Embracing Our Mission: Joy, Authority, and Unique Assignments
Summary
In Luke chapter 9, we find a powerful reminder of our mission and assignment as followers of Christ. God has been moving in our lives, and we are called to continue declaring and believing in the miracles He will perform in our lives, our families, and our church. Our walk with Jesus is a gift, a source of joy unspeakable, not a burden. Yet, we must ask ourselves if we truly feel on mission or if we feel left behind. Our journey with Christ should be a blessing, not a burden, and we must strive to live out our assignment with joy and purpose.
Jesus called His disciples and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, instructing them to take nothing for the journey. This teaches us to rely on God’s provision and to pack light, shedding any burdens that may hinder our mission. We are reminded that as believers, we are all on mission, but our assignments may differ. Just as soldiers have different roles, we too have unique assignments in God’s kingdom.
Power and authority are given to us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to be witnesses for Christ. We must understand that power means strength and ability, while authority is the right to use it. We have been given the authority to use Jesus’ name, a name above all names, to bring light into darkness. As disciples, we are learners and followers, but as apostles, we are sent with a specific assignment. Every apostle was a disciple, but not every disciple is an apostle. Our assignments may change, but we must remain faithful and press into the next level of maturity.
We are encouraged to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles us, focusing on our mission and being ready for any new assignment God may give us. We must dust off our feet, leaving behind anything that defiles us, and be confident and obedient in our calling. God blesses obedience, and we are called to boldly approach our new week with confidence and obedience to God’s word. Let us be all in, ready to fulfill our mission and assignment with joy and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our Walk with Jesus is a Gift: Our relationship with Christ should be a source of joy and not a burden. We must evaluate if we truly feel on mission or if we feel left behind. Our journey with Christ is meant to be a blessing, and we should strive to live out our assignment with joy and purpose. [02:54]
2. Power and Authority in Christ: As believers, we have been given power and authority through the Holy Spirit. Power means strength and ability, while authority is the right to use it. We have the authority to use Jesus’ name, a name above all names, to bring light into darkness. [11:32]
3. Unique Assignments in God’s Kingdom: We are all on mission as believers, but our assignments may differ. Just as soldiers have different roles, we too have unique assignments in God’s kingdom. Our assignments may change, but we must remain faithful and press into the next level of maturity. [19:35]
4. Lay Aside Every Weight: We are encouraged to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles us, focusing on our mission and being ready for any new assignment God may give us. We must dust off our feet, leaving behind anything that defiles us, and be confident and obedient in our calling. [33:57]
5. Confidence and Obedience in Our Calling: God blesses obedience, and we are called to boldly approach our new week with confidence and obedience to God’s word. Let us be all in, ready to fulfill our mission and assignment with joy and purpose. [45:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:33] - On Mission and Assignment
- [02:13] - Joy in Our Walk with Jesus
- [03:35] - The Blessing of Our Journey
- [04:41] - God's Provision for Our Needs
- [05:51] - Power and Authority Given
- [08:11] - The Great Commission
- [10:46] - Understanding Power and Authority
- [12:09] - From Preaching to Teaching
- [14:05] - The Shift in Jesus' Ministry
- [16:36] - Disciples and Apostles
- [18:52] - Different Assignments
- [21:06] - Pressing into Maturity
- [25:13] - Discovering Spiritual Gifts
- [29:48] - Being Ready for New Assignments
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 9:1-6
- Acts 1:8
- Hebrews 12:1
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 9:1-6, what specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding their journey and mission? How does this reflect on the concept of relying on God's provision? [05:51]
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is promised to believers when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? How does this relate to the power and authority mentioned in the sermon? [08:11]
3. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to lay aside every weight. What does the sermon suggest these "weights" might be in our lives? [33:57]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between a disciple and an apostle, and what significance does this have for understanding our roles in God's kingdom? [16:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be "on mission" for the kingdom, and how can believers discern if they are truly living out their God-given assignments? [02:54]
2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between power and authority in the life of a believer, and why is it important to understand both concepts? [11:32]
3. The sermon mentions that assignments in God's kingdom can change. What factors might contribute to a change in a believer's assignment, and how should one respond to such changes? [22:10]
4. What does it mean to "dust off your feet" in a spiritual sense, and how can this practice impact a believer's walk with Christ? [40:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current walk with Jesus. Do you view it as a gift and a source of joy, or does it feel more like a burden? What steps can you take to shift your perspective if needed? [02:13]
2. Consider the power and authority given to you through the Holy Spirit. How can you actively use this power in your daily life to bring light into darkness? [11:32]
3. Identify any "weights" or sins that might be entangling you and hindering your mission. What practical steps can you take this week to lay them aside? [33:57]
4. Think about your unique assignment in God's kingdom. How can you remain faithful and press into the next level of maturity, even if your assignment changes? [19:35]
5. How can you cultivate confidence and obedience in your calling, especially when facing new challenges or assignments? What role does community play in supporting you in this journey? [45:55]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt left behind in your mission. What changes can you make to ensure you are aligned with God's purpose for your life? [02:54]
7. How can you be intentional about seeking God's presence and will for your life, especially in a culture that often promotes entitlement? What disciplines can help you stay focused on your mission? [27:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Joyful Mission with Christ
Our walk with Jesus is a profound gift, meant to be a source of joy rather than a burden. As followers of Christ, we are called to evaluate whether we truly feel on mission or if we feel left behind. This journey is intended to be a blessing, filled with purpose and joy. It is essential to embrace our assignment with enthusiasm and a sense of divine purpose, recognizing that our relationship with Christ is a source of unspeakable joy. [02:54]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of joy in your daily walk with Christ, even amidst challenges?
Day 2: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Believers are endowed with power and authority through the Holy Spirit. This power signifies strength and ability, while authority is the right to exercise it. We have been granted the authority to use Jesus' name, a name above all names, to illuminate the darkness around us. Understanding this power and authority is crucial for living out our mission effectively and confidently. [11:32]
"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 areas of your life do you need to exercise the authority given to you through the Holy Spirit?
Day 3: Embracing Unique Assignments
As believers, we are all on a mission, but our assignments within God's kingdom may differ. Just as soldiers have distinct roles, we too have unique assignments. These assignments may change over time, but it is vital to remain faithful and press into the next level of spiritual maturity. Embracing our unique roles allows us to contribute effectively to God's kingdom. [19:35]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What unique assignment do you feel God is calling you to embrace in this season of your life?
Day 4: Shedding Burdens for the Mission
We are encouraged to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles us, focusing on our mission and being ready for any new assignment God may give us. This involves leaving behind anything that defiles us and being confident and obedient in our calling. By shedding these burdens, we can move forward with clarity and purpose. [33:57]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: What specific burdens or sins do you need to lay aside to focus more fully on your mission?
Day 5: Confidence and Obedience in Our Calling
God blesses obedience, and we are called to approach each new week with confidence and obedience to His word. Being "all in" means being ready to fulfill our mission and assignment with joy and purpose. This requires a bold approach to our calling, trusting that God will guide and bless our efforts as we remain faithful to His word. [45:55]
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate greater confidence and obedience in your calling this week?
Quotes
"I'm on assignment for the kingdom. I'm on assignment for the kingdom. On mission and on assignment. Last week we left off where? When Jesus shows up. What happens? What can happen when Jesus shows up? Today, on mission, on assignment. Church, I want to tell you, my walk with Jesus is a gift. Do you feel that way? Your walk with Jesus is a gift. It brings me joy. In fact, joy unspeakable is what the Bible says. Joy unspeakable. You see, it's not a burden, but a blessing." [00:01:40]
"Do you feel like you're on mission or do you feel like the mission has left you behind? Do you feel like you're on assignment or you failed at your assignment? I don't know where you're at today, but I got to tell you, I want to help you get to a place of where your walk, your journey, your everyday relationship with Christ. Listen, God's moving in this room today. I see it on your faces. I don't know where you're at, but I want to help you get to a place where you go, you know what? I feel like I'm on mission. I feel like I'm living out my assignment." [00:02:54]
"Then he called his 12 disciples together and gave them power and authority over how many? All demons and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And he said to them, here we go now. Take nothing for the journey. Staffs, nor bag, nor bread, nor money. And do not have to tunics of peace. Whatever house you enter, stay there and from there depart. And whatever or whoever will not receive you when you go out from that city. Shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them." [00:05:25]
"Now, the first thing I want you to do is look back with me there at verse one. It said, then he called his 12 disciples together and gave them power and authority. Two words. I want you to notice with me right off the bat. I know you can pick them even before I tell you. But I want us to take a closer look. We're going to look at power and authority, power and authority. Okay, we're going to get a little help. We're going to look at Acts chapter one, Acts chapter one, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John." [00:07:05]
"power when when the Holy Spirit comes upon you now I also want you to take a look at Matthew so let's go back a little bit Matthew the Gospel of Matthew chapter 28 just before Jesus leaves just before he sends back to heaven he gives the Great Commission who's the Great Commission for everybody 18 through 20 read this way and Jesus came and spoke to them saying all authority all authority all authority is being given to me in heaven and earth" [00:08:12]
"Here's the big idea, guys. As believers, we're all on mission. We're all disciples. Listen to me. But, we can have different assignments. Yeah. You think I was joking about telling somebody, you're glad you came to church today? You're going to be really glad you came to church today. You're going to leave here feeling better about the situation. Maybe where you're at along this journey. So, everybody is on mission. But, we can have very different assignments, very different assignments." [00:18:01]
"Every one in the bunker on the front line in the army is a soldier. But they all have different assignments. You and I, as believers, we're all soldiers in the army of Christ. But we have different assignments. Different assignments. Don't be discouraged. Do not get discouraged. And whatever you do, don't give up. Don't give up because, what I feel yesterday, and Her, and Jim and John is able to do this and is doing this and they got such an amazing assignment and you feel like you're scrubbing spiritual toilets!" [00:20:11]
"Whether you look at rank, or whether you look whatever, how many of you know that from the day they enlist, their assignment can change? Huh? Their assignment changes. There may be some that keep that same assignment until the day they start going to the mailbox every day. Every time they check. But most of the time, if not all the time, or more often than not, that assignment changes. Well what brings about that assignment change? You tell me. It's authority. Authority? Experience?" [00:22:32]
"to be discouraged we're soldiers of Christ we're all disciples right but if we feel like that God is not using us hear me out if we feel like that God is not using us in certain ways ways that we think we should then maybe that's not your assignment now It doesn't mean it's not available. So even when that E1 soldier enlists whatever and becomes a soldier, he may not get certain assignments, but they're there. They're available. The army offers them." [00:24:17]
"and this is what Jesus is saying I'll try to that's the biggest thing I wanted you to get today but I do want you to see this and he said to them take nothing for the journey neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money and do not have two tunics of peace listen if you read all the commentary I mean we literally could be right here for days but in essence you really need to get this Jesus was saying pack light pack light you're about to be busy I'm putting you on mission and assignment I don't need you carrying a lot of baggage oh my word I'm telling you I'm telling you I'm telling you listen I don't need you carrying a lot of weight I don't need you carrying a lot of baggage I don't need you consumed with a whole bunch of other stuff I want you on mission I may send you out on assignment at any given moment I need you to be prepared I need you to pack light" [00:31:41]
"Listen, church, lay aside every weight or put off every weight is a phrase that encourages people to remove anything that slows them down or holds them back. Amen. know what it is already. I don't have to tell you. The Holy Spirit's doing that for me. I don't have to tell you. Listen, your own mission, you could be put on assignment, a certain assignment at any given moment. You could be not only called but sent. You don't need to be consumed by some of this other stuff you're consuming." [00:33:57]
"want to see a family of believers called Genesis Church leaving here boldly approaching your new week. With confidence and obedience. Not to me. Obedience to the scriptures. Obedience to what God is telling you to do. Yeah. And willing to. So. Yeah, dig your feet in and, you know, dust them off and dig them in. That's good. That's good right there. That was good. Go ahead and dig them in. I need you to dust them off. I'm going to do whatever it takes while on mission to ready for my assignment." [00:46:19]
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