Empowered to Disciple: The Great Commission Unveiled

 

Summary

In Matthew 28:16-20, we find the Great Commission, a pivotal text that answers the fundamental question: "What is the church here for?" Our mission is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, both individually and corporately. This passage underscores the church's duty to change the world through the power of the gospel. Historically, the church has thrived even in times of persecution and adversity, as seen in the second century and during the Reformation in Geneva. The Great Commission is a call to action, a mandate to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded.

The text begins with a massive claim of divine sovereignty: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Jesus, as the pantokrator, holds the universe in His hands, exercising authority over all creation. This sovereignty is the foundation for the church's mission, as it assures us that Jesus is in control, even when the world seems chaotic.

The mandate to "go and make disciples" involves more than just preaching the gospel. It requires baptizing new believers and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. Baptism is a church ordinance, a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, and an essential part of discipleship. Making disciples means nurturing believers to grow in faith, demonstrating their salvation through obedience and the fruits of the Spirit.

Finally, the Great Commission offers a massive comfort: "I am with you always, to the end of the age." This promise of Jesus' presence provides assurance and strength, especially for those facing persecution. It reminds us that Jesus is with us every step of the way, fulfilling His promises and providing the grace needed to accomplish the mission.

Key Takeaways:

- The Great Commission is a call to glorify God by making disciples of all nations. This mission is rooted in the church's purpose to change the world through the gospel, even in the face of adversity. The church has historically thrived in challenging times, driven by the hope of salvation and eternity. [02:18]

- Jesus' claim of divine sovereignty, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me," assures us that He is in control of all things. This authority is the foundation for the church's mission, providing confidence that Jesus is orchestrating His plan, even when the world seems chaotic. [09:35]

- Making disciples involves more than just preaching the gospel; it requires baptizing believers and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. Baptism is a vital church ordinance, a sign of the covenant of grace, and an essential part of discipleship, emphasizing the role of the church in nurturing believers. [18:12]

- True discipleship is marked by obedience to Jesus' commands, not as a means of salvation but as evidence of a transformed life. Disciples are taught to grow in faith, demonstrating their commitment to God's Word and displaying the fruits of the Spirit. [24:13]

- The promise of Jesus' presence, "I am with you always, to the end of the age," provides comfort and strength, especially for those facing persecution. This assurance reminds us that Jesus is with us every step of the way, fulfilling His promises and providing the grace needed to accomplish the mission. [31:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - The Great Commission Text
- [01:32] - Understanding the Text
- [02:18] - The Church's Purpose
- [02:59] - Christianity's World-Changing Mandate
- [03:52] - Historical Examples of Church Resilience
- [05:35] - The Importance of the Great Commission
- [07:52] - The Context of Doubt and Growth
- [09:35] - Jesus' Massive Claim of Authority
- [10:33] - Divine Sovereignty Explained
- [13:04] - The Unrelenting Authority of Jesus
- [15:21] - The Massive Mandate to Make Disciples
- [18:12] - The Role of Baptism in Discipleship
- [24:13] - Teaching Obedience and True Discipleship
- [31:39] - The Comfort of Jesus' Presence

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Great Commission

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:16-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of Jesus' claim, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me," in the context of the Great Commission? [09:35]

2. How does the sermon describe the historical resilience of the church during times of persecution, such as in the second century and the Reformation in Geneva? [03:52]

3. What are the two main components of making disciples according to the Great Commission, as highlighted in the sermon? [18:12]

4. How does the promise "I am with you always, to the end of the age" provide comfort to believers, especially those facing persecution? [31:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' authority over all creation provide a foundation for the church's mission, and why is this important for believers today? [09:35]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's mission is to change the world through the gospel, even in the face of adversity? [02:59]

3. How does the sermon explain the role of baptism in the process of making disciples, and why is it considered an essential part of discipleship? [18:12]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between obedience to Jesus' commands and true discipleship? [24:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the claim that "all authority in heaven and on earth" belongs to Jesus. How does this truth impact your daily life and decisions, especially when facing uncertainty or chaos? [09:35]

2. The sermon highlights the church's historical resilience during persecution. How can you draw inspiration from these examples to remain steadfast in your faith during challenging times? [03:52]

3. Consider the two components of making disciples: baptizing and teaching. How can you actively participate in these aspects within your local church community? [18:12]

4. The promise of Jesus' presence is a source of comfort. How can you remind yourself of this promise in moments of doubt or fear, and how can it strengthen your faith? [31:39]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience as evidence of a transformed life. Identify one area in your life where you can grow in obedience to Jesus' commands. What steps will you take to address this? [24:13]

6. How can you contribute to the mission of the church to make disciples of all nations, whether through prayer, support, or direct involvement in missions? [38:06]

7. Reflect on the statement, "Any church that is not seriously involved in helping to fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its right to exist." How does this challenge your perspective on the role of your church in global missions? [38:52]

Devotional

Day 1: The Church's Mission to Transform the World
The Great Commission is a call to glorify God by making disciples of all nations. This mission is rooted in the church's purpose to change the world through the gospel, even in the face of adversity. Historically, the church has thrived in challenging times, driven by the hope of salvation and eternity. The church's mission is not just about survival but about actively engaging with the world to bring about transformation through the power of the gospel. This involves a commitment to spreading the message of Christ and nurturing believers to grow in their faith, even when faced with persecution or hardship. [02:18]

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to actively participate in the church's mission to transform your community through the gospel?


Day 2: Jesus' Sovereign Authority as the Foundation
Jesus' claim of divine sovereignty, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me," assures us that He is in control of all things. This authority is the foundation for the church's mission, providing confidence that Jesus is orchestrating His plan, even when the world seems chaotic. Understanding Jesus' sovereignty helps believers trust in His ultimate plan and purpose, knowing that nothing happens outside of His control. This assurance allows the church to move forward with boldness and faith, knowing that Jesus is guiding and directing every step. [09:35]

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all." (1 Chronicles 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in Jesus' sovereignty, and how can you begin to surrender those areas to His control today?


Day 3: The Comprehensive Call to Discipleship
Making disciples involves more than just preaching the gospel; it requires baptizing believers and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. Baptism is a vital church ordinance, a sign of the covenant of grace, and an essential part of discipleship, emphasizing the role of the church in nurturing believers. True discipleship is marked by obedience to Jesus' commands, not as a means of salvation but as evidence of a transformed life. Disciples are taught to grow in faith, demonstrating their commitment to God's Word and displaying the fruits of the Spirit. [18:12]

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the discipleship process, either by seeking mentorship or by mentoring others in their faith journey?


Day 4: Evidence of a Transformed Life
True discipleship is marked by obedience to Jesus' commands, not as a means of salvation but as evidence of a transformed life. Disciples are taught to grow in faith, demonstrating their commitment to God's Word and displaying the fruits of the Spirit. This transformation is not just an internal change but is visible in the way believers live their lives, interact with others, and prioritize their values. The call to discipleship is a call to live out one's faith in tangible ways, reflecting the character and love of Christ to the world. [24:13]

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." (John 15:8, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions or habits in your life demonstrate the evidence of a transformed life, and where might you need to seek further growth?


Day 5: The Comfort of Jesus' Ever-Present Help
The promise of Jesus' presence, "I am with you always, to the end of the age," provides comfort and strength, especially for those facing persecution. This assurance reminds us that Jesus is with us every step of the way, fulfilling His promises and providing the grace needed to accomplish the mission. In times of difficulty or uncertainty, believers can find solace in knowing that they are never alone and that Jesus is actively working in their lives to bring about His purposes. This promise encourages believers to persevere, trusting in Jesus' constant presence and support. [31:39]

"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." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of Jesus' presence in your daily life, especially during times of difficulty or uncertainty?

Quotes

"Now, you may answer that question by being a good Shorter Catechism person, 'Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever,' and that's true of us individually, but it is also true of the church corporately. Our mission, our aim, our purpose is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." [00:02:26]

"There is a mandate here that Christianity is meant to change the world. Let me give you two examples by way of an introduction. Think of the uncertain world of the second century. The second century because by that time everyone who knew Jesus personally had died, and now Christians were surviving on the writings and memories of first century Christians." [00:03:13]

"The staggering thing about the second century is just how much the church thrived in the midst of severe setback and persecution and opposition. In A.D. 165, the middle of the second century, a hundred years after the end of the Acts of the Apostles, a plague devastated the Roman Empire. It ran rampant for fifteen years, and an estimated five million people died in the course of that fifteen years in the empire." [00:03:52]

"Now in that context, Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.' The first thing I want us to see here is a massive claim, a massive claim. And it's a massive claim to divine sovereignty. 'All authority is given to me.' He is pantokrator. He answers to no one. He holds the universe in the palms of His hands." [00:09:35]

"He has authority over them all. He has authority over everything at all times and in all places. His authority is totally unrelenting. Everyone and everything, angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, the twenty-four elders, the church triumphant, men, women, children, creatures of the land, creatures of the sea, creatures of the air, Satan and all of his dominion, and Jesus says, 'All authority in heaven and earth is given to me.'" [00:10:33]

"Now, of course, making disciples involves preaching the gospel. It involves proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ. It involves telling sinners that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' Yes, you go and you preach justification that you can be right with God, in a right relationship with God by faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from your works." [00:17:00]

"Firstly, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Interesting, isn't it. That right in the mandate that Jesus gives to the church, their marching orders, their mission orders, He mentions baptism. Now, baptism is a church ordinance. Baptism cannot be performed outside of the local church. It has to be done in a certain way and in a certain manner and in a certain context." [00:18:12]

"True disciples say, 'Oh, how I love your law. It is my meditation day and night.' They are discipled, meaning they are taught. Meaning they are instructed in Scripture, in doctrine, in piety, in obedience, demonstrating their commitment to the Word of God, showing that they are followers of Jesus, and they have His law within their hearts." [00:26:11]

"Well, there's a massive claim, and there's a massive command, and there's a massive comfort in this Great Commission. And the comfort is, 'Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age.' That's beautiful, isn't it? The charge is huge and monumental, to go into all the world and make disciples. Go into parts of the world where it might cause great difficulty, might cost you your life." [00:29:49]

"Well, for all of what's going on in this crazy time in 2021, that's not where we are, and we should be thankful. And we should think more and more of our brothers and sisters for whom this promise is a monumental comfort, a massive comfort. 'Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age.' He is Emmanuel, God with us, God among His people." [00:31:39]

"Now, sometimes when I hear Christians in 2021 – pandemic, Washington, Afghanistan, whatever it is – the world is falling, the sea is boiling, everything is coming to an end. My dear friend, listen to Jesus. 'I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.' He builds His church. He always has built His church in enemy occupied territory." [00:37:00]

"Oswald Smith famously said that, 'Any church that is not seriously involved in helping to fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited the right to exist.' That's strong. That's very strong. Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its right to exist." [00:38:47]

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Transcript
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