Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Action
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to go beyond our comfort zones and embrace the mission Jesus entrusted to us in Matthew 28:19-20. This passage, often referred to as the Great Commission, is a call to action for all believers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. The essence of being a disciple is to be an all-in follower of Jesus who, in turn, makes more all-in followers. This is not a passive role but an active, dynamic engagement with the world around us, stepping out of our familiar surroundings and into the unknown, trusting in the authority and presence of Jesus.
The call to "go" is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, challenging us to extend beyond our personal boundaries and cultural comforts. It is about reaching out to those who may not know the hope and love found in Christ. Our involvement in projects like New Hope in Tanzania exemplifies this mission, as we partner with communities to bring hope and transformation. This mission is not just about building structures but about building lives, offering education, sustenance, and spiritual growth.
Baptism is a significant step in this journey, symbolizing a public declaration of faith and belonging to the community of believers. It is a celebration of new life and commitment to follow Jesus. As we engage in this mission, we are reminded that we are not alone. Jesus promises to be with us always, providing strength and guidance. This assurance empowers us to face challenges and uncertainties with confidence, knowing that God is with us.
The Great Commission also calls us to teach obedience to all that Jesus commanded, which boils down to loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. This love is the foundation of discipleship, driving us to live out our faith authentically and passionately.
As we reflect on this call, we must ask ourselves what God is nudging us to do. Whether it's taking the first step in our faith journey or inviting others to join us, we are called to be active participants in God's mission. Let us be all-in followers of Jesus, committed to making more all-in followers, trusting in His presence and power to guide us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- The Great Commission is a call to action, urging us to go beyond our comfort zones and make disciples of all nations. This involves stepping out in faith, trusting in Jesus' authority and presence to guide us. [02:34]
- Being a disciple means being an all-in follower of Jesus who makes more all-in followers. It is an active, dynamic role that requires us to engage with the world and share the hope of Christ. [06:24]
- Baptism is a public declaration of faith and belonging to the community of believers. It symbolizes new life in Christ and a commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly. [15:26]
- The essence of discipleship is to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is the foundation of our faith and drives us to live authentically. [25:13]
- Jesus promises to be with us always, providing strength and guidance. This assurance empowers us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that we are never alone. [27:43]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:34] - The Great Commission
[03:30] - Understanding "Therefore"
[04:16] - Authority of Jesus
[05:21] - The Call to Go
[06:24] - Defining Discipleship
[08:30] - Learning and Growing
[09:26] - Engaging Actively
[10:40] - Going Beyond Comfort
[12:55] - New Hope in Tanzania
[15:26] - Celebrating Baptism
[17:33] - Building New Hope
[19:42] - Community Impact
[21:42] - Generosity and Giving
[23:28] - Teaching Obedience
[25:13] - Loving God and Others
[27:43] - God's Presence with Us
[31:07] - Strength in Community
[33:56] - Remembering God's Promise
[35:59] - Responding to God's Nudge
[38:24] - Prayer and Commitment
[40:29] - Invitation to Follow
[42:34] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:19-20
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus command His disciples to do in Matthew 28:19-20, and what is the significance of the word "therefore" in this passage? [03:30]
2. How does the sermon define a disciple, and what is the role of a disciple according to the pastor? [06:24]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of going beyond one's comfort zone in fulfilling the Great Commission? [11:46]
4. How is baptism described in the sermon, and what does it symbolize for believers? [15:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the authority of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 28:18, empower believers to fulfill the Great Commission? [04:16]
2. How does the pastor's definition of a disciple challenge traditional views of discipleship, and what implications does this have for personal faith journeys? [06:24]
3. What are the potential challenges and rewards of stepping out of cultural and personal comfort zones to make disciples of all nations? [11:46]
4. How does the promise of Jesus' presence "to the very end of the age" provide assurance and motivation for believers in their mission? [27:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current comfort zones. What is one specific area where you feel God is nudging you to step out in faith to make disciples? [11:46]
2. Consider the pastor's definition of a disciple as an "all-in follower of Jesus." What steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment to being an all-in follower? [06:24]
3. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how can you share your testimony with someone who might be considering this step? If you haven't, what might be holding you back? [15:26]
4. The sermon emphasizes loving God and loving others as the essence of discipleship. Identify one practical way you can show love to a neighbor or community member this week. [25:13]
5. The pastor mentioned the New Hope project in Tanzania. How can you or your small group get involved in similar mission projects, either locally or globally? [12:55]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a challenging situation. How can this memory encourage you to trust in His presence in current or future challenges? [27:43]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to invite someone to join you on your faith journey, whether through a conversation, an invitation to church, or another means? [35:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Call to Action
The Great Commission is a profound call to action for all believers, urging them to step beyond their comfort zones and engage in the mission of making disciples of all nations. This call is not merely about physical travel but involves a spiritual journey that challenges individuals to extend beyond personal and cultural boundaries. It is about reaching out to those who may not yet know the hope and love found in Christ. This mission requires a deep trust in Jesus' authority and presence, as He promises to guide and empower His followers every step of the way. The involvement in projects like New Hope in Tanzania exemplifies this mission, as believers partner with communities to bring hope and transformation, not just by building structures but by building lives through education, sustenance, and spiritual growth. [02:34]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to share the love of Christ with someone who may not know Him?
Day 2: Active Discipleship
Being a disciple of Jesus means being an all-in follower who actively engages with the world to make more all-in followers. This role is dynamic and requires believers to share the hope of Christ with others, stepping out in faith and trusting in Jesus' authority and presence. Discipleship is not a passive endeavor but an active commitment to live out one's faith authentically and passionately. It involves learning, growing, and engaging with the world around us, sharing the transformative power of Christ's love. [06:24]
Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can intentionally invest in to help them grow in their faith? How can you take a step towards that this week?
Day 3: The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is a significant step in the journey of faith, symbolizing a public declaration of one's faith and belonging to the community of believers. It is a celebration of new life in Christ and a commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony of one's faith and a reminder of the transformative power of Christ's love. As believers engage in this mission, they are reminded that they are not alone, as Jesus promises to be with them always, providing strength and guidance. [15:26]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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."
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on what that moment meant for you. If you haven't, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith?
Day 4: The Foundation of Love
The essence of discipleship is rooted in the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is the foundation of our faith and drives us to live authentically and passionately. It is through this love that believers are called to teach obedience to all that Jesus commanded, living out their faith in a way that reflects the transformative power of Christ's love. [25:13]
1 John 4:19-21 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: How can you show love to someone in your life who is difficult to love? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate Christ's love to them this week?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Presence
Jesus promises to be with His followers always, providing strength and guidance as they engage in the mission of making disciples. This assurance empowers believers to face challenges and uncertainties with confidence, knowing that they are never alone. Trusting in God's presence and power is essential for living out one's faith authentically and passionately, as it provides the strength and courage needed to step out in faith and engage with the world around us. [27:43]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's presence and guidance more fully? How can you actively seek His strength and direction in that area this week?
Quotes
"To be a disciple means that you are an all-in follower of Jesus who makes more all-in followers of Jesus." [00:07:17] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Go and make disciples of all nations. Not just here where you're comfortable. Go and make disciples of all nations." [00:10:55] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. And the second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. These are the two greatest commandments." [00:25:56] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age. If we go back into the start of this passage where it says, therefore, and we dial that back to where it said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." [00:27:32] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God is with us at all times, providing for us. And the question is, what would you do if you knew, if you remembered that God is with you and will support you at all times?" [00:34:21] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"What is God nudging you to do? What has God been saying to you over, and over, and over? But you just keep going, not right now, God." [00:35:59] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"A disciple is an all-in follower of Jesus who makes more all-in followers of Jesus. If you are not making more all-in followers of Jesus, are you a disciple?" [00:37:40] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God, we thank you because of the fact that you loved us so much, that Jesus came for us so that we could live in a relationship with you for eternity." [00:42:07] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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