Embracing the Great Commission: Making Disciples Daily
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Grace Bible Church. Today, we explored the challenging yet essential teachings of Jesus, focusing on the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20. This passage, often quoted but seldom fully embraced, calls us to make disciples of all nations. We began by laying three foundational truths: God's Word is unchanging truth, if we disagree with the Bible, we are wrong, and if our beliefs don't align with Scripture, we must change our beliefs and actions.
The Great Commission is not just about going; it's about making disciples as we go about our daily lives. This involves baptizing and teaching others to obey Jesus' commands. We discussed the importance of living on mission, not just talking about it. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, denies themselves, and takes up their cross daily. Discipleship involves more than just attending Bible studies; it means inviting others into our lives and showing them how to follow Jesus.
We also touched on the necessity of preaching the gospel. The gospel is the power of God for salvation, and it must be proclaimed. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and an initiation into the family of God. Teaching others to obey Jesus involves more than just imparting knowledge; it means modeling a Christ-centered life.
We concluded by emphasizing that making disciples is a command, not a suggestion. It's a call to action that requires us to invest time and effort, even when it's messy or inconvenient. Jesus has all authority and power, and He promises to be with us as we go and make disciples. Let's get in the game and make disciples, both at home and to the ends of the earth.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Word is Unchanging Truth: The Bible is the ultimate authority, and its teachings do not change based on cultural or personal preferences. If we find ourselves in disagreement with Scripture, we must assume that we are wrong and adjust our beliefs and actions accordingly. This foundational truth calls us to a life of humility and obedience. [24:26]
2. The Great Commission is About Making Disciples: The primary command in Matthew 28:18-20 is to make disciples, not just to go. This involves baptizing and teaching others to obey Jesus' commands. As we go about our daily lives, we are called to live on mission, making disciples in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and beyond. [29:38]
3. Discipleship Requires Life Investment: Making disciples is more than just teaching a Bible study; it involves inviting others into our lives and showing them how to follow Jesus. This can be messy and time-consuming, but it is essential for true discipleship. We must be willing to invest in others as others have invested in us. [47:08]
4. Preaching the Gospel is Essential: The gospel is the power of God for salvation, and it must be proclaimed. People need to hear the message of Jesus to become His disciples. This involves not just living a good life but actively sharing the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. [39:59]
5. Jesus' Authority and Presence Empower Us: Jesus has all authority and power, and He promises to be with us as we go and make disciples. This assurance should give us the confidence to step out in faith, knowing that we are not alone. His presence and power enable us to overcome any obstacles we may face in fulfilling the Great Commission. [56:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:02] - Washing Feet: A Humbling Experience
[21:59] - Things I Wish Jesus Hadn't Said
[24:26] - Foundational Truths
[26:55] - The Great Commission
[29:38] - Making Disciples: The Main Command
[34:46] - Defining a Disciple
[39:59] - The Importance of Preaching the Gospel
[44:14] - The Significance of Baptism
[45:45] - Teaching Obedience to Jesus
[47:08] - Life Investment in Discipleship
[56:12] - Jesus' Authority and Presence
[01:02:55] - Personal Story: Overcoming Spiritual Warfare
[01:06:41] - Call to Action: Making Disciples
[01:09:45] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three foundational truths mentioned in the sermon that we must agree with when approaching God's Word? [24:26]
2. According to the sermon, what is the primary command in the Great Commission, and what are the three subordinate actions connected to it? [29:38]
3. How does the sermon define a disciple of Jesus? [34:46]
4. What role does baptism play in the process of making disciples, as explained in the sermon? [44:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize that God's Word is unchanging truth, and how should this affect our beliefs and actions? [24:26]
2. The sermon emphasizes that making disciples involves more than just teaching a Bible study. What does it mean to invite others into our lives and show them how to follow Jesus? [47:08]
3. How does the assurance of Jesus' authority and presence empower us to fulfill the Great Commission? [56:12]
4. What are the implications of the statement, "Preaching the gospel is essential," for our daily lives and interactions with others? [39:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current beliefs and actions. Are there any areas where you find yourself in disagreement with Scripture? How can you align your beliefs and actions with God's unchanging truth? [24:26]
2. Think about your daily routine. How can you incorporate disciple-making into your everyday activities, such as at work, in your neighborhood, or with your family? [29:38]
3. Identify someone in your life who you can invite into your daily routine to show them how to follow Jesus. What specific steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth? [47:08]
4. When was the last time you actively shared the gospel with someone? What are some practical ways you can proclaim the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection in your community? [39:59]
5. Jesus promises to be with us as we go and make disciples. How does this assurance impact your willingness to step out in faith and engage in disciple-making activities? [56:12]
6. Consider the importance of baptism as a public declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how can you share the significance of this act with others? If you haven't been baptized, what steps can you take to make this public declaration of your faith? [44:14]
7. Reflect on the concept of living on mission. What specific changes can you make in your life to ensure that you are not just talking about the Great Commission but actively participating in it? [29:38]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unchanging Truth of God's Word
God's Word is the ultimate authority, and its teachings do not change based on cultural or personal preferences. If we find ourselves in disagreement with Scripture, we must assume that we are wrong and adjust our beliefs and actions accordingly. This foundational truth calls us to a life of humility and obedience. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is the living Word of God that speaks to us today. It challenges us to align our lives with its teachings, even when it is uncomfortable or counter-cultural.
In a world where truth is often seen as relative, the Bible stands as an unchanging standard. It calls us to a higher way of living, one that is rooted in God's eternal wisdom. When we encounter passages that challenge our current beliefs or behaviors, we must be willing to submit to God's authority and make the necessary changes in our lives. This is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. [24:26]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: Is there a specific belief or behavior in your life that does not align with Scripture? How can you begin to submit this area to God's unchanging truth today?
Day 2: The Great Commission: A Call to Make Disciples
The primary command in Matthew 28:18-20 is to make disciples, not just to go. This involves baptizing and teaching others to obey Jesus' commands. As we go about our daily lives, we are called to live on mission, making disciples in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and beyond. The Great Commission is not just a task for missionaries or church leaders; it is a call for every believer.
Making disciples means more than just sharing the gospel; it involves walking alongside others as they grow in their faith. It means being intentional about our relationships and looking for opportunities to share the love of Christ. This can happen in everyday conversations, acts of kindness, and by living a life that reflects Jesus' teachings. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, making disciples as we go about our daily routines. [29:38]
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: Who in your daily life can you intentionally invest in to help them grow as a disciple of Jesus? What steps can you take this week to begin that process?
Day 3: Investing in Lives for True Discipleship
Making disciples is more than just teaching a Bible study; it involves inviting others into our lives and showing them how to follow Jesus. This can be messy and time-consuming, but it is essential for true discipleship. We must be willing to invest in others as others have invested in us. Discipleship is about life-on-life relationships where we model what it means to follow Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
True discipleship requires vulnerability and authenticity. It means sharing our struggles and victories, our doubts and our faith. It means being there for others in their times of need and allowing them to be there for us. This kind of investment can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. As we pour into others, we will see them grow in their faith and, in turn, begin to invest in others as well. [47:08]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV): "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Who has invested in your spiritual growth? How can you begin to invest in someone else's life in a meaningful way this week?
Day 4: The Power of Preaching the Gospel
The gospel is the power of God for salvation, and it must be proclaimed. People need to hear the message of Jesus to become His disciples. This involves not just living a good life but actively sharing the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. Preaching the gospel is not just the job of pastors or evangelists; it is the responsibility of every believer.
Sharing the gospel can be intimidating, but it is essential for the growth of God's kingdom. We must be willing to step out in faith and share the hope that we have in Jesus. This can happen in conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers. The gospel has the power to transform lives, and we are called to be messengers of that life-changing truth. [39:59]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone? What is one practical step you can take this week to share the good news of Jesus with someone in your life?
Day 5: Empowered by Jesus' Authority and Presence
Jesus has all authority and power, and He promises to be with us as we go and make disciples. This assurance should give us the confidence to step out in faith, knowing that we are not alone. His presence and power enable us to overcome any obstacles we may face in fulfilling the Great Commission.
When we feel inadequate or fearful, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. We are not called to make disciples in our own strength but in the strength that comes from Him. This truth should embolden us to take risks for the sake of the gospel, trusting that Jesus will be with us every step of the way. [56:12]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: What fears or doubts are holding you back from making disciples? How can you lean into Jesus' promise of His presence and authority to overcome these obstacles?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So I'm just saying this morning, I hope that you're willing to say, Lord, whatever you ask me to do, the answer is yes. Lord, send me." [20:31] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The truth is, there's a lot of hard things in the Bible that Jesus said. But you know, there's also a lot of grace-filled, compassionate, loving things that Jesus said as well. And I believe that even the hard things, I'm convinced, even the hard things, the challenging things that Jesus said to us came from a place of love. He loved us so much. He was willing to tell us the truth." [22:50] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As you live life, live on mission. As you live life, make disciples. So the goal is making disciples. So like, as you go to work, make disciples. As you come home, who lives around you? Neighbors, right? Make disciples. As you go to the doctor, you are a representative of Jesus everywhere you go. If you're a follower of Christ, we're called to be his ambassador everywhere we go." [30:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The good news is that Jesus tells us all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him. And he also tells us he's not going to leave us until the very end of the age. Guys, this is one of the most incredible, important claims in all of Scripture. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Christ." [56:12] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus has all authority and power. He has the authority to use the power. And he is telling us, hey, guys, I have authority and power, and I'm going with you. So as you go to make disciples, I am going with you. I hope that motivates you this morning to go, man, I don't have to fear. I don't have to worry. I can go. He's given me authority. He has the authority. He has the power. He's going with me." [57:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first one is God's word is truth and it doesn't change. So God's word, the things Jesus said, the things that are in the Bible are truth despite how we feel about them or despite how the culture and society want to tell us to feel about them. We don't have the right to reinterpret the word of God. We have to come to the word of God and go, man, it's true." [24:26] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If I disagree with the Bible, I must assume that I am wrong. So instead of trying to figure out how to make the word of God say something different because we don't like what it says, we have to realize, no, man, if this is what the word of God says and I don't agree, I don't agree with it, I'm wrong. I'm the one in the wrong. Not the word. The word is truth. It doesn't change." [25:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A disciple of Jesus is committed to being transformed into the image of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3.18 says, as we behold his glory, we are changed from glory to glory. And that we are being changed into one image. And that image is Jesus. God's changing us into Jesus. Romans 8.29 says that if we're a follower of Christ, we're predestined to be conformed into the likeness of his son. We're going to be like Christ." [37:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Making disciples begins with preaching the gospel. That's how it begins. People hear the gospel and they respond to it. One of my favorite verses is Romans 1.16. It says, Paul's writing. He says, I am unashamed of the gospel. Because it's the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes. For everyone who believes. It's the power of God. The gospel is." [38:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Teaching somebody to follow Christ is showing someone how to follow the Lord. What does that mean? It's more than inviting somebody to come and sit through a Bible study. It's inviting somebody into your life. Hey, come. Let's do life together. Let me show you how I love Jesus in my life. Let me show you how to pray. Let me show you how to share the gospel." [46:16] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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