Empowered for Purpose: Trusting God in Our Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound calling and empowerment that Jesus gives to His followers, as illustrated in Luke 10 when He sends out the 72 disciples. We began by acknowledging the peace and grace that God provides, which allows us to let go of our fears and anxieties. This peace is foundational as we step into our God-given purpose. Jesus gives us a clear purpose: to glorify God in all we do and to share the gospel wherever we go. This purpose is not just for a select few but for all believers, as demonstrated by Jesus sending out not just the 12 apostles but also the 72 disciples.
We delved into the idea that Jesus equips us not by giving us all the answers or resources upfront but by teaching us to depend on Him. This dependence is crucial as we face the world's challenges, including rejection and persecution. Jesus sends us out as lambs among wolves, emphasizing our need to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and words. He also teaches us to trust in God's daily provision, both physically and spiritually, reinforcing that our greatest resource is God Himself and the community He provides.
Furthermore, Jesus prepares us by bringing people of peace into our lives—those who will support and encourage us in our mission. He instructs us to build relationships and show love, rather than trying to win arguments or debates. This practical strategy of reaching out with love and humility is essential for effective ministry.
Lastly, we discussed the inevitability of rejection and the importance of resilience. Jesus reminds us that rejection is not personal but a rejection of Him and His message. We are called to shake off the dust and continue our mission, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. Purpose and Empowerment: Every believer is appointed and empowered by God to glorify Him and share the gospel. This calling is not limited to church leaders but extends to all followers of Jesus. Understanding this can elevate our faith and confidence in our mission. [20:39]
2. Dependence on God: Jesus prepares us by teaching us to depend on God's provisions rather than our own resources. This dependence builds our trust in Him, both for our daily needs and for spiritual guidance. [31:31]
3. People of Peace: God places people of peace in our lives to support and encourage us in our mission. These individuals are crucial for building relationships and advancing the gospel. Recognizing and partnering with them can significantly impact our ministry. [43:04]
4. Rejection and Resilience: Expecting and accepting rejection is part of our journey. Jesus teaches us to shake off the dust and move forward, understanding that rejection is ultimately against Him, not us. This perspective helps us remain resilient and focused on our mission. [49:31]
5. Practical Strategy: Jesus' strategy for ministry involves humility, love, and building relationships rather than winning arguments. By becoming all things to all people, we can effectively share the gospel and break down barriers to faith. [47:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:03] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[17:47] - Personal Story: Feeling Ill-Prepared
[19:11] - Relating to the Disciples' Experience
[20:39] - Jesus Gives Purpose
[22:07] - The Unique Calling of Every Believer
[23:22] - The Mission for All Followers
[24:46] - The Importance of Community in Ministry
[26:18] - The Urgency of the Harvest
[29:20] - We Are Ambassadors for Christ
[30:28] - Jesus Gives Preparation
[31:31] - Dependence on God's Provisions
[33:07] - Facing Persecution and Resistance
[35:22] - Relying on the Holy Spirit
[38:05] - Jesus Gives Daily Bread
[39:37] - Trusting in God's Provision
[42:31] - Jesus Gives People of Peace
[44:06] - Practical Strategy for Ministry
[47:14] - Building Relationships and Showing Love
[49:31] - Expecting Rejection
[51:41] - Imagining the Impact of Our Mission
[52:46] - Practicing Intentionality in Sharing the Gospel
[54:07] - Trusting in God's Provisions and Power
[55:43] - Preparing for Hardships and Rejection
[57:22] - The Worth of Our Mission
[58:26] - Closing Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 10:1-2 - "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
2. 2 Corinthians 5:20 - "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
3. Mark 13:11 - "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the 72 disciples when He sent them out? (Luke 10:1-2)
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main things the disciples knew that helped them go on their mission? [20:39]
3. How does Paul describe our role as believers in 2 Corinthians 5:20?
4. What does Mark 13:11 say about how we should handle situations where we need to speak about our faith?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the need for the disciples to depend on God’s provisions rather than their own resources? [31:31]
2. How can recognizing people of peace in our lives help us in our mission to share the gospel? [43:04]
3. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ, and how does this role impact our daily lives? (2 Corinthians 5:20)
4. How does the concept of shaking off the dust and moving forward help us deal with rejection in our mission? [49:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt ill-prepared for a task God called you to. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? [19:11]
2. Jesus sends us out as lambs among wolves. What are some practical ways you can rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance and words in challenging situations? [31:31]
3. Identify a person of peace in your life. How can you build a stronger relationship with them to support your mission of sharing the gospel? [43:04]
4. How do you handle rejection when sharing your faith? What steps can you take to remain resilient and continue your mission despite setbacks? [49:31]
5. Jesus’ strategy for ministry involves humility, love, and building relationships. What specific actions can you take this week to reach out with love and humility in your community? [47:14]
6. Think about your daily needs and how God has provided for you. How can this trust in God’s provision translate into greater spiritual dependence and boldness in sharing your faith? [39:37]
7. What are some ways you can be more intentional about sharing the gospel in your everyday life? Consider your places of work, play, and community. [52:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Purpose
Jesus calls every believer to glorify God and share the gospel, not just church leaders. This universal calling elevates our faith and confidence in our mission. By understanding that we are all appointed and empowered by God, we can step into our roles with greater assurance and purpose. Jesus' sending out of the 72 disciples in Luke 10 exemplifies this inclusive mission, showing that every follower has a part to play in God's plan. This realization can transform how we view our daily lives and interactions, seeing them as opportunities to reflect God's glory and share His love. [20:39]
Luke 10:1-2 (ESV): "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, '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: How can you glorify God in your daily activities and interactions today? Identify one specific way to share the gospel with someone in your life.
Day 2: Dependence on God's Provisions
Jesus teaches us to rely on God's provisions rather than our own resources. This dependence builds our trust in Him for both our daily needs and spiritual guidance. As we face challenges, including rejection and persecution, we learn to lean on the Holy Spirit for direction and words. Jesus' instruction to the 72 disciples to take nothing for their journey underscores the importance of trusting in God's daily provision. This reliance on God not only strengthens our faith but also reminds us that our greatest resource is God Himself and the community He provides. [31:31]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than God's provision? How can you practice trusting God more fully today?
Day 3: Recognizing People of Peace
God places people of peace in our lives to support and encourage us in our mission. These individuals are crucial for building relationships and advancing the gospel. Jesus' instruction to the 72 disciples to find and stay with people of peace highlights the importance of these supportive relationships. By recognizing and partnering with these individuals, we can significantly impact our ministry and create a network of encouragement and support. This strategy of reaching out with love and humility, rather than trying to win arguments, is essential for effective ministry. [43:04]
Acts 16:14-15 (ESV): "One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' And she prevailed upon us."
Reflection: Who are the people of peace in your life that support and encourage you? How can you strengthen these relationships and partner with them in your mission?
Day 4: Resilience in the Face of Rejection
Expecting and accepting rejection is part of our journey as followers of Jesus. He teaches us to shake off the dust and move forward, understanding that rejection is ultimately against Him, not us. This perspective helps us remain resilient and focused on our mission, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan. By embracing this mindset, we can continue to share the gospel with confidence, even when faced with opposition. Jesus' words to the 72 disciples about shaking off the dust serve as a powerful reminder to stay resilient and committed to our calling. [49:31]
Matthew 10:14-15 (ESV): "And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town."
Reflection: How do you typically respond to rejection in your mission to share the gospel? What steps can you take to develop greater resilience and continue your mission with confidence?
Day 5: Practical Strategy for Ministry
Jesus' strategy for ministry involves humility, love, and building relationships rather than winning arguments. By becoming all things to all people, we can effectively share the gospel and break down barriers to faith. This approach requires us to show genuine love and humility, focusing on building connections rather than proving a point. Jesus' example of reaching out with compassion and understanding serves as a model for our own ministry efforts. By adopting this practical strategy, we can create an environment where the gospel can be received with open hearts. [47:14]
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
Reflection: In what ways can you show humility and love in your interactions with others today? How can you build relationships that create opportunities to share the gospel?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you ever felt this way, I want you to know you're not alone. I think the disciples that we're going to talk about today felt the same way as you and I did. I don't think it's not mentioned here because it's not vital to the story, but I am pretty sure that there was a sense that I am not good enough. This is overwhelming what you're doing." [19:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We're right up reminded that we all have a purpose in this life. And this purpose is yet general, but yet unique to you that you share. And it's only because you share it. And it's only because you share it. And it's only because you share it. It's only the purpose that you can fulfill and do. And that purpose is simply this. Although we've complicated church, the purpose that we're given is to glorify God in all we do." [22:07] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a harvest out there in the world. There are people ripe for Jesus who really want to come into his kingdom, really want to know him, but they need to be harvested. They need to be called. They need someone to go and share the message with and help nurture it, help pick it." [26:18] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have been given my righteousness. You have been made holy through the blood of Jesus Christ. You have been set apart for the work of God. And we go as lambs. Jesus came as meek and mild and humble as a servant. He was the great God, King, ruler of all the universe, and yet he takes on flesh and is this humble servant. And we come as lambs in this world full of wolves." [32:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Look, you're never going to know all the answers. If you know all the answers, you be God. You're called to go and rely on the Holy Spirit. If you're lying to the Holy Spirit to give you words, I know that's uncomfortable, that's risky, because a lot of us, we want control. We want some kind of agenda. We want some kind of structure. Without it, we feel anxious." [35:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think Luke is making a subtle point here that the mission wasn't just for the inner circle. It wasn't just for the official apostles. It was for all the followers of Jesus. It's a significant point, the church of America. Because in a church in America, kind of in a subconscious kind of mindset, we kind of had this idea, if we can just get the right pastor and staff, and we can have really good pastor and staff, that they can take care of the ministry and mission, and we don't have to do it." [23:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul undermines this whole thing. He kind of underpins us. He says in 2 Corinthians, he says, look, we are what? Ambassadors for Christ. Ambassadors are the ones who can be given authority by the president or the leader, right? Our leader, our king is God. He's made us ambassadors. He's appointed us to this office. He's given us the empowerment to what? As an ambassador to speak on his behalf. That's what Paul says." [29:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus gives preparation. He gives preparation. And his preparation is for them to depend on God's provisions. He doesn't prepare them and say, okay, we're going to sit down and have school today so you can learn everything you need to know about being a missionary. No. He doesn't give them a long, long curriculum. His greatest preparation is they're going to depend on him." [30:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus gives daily bread. He wanted them to prepare by daily bread. He said, look, carry no money bag or knapsack, no sandals or grate. Greet no one on the road and remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labor deserves his wages. It's kind of funny. I mean, this is weird in this world. Jesus doesn't pack a whole bag for them and says, hey, you're going off. Let me make sure you have everything you need for this." [38:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus gives people a peace. Whatever house you enter first, say, Peace be to this house. And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him, but if not, I will return to you. As you step out on ministry, it's very interesting, God always brings people of peace in your life. He'll bring people around you who support you and encourage you, who are what I call like a truckload of affirmation to what you're doing." [42:31] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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