Empowered to Disciple: Living Out the Great Commission
Summary
In my sermon, I embarked on a journey through the narrative of disciple-making, emphasizing the profound impact of Jesus' ministry and how it serves as a blueprint for our own. I began by discussing the essence of the Great Commission, highlighting the dual commands to make disciples and baptize them, underscoring the importance of multiplication as seen in the early church's explosive growth post-Pentecost. This growth was not just numerical but deeply transformative, affecting communities and cultures by adhering to Jesus' method of intentional, relational discipleship.
I then delved into the practicalities of disciple-making, stressing that it is not confined to the four walls of the church but extends into our everyday interactions. I pointed out that disciple-making involves reaching out to the lost and the least, much like Jesus did, rather than merely shifting church members from one congregation to another. This outreach is crucial because it aligns with Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, a mission that He handed down to us.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of proclamation in disciple-making. I used the example of John the Baptist, who proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, initiating the process of disciple-making by pointing his own disciples towards Jesus. This act of proclamation is essential as it sets the stage for people to encounter Christ and begin their journey of faith.
I also addressed the challenges and excuses often faced in disciple-making, urging the congregation to overcome these through obedience and commitment to Christ's command. I highlighted the necessity of living out the gospel authentically, as our lives are the most powerful testimony to the truth of Jesus' transformative power.
In conclusion, I called the congregation to a renewed commitment to disciple-making, reminding them of the ultimate goal: to glorify God and advance His kingdom on earth. This involves not only growing in personal faith but also actively participating in the spiritual multiplication that Jesus envisioned, thereby impacting our communities and beyond with the gospel.
### Key Takeaways
1. Disciple-Making as Our Primary Mission:
Disciple-making is not just a part of the Christian life; it is the essence of our mission as followers of Christ. Jesus' method of investing deeply in a few to impact many teaches us that quality relationships in disciple-making lead to quantitative growth in the kingdom of God. This approach ensures that the spread of the gospel is both deep and wide, transforming lives and communities from the inside out. [51:52]
2. Proclamation is the Initiation of Discipleship:
Just as John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, we too must start our disciple-making process with proclamation. This is not merely about speaking words but about declaring the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, inviting others into a life-changing relationship with Him. Proclamation sets the stage for everything in disciple-making, as it presents the gospel clearly and compellingly to those who have yet to hear it. [01:08:15]
3. The Role of Personal Transformation in Discipleship:
Discipleship is not merely about conveying information but about fostering transformation. As we engage in making disciples, we must emphasize the holistic transformation of individuals—spiritually, emotionally, and socially. This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel and serves as a catalyst for community change, aligning with our vision of seeing God's kingdom manifested on earth. [55:32]
4. Overcoming Barriers to Disciple-Making:
In disciple-making, we often encounter barriers such as fear, apathy, or cultural opposition. However, the call to make disciples is a command, not a suggestion. Overcoming these barriers requires a bold faith and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us. It is through facing and overcoming these challenges that we truly live out the Great Commission. [01:04:04]
5. The Necessity of Community in Discipleship:
Disciple-making is not a solitary endeavor but one that thrives in community. As we make disciples, we must also be integrating them into the body of Christ, where they can grow, serve, and eventually lead others to Christ. This communal aspect of discipleship not only supports individual growth but also strengthens the church's collective mission to advance the kingdom of God. [01:43:49]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
00:47:02 - Introduction to Disciple-Making
00:49:16 - Understanding the Great Commission
00:51:52 - Jesus' Strategy for Impact
01:01:05 - The Call to Reach the Lost
01:08:15 - The Power of Proclamation
01:25:34 - Overcoming Complacency in Discipleship
01:43:49 - Community and Discipleship
01:49:17 - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
> "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 1:8 (NIV)
> "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."
3. John 1:35-36 (NIV)
> "The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!'"
### Observation Questions
1. What are the two main commands given in the Great Commission according to Matthew 28:19-20?
2. In Acts 1:8, what is promised to the disciples when the Holy Spirit comes upon them?
3. How does John the Baptist initiate the disciple-making process in John 1:35-36? [01:08:15]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus as the "Lamb of God"? [01:10:14]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Great Commission considered the primary mission for Christians, and how does it relate to the concept of multiplication? [49:16]
2. How does the power of proclamation play a role in initiating discipleship, as seen in the example of John the Baptist? [01:08:15]
3. What are some barriers to disciple-making mentioned in the sermon, and how can they be overcome? [01:04:04]
4. How does personal transformation contribute to the effectiveness of disciple-making, according to the sermon? [55:32]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are you actively participating in the Great Commission? If not, what steps can you take to start? [49:16]
2. Think of someone in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you initiate a conversation about faith with them this week? [01:08:15]
3. What are some personal barriers you face in making disciples, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome them? [01:04:04]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of proclamation in your daily interactions? Share a specific example of how you might do this. [01:08:15]
5. In what ways can you demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your own life to those around you? [55:32]
6. How can you integrate new disciples into the community of believers to ensure they grow and eventually lead others to Christ? [01:43:49]
7. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [01:00:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Disciple-Making as Our Core Mission
Disciple-making is the heartbeat of the Christian mission, deeply rooted in the example set by Jesus Himself. It involves more than just sharing knowledge; it's about investing in relationships that foster spiritual growth and transformation. By focusing on a few, we can impact many, ensuring that the gospel not only reaches but also deeply changes communities and cultures. This approach of intentional, relational discipleship is crucial for the spread of the gospel to be both deep and wide, transforming lives from the inside out. [51:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu6y1_JqCIo&t=3097s)
Acts 20:24 - "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Reflection: Who are the individuals in your life that you could begin to invest more deeply in, with the aim of disciple-making?
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Day 2: Proclamation as the Gateway to Discipleship
The journey of discipleship begins with the act of proclamation. Just as John the Baptist declared Jesus as the Lamb of God, we are called to boldly proclaim the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. This proclamation is not merely about speaking words but about inviting others into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. It sets the stage for all disciple-making efforts, presenting the gospel clearly and compellingly to those who have yet to hear it. [01:08:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu6y1_JqCIo&t=4080s)
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - "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: What opportunities can you identify this week to proclaim the gospel to someone who has not yet heard it?
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Day 3: Transformation Through Discipleship
True discipleship focuses on the holistic transformation of individuals—spiritually, emotionally, and socially. This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel and serves as a catalyst for change within communities. As disciples, we are not merely conveyors of information but facilitators of genuine, life-altering change, aligning with the vision of seeing God's kingdom manifested on earth. [55:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu6y1_JqCIo&t=3317s)
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: In what ways has your own life been transformed by discipleship, and how can you facilitate this transformation in others?
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Day 4: Overcoming Barriers in Disciple-Making
Disciple-making often involves overcoming barriers such as fear, apathy, or cultural opposition. These challenges require a bold faith and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for empowerment and guidance. As we face and overcome these obstacles, we live out the Great Commission more fully, embodying the command to make disciples in all nations. [01:04:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu6y1_JqCIo&t=3829s)
Hebrews 12:1-2 - "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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."
Reflection: What are the main barriers you face in making disciples, and how can you address these challenges starting today?
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Day 5: The Vital Role of Community in Discipleship
Disciple-making thrives in community. As we make disciples, integrating them into the body of Christ is essential for their growth, service, and eventual leadership. This communal aspect not only supports individual growth but also strengthens the church's collective mission to advance the kingdom of God. [01:43:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu6y1_JqCIo&t=6214s)
1 Peter 4:10 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: How can you better integrate the disciples you are making into the life and community of the church to foster their spiritual growth and service?
Quotes
1) "to proclaim the gospel the true gospel regardless if it's comfortable regardless if people like it you must be willing to proclaim the gospel regardless if it points people away from you and to Jesus that's a good thing right you must be willing to make a disciple even if it means you risk the crowds" [01:41:34]
2) "people are forsaking or dumbing down the proclamation of the gospel if it threatens them losing that following. I done spent two years trying to get my Instagram followers up. Man shoot. I lost five when I posted something about Jesus. I gotta slow down. But the assignments is not the crowds for the sake of the crowd. But the crowd is there for the sake of you pointing them to Jesus." [01:26:52]
3) "me wanting to hear stories about you engaging people that don't know Jesus so either every member ministry will be quiet and boring or it'll be lit because people will be telling other stories as they engage people for Christ so every member ministry will be you coming up to tell us about a person that you engage that was an unbeliever with the gospel and how it went" [01:44:30]
4) "something shifted something turned and then you started walking away from him doing your own thing living your own life and now you're sitting here and you listen and you're like damn I forgot how sweet of a love that it is that the Father has for me that he sent his son to die a death that I deserve and you're like man I want to come back into Jesus" [01:47:41]
5) "not you might be but you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the world. This is our mission. And John was a man who understood his mission. And so you've seen him fulfilling his mission. We are people who understand and know what our mission is. So what is our excuse?" [01:22:16]
6) "yeah you might lose some for proclaiming me but I'm gonna give you a whole lot more and so I'm not trying to say oh you won't have any friends I'm just saying you gotta ask yourself why you not okay with having Christian friends why you okay well I don't wanna hang with them they Christians ain't you" [01:42:53]
7) "to effectively make a disciple. And so this is what we're going to see. The question becomes, how did Jesus get his first disciples? Well, in chapter 1, book of John, there's this interesting narrative where Jesus encounters two men. Right? Two men who weren't his disciples who end up becoming his disciples." [01:08:15]
8) "The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. And when he saw Jesus passing by, he said, Look, the Lamb of God. John was standing with his disciples. And when he saw Jesus passing by, he said, Look, the Lamb of God. And so the first stage that we see that initiates everything in the disciple-making process is the proclamation." [01:08:15]
9) "Pay attention. Making disciples infers that they aren't already one, right? It's just basic logic. When Jesus said, go out into the nations and making disciples, he's talking to a group of disciples, telling them to go to people who aren't disciples and make them disciples." [01:01:05]
10) "But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death to present you holy, faultless and blameless before him. Or Ephesians 1, 12 and 13. At this time you were without Christ, excluded from citizenship of Israel and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world." [01:13:23]
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