].
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." - Matthew 28:18-19a
Reflection: In what ways can you exercise the authority given to you by Christ to share the gospel more effectively in your daily interactions?
Day 5: Assured by Jesus' Presence
The promise of Jesus to be with His followers always is the ultimate assurance for believers as they fulfill the Great Commission. This promise empowers believers to share the gospel fearlessly, knowing that they are not alone in their mission. The presence of Christ is a constant source of strength, comfort, and guidance. It emboldens believers to step out in faith, to face challenges and opposition, and to speak the truth in love. This assurance is not just for moments of active ministry but for every aspect of life, reminding believers that they are accompanied by the Savior in every circumstance. It is a promise that sustains, encourages, and motivates believers to live out their faith with confidence and hope [01:32:42].
"Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20
Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus' presence comfort you in your current circumstances, and how can it encourage you to be more bold in your faith?
Quotes
"We do not need to have hardness of hearts. We do not need to fret. And again, I go back to that text. Jesus told us there will be trouble in this world. But my peace I give you. And by the way, it's because I've conquered the world." [01:35:00]
"Are you a gospel opportunist and are you looking for gospel opportunities? If you are, I'm going to tell you one thing that's going to happen. You're going to find somebody you need to share Jesus with. Guarantee it." [01:35:47]
"This mission. Has existed. Over 2,000 years. Over 730,000 days. This mission. And by the way, if it requires it, it will go another 730,000 days. The message will never change." [01:36:20]
"risen. So if those 40 days prove that, now I want you to know Jesus didn't do miracles. Jesus wasn't going around in those 40 days. His one thing was to compel us to go with the message of the gospel, death, burial, resurrection of Jesus." [59:54]
"Jesus tells us, this world's going to have trouble. But listen, fear not, I've overcome the world. So no matter what happens in our world today, these 40 days, Jesus was establishing one thing, not that everything's going to be perfect in your life." [01:01:10]
"Yesterday, we learned that authority is really connected to responsibility. We have the responsibility to carry on the authority that God has given us. And the authority we have is to share the gospel." [01:20:36]
"God is. And so, when we do that and we take this message to the nations, he's saying, not only do I rule creation in Mark, I rule the nations. Every nation, every tribe, every tongue will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord." [01:24:54]
"And the more we're like Jesus, hopefully people want to be more like Jesus. I don't want you to be like me. You can thank me later. I want you to be like Jesus. I hope whatever good is in me, it's from Jesus." [01:26:26]
"Following through the baptism, and the baptism is in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is really important. The triune God. This is not, it is just about Jesus. You get saved through Jesus, but Jesus directs us to the Father." [01:29:34]
"He's given us his authority. He's given us his presence. He's given us our mission. Your job and my job now is to go. To go make disciples. To go baptize them. And to go teach them. And as we do that, he has promised there will be things that he will do." [01:34:23]
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