Embracing the Great Commission: Discipleship in Action
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we focused on the Great Commission and our role in God's mission. We explored two key passages: Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:6-8. From the beginning of creation, God has always been a missional God, and His plan has always included sending and going. As a Southern Baptist church, we excel in sending missionaries worldwide, but we often fall short in making disciples. COVID-19 has revealed our blind spots, showing us that while we are good at getting people excited about missions, we need to improve in discipleship.
In Matthew 28, we see that Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. This mission requires obedience, worship, and overcoming doubt. Jesus has all authority, and He expects us to make disciples both locally and globally. Discipleship is not just about evangelism; it involves a deep, authentic relationship with Christ that naturally reproduces itself.
In Acts 1, Jesus tells His disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This means we must be witnesses in our communities, our country, and even in places we might not want to go. The Great Commission is not just about going on mission trips; it's about making disciples in our everyday lives. We need to be intentional about building relationships and pouring into others.
Our position in this mission is not just about vertical alignment with God but also about horizontal deployment. We are like boats in a marina; we are not meant to stay docked but to go out and fish. The Great Commission calls us to get out of our comfort zones and make disciples wherever we are. Let us pray for the courage and conviction to fulfill this mission.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Missional Nature: From the beginning of creation, God has always been a missional God. His plan has always included sending and going, and this is evident throughout the Old and New Testaments. We are called to participate in this mission by being obedient and going where He sends us. [36:21]
2. The Importance of Discipleship: While we excel in sending missionaries, we often fall short in making disciples. Discipleship involves a deep, authentic relationship with Christ that naturally reproduces itself. It's not just about evangelism; it's about teaching others to obey everything Jesus has commanded. [38:34]
3. Overcoming Doubt: In Matthew 28, we see that even the disciples had doubts. This doubt was not about their faith but about the extraordinary nature of the resurrected Jesus. We must overcome our doubts and hesitations to fully participate in God's mission. [44:24]
4. Holistic Mission: The Great Commission calls us to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This means we must be intentional about making disciples in our communities, our country, and even in places we might not want to go. [56:18]
5. Horizontal Deployment: Our position in God's mission is not just about vertical alignment with Him but also about horizontal deployment. We are like boats in a marina; we are not meant to stay docked but to go out and fish. The Great Commission calls us to get out of our comfort zones and make disciples wherever we are. [01:07:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:21] - God's Missional Nature
[37:36] - Sending and Going
[38:34] - The Importance of Discipleship
[39:23] - His Mission and Our Position
[41:00] - Obedience and Worship
[44:24] - Overcoming Doubt
[45:46] - The Expectation of Discipleship
[47:11] - The Role of Evangelism
[48:38] - The Three Aspects of Discipleship
[50:04] - The Importance of Baptism
[51:32] - The Power of His Presence
[53:10] - The Commission in Acts
[54:41] - Priority Issues and the Program
[56:18] - Witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria
[57:51] - The Ends of the Earth
[59:29] - Real-Life Mission Stories
[01:00:58] - The Ascension and Our Position
[01:02:28] - The Problem with Gazing
[01:04:08] - His Mission and Our Deployment
[01:07:06] - The Boat Analogy
[01:08:53] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 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.'"
2. Acts 1:6-8: "Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20? How does He assure them of His presence? ([44:24])
2. In Acts 1:8, what are the specific locations Jesus mentions where the disciples are to be His witnesses? ([56:18])
3. According to the sermon, what are the three aspects of discipleship mentioned? ([48:38])
4. What analogy does the pastor use to describe our role in the Great Commission, and what does it signify? ([01:07:06])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus has "all authority in heaven and on earth" when He gives the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18? How does this authority impact our mission? ([44:24])
2. How does the pastor explain the disciples' doubt in Matthew 28:17? What does this teach us about dealing with our own doubts? ([44:24])
3. What does the pastor mean by "horizontal deployment" in the context of the Great Commission? How does this concept challenge our usual understanding of mission work? ([01:05:19])
4. In Acts 1:8, Jesus outlines a progression of witnessing from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. How does this progression apply to our personal and church mission strategies? ([56:18])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have been hesitant or doubtful about participating in God's mission? How can you overcome these doubts? ([44:24])
2. The pastor mentioned that discipleship involves a deep, authentic relationship with Christ that naturally reproduces itself. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ this week? ([38:34])
3. Think about your local community. What are some practical ways you can be a witness for Christ in your "Jerusalem"? ([56:18])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of making disciples, not just evangelizing. Identify one person in your life who you can intentionally disciple. What will your first step be? ([47:11])
5. The pastor used the analogy of boats in a marina to describe our role in the Great Commission. What are some "comfort zones" you need to leave to fulfill your mission? ([01:07:06])
6. How can you balance the call to make disciples both locally and globally? What specific actions can you take to engage in both areas? ([56:18])
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of having a Barnabas, a Paul, and a Timothy in your life. Do you have these relationships? If not, how can you seek them out? ([48:38])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Missional Nature
From the beginning of creation, God has always been a missional God. His plan has always included sending and going, and this is evident throughout the Old and New Testaments. We are called to participate in this mission by being obedient and going where He sends us. This missional nature of God is not just a New Testament concept but is rooted deeply in the character of God as revealed in the entire Bible. God sent prophets, judges, and ultimately His Son to fulfill His mission of redemption and restoration. As followers of Christ, we are invited to join in this grand narrative by being sent out into the world to share the good news and make disciples.
Understanding God's missional nature helps us see our role in His plan more clearly. We are not just passive recipients of His grace but active participants in His mission. This requires us to be attentive to His calling and willing to step out in faith, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging. Our obedience to this call is a testament to our trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for humanity. [36:21]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you be more attentive to God's calling in your life? Are there specific areas where you feel God is sending you, but you have been hesitant to go?
Day 2: The Importance of Discipleship
While we excel in sending missionaries, we often fall short in making disciples. Discipleship involves a deep, authentic relationship with Christ that naturally reproduces itself. It's not just about evangelism; it's about teaching others to obey everything Jesus has commanded. This means investing time and energy into building relationships, mentoring, and guiding others in their spiritual journey. Discipleship is a lifelong process that requires commitment and intentionality.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 emphasizes the importance of making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. This holistic approach to discipleship ensures that new believers are not just converts but are growing in their faith and becoming mature followers of Christ. As a church, we need to prioritize discipleship and create environments where people can grow, learn, and be equipped to disciple others. [38:34]
Colossians 1:28 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
Reflection: Who are you currently discipling, and how can you be more intentional in your efforts? If you are not discipling anyone, who in your life could you begin to invest in spiritually?
Day 3: Overcoming Doubt
In Matthew 28, we see that even the disciples had doubts. This doubt was not about their faith but about the extraordinary nature of the resurrected Jesus. We must overcome our doubts and hesitations to fully participate in God's mission. Doubt is a natural part of the human experience, and it does not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, it can be an opportunity for growth and deeper trust in Him.
Jesus' response to the disciples' doubt was to give them the Great Commission, empowering them with His authority and presence. This shows that our doubts do not hinder God's plans; rather, He equips us to overcome them and continue His work. By acknowledging our doubts and seeking God's guidance, we can move forward in faith and obedience, trusting that He will provide what we need to fulfill His mission. [44:24]
James 1:6 (ESV): "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."
Reflection: What doubts or hesitations are holding you back from fully participating in God's mission? How can you seek God's guidance and strength to overcome them?
Day 4: Holistic Mission
The Great Commission calls us to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This means we must be intentional about making disciples in our communities, our country, and even in places we might not want to go. A holistic mission approach recognizes that God's call to make disciples is not limited to a specific location or group of people. It encompasses our immediate surroundings, our nation, and the entire world.
Being a witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It challenges us to see the mission field as everywhere we go and to be intentional in our interactions with others. This holistic approach ensures that we are not neglecting any part of the mission but are faithfully fulfilling the Great Commission in its entirety. [56:18]
Acts 13:47 (ESV): "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
Reflection: How can you be more intentional about making disciples in your immediate community, your country, and beyond? Are there specific areas or groups of people you feel called to reach out to?
Day 5: Horizontal Deployment
Our position in God's mission is not just about vertical alignment with Him but also about horizontal deployment. We are like boats in a marina; we are not meant to stay docked but to go out and fish. The Great Commission calls us to get out of our comfort zones and make disciples wherever we are. This means actively seeking opportunities to share the gospel and disciple others in our daily lives, whether at work, school, or in our neighborhoods.
Horizontal deployment emphasizes the importance of being active and engaged in God's mission. It challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and be intentional about reaching out to others. By seeing ourselves as vessels for God's work, we can be more proactive in making disciples and fulfilling the Great Commission. This requires courage, conviction, and a willingness to be used by God in whatever capacity He calls us to. [01:07:06]
Matthew 4:19 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you staying "docked" instead of going out to "fish"? How can you be more proactive in seeking opportunities to share the gospel and disciple others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When the Lord tells you to go and do, we are supposed to respond and go and do. Here in verse 16, He says, In verse 17, He says, When they saw Him, they worshipped, And can I just say this? Because we go in a lot of churches across the world. You guys do a good job worshipping. Thank you for that. Thank you for coming and singing out to the Lord. But worship is much more than just proclaiming with our voices. It's also our actions and the things that we do." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Wouldn't it be nice if we obeyed the Lord Jesus in that same manner? When He said go, we went. If He said no, we stayed. If He said woe, we patiently waited. The situation is obedience. But also there's a situation with worship. I think for me in my own life, it says that much is forgiven, there's much is expected, right? I don't know about you, but I've been born again. I've been purchased by the blood of Christ in my life. But that redemption comes at a high price because we're all sinful and broken. So when we come, we come to worship. If we ever experience the true resurrected Christ in our life, we cannot help but worship." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The expectation is that we make disciples. You know, as a missions guy sometimes we can get, we want to rally the troops, right? We want to get everybody together. Let's get everybody together. Let's get them on a bus. Let's get them on a plane. Let's get them out of their context and get them into a place that they can really let loose and let Jesus have control of their life. Church, we do a poor job, maybe you do a fantastic job and I just don't know it, but as most believers, we do a poor job of making disciples where we live." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Great Commission is not for you to embrace and hold on to inside of these walls. It is literally all about horizontal deployment out of these doors." (11 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reality of your neighbor needs to know who Christ is but also the nations. Some people say why in the world would you go to Africa? Why in the world would you spend all that money and go across the world? It's really this simple because it changes me when I come back to where I live. It is as much about my neighbor as it is about the nations." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Lord, show me my blind spots. Show us as a church our blind spots and where we need to improve. And the Lord was glad by His grace. This said, hey, look, you've done well in getting people excited about going, but you've done a poor job making disciples. And I think as a church, we need to be about going, but we need not to miss the opportunity to make disciples." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can teach what you know but you only reproduce who you are and for you to make disciples that means you have to be a disciple of Christ. The reality that is there's work involved. You're not working for your salvation but you're working because you have been saved. The reality of discipleship is an authentic relationship with Christ that you cannot help but reproduce." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reality of this text in verse 6 and 7 is they had priority issues, right? They were asking things about a secular kingdom and Jesus was focused on the spiritual kingdom. But even at the last moment before his ascension, they still didn't get it. So that should encourage you and encourage me. The Lord Jesus did not rebuke them but he extended grace and truth to the people of Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth and to the ends of the earth and to the ends of the earth." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The observation in his presence is that he's never out of our sight or his supervision. There's power in his presence because as we fulfill the great commission we work in his name. We're not doing it on our own. There's also peace in the presence. It's his church, his work, then how should we or why should we worry? Church, if we're doing the things that we are called to do, the great commission is his mission. It's very simple. It's just hard to make disciples." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reality of the true discipleship process is difficult because it takes time, effort, and energy. His mission is what we see in Matthew 28. Excuse me, now we move to the commission. Look in Acts 1, Acts 1 verse 6 through 8. He says, so when they had come together, they ask him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel? Again, let me just set the context and the stage as we do this. He had just resurrected. Jesus was dead but now he is alive and now he's walking with these people." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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