Equipped for the Great Commission: Lessons from Antioch
Summary
In a compelling message centered on the Great Commission and the role of believers in spreading the gospel, the focus is drawn to the early church's example, particularly the Church of Antioch. The message begins with a reminder of the importance of assembling as a community of faith, engaging with the Word of God, and fostering discipleship within the church body. These practices are not ends in themselves but are designed to equip believers for the mission of sharing the gospel—the Great Commission.
The message emphasizes that obedience is foundational to evangelism. The early Christians, despite facing persecution, scattered and continued to share the Word. Their example teaches that following Jesus involves obedience to His commands, even in the face of adversity. The message challenges listeners to consider their own obedience to Christ's command to make disciples, urging them to be proactive rather than waiting for divine signs when the mission is already clear.
Intentionality in sharing the gospel is highlighted as a key characteristic of the early believers. They were intentional about their mission, even under the threat of persecution. The message calls for a similar intentionality among modern believers, encouraging them to see people as God sees them—valuable and made in His image—and to have a heart for the lost.
The message also addresses the need for believers to be willing to step out of their comfort zones. The early Christians did not limit their evangelism to those like them but reached out to Gentiles as well. This willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel is presented as a necessary part of being equipped for the Great Commission.
Knowledge of the gospel is another critical aspect of being equipped for evangelism. The message underscores the importance of understanding the full gospel message to communicate it effectively in various contexts. The early Christians in Antioch adapted their message to their audience, starting with Jesus as Lord before introducing Him as the Messiah, demonstrating their deep understanding of the gospel and their audience.
Dependence on God's sovereignty is the final point in being equipped for the Great Commission. The message reassures that the power behind the gospel is not in human words or abilities but in the Lord. This dependence takes the pressure off believers, as it is God who saves, not them. The message includes a personal story of sharing the gospel imperfectly yet seeing God work through that obedience to bring someone to faith.
The message concludes by examining how to stay equipped for the Great Commission, using the Church of Antioch as an example. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to verify and encourage the work there, showing the importance of accountability and encouragement within the body of Christ. The message also highlights the need for ongoing instruction and discipleship, as seen in Barnabas and Saul's (Paul) teaching in Antioch for a year.
The message ends with a call to action, asking listeners to examine their hearts and commitment to the Great Commission. It challenges them to consider whether they are equipped and staying equipped for the mission and to reflect on their passion for reaching the lost.
Key Takeaways:
- Obedience to Christ's commands is the bedrock of effective evangelism. Just as the early Christians did not hesitate to share the Word despite persecution, believers today must prioritize obedience over personal comfort or fear of rejection. This obedience is a direct expression of love for Christ and trust in His sovereign plan for salvation. [58:02]
- Intentionality in sharing the gospel is crucial. The early believers were intentional even to the point of risking their lives. Modern believers must adopt this same intentionality, seeing every interaction as an opportunity to share the love of Christ, and recognizing the intrinsic value of every person as an image-bearer of God. [01:03:59]
- Willingness to embrace discomfort is essential for the Great Commission. The message of Jesus often leads believers into unfamiliar and challenging situations. Like the early Christians who reached out to Gentiles, believers today must be prepared to step out of their comfort zones to share the gospel with those who are different from them. [01:07:21]
- A deep understanding of the gospel allows believers to communicate it effectively across different contexts. The early Christians in Antioch knew how to present Jesus in a way that resonated with their audience. Believers today must also be well-versed in the gospel to apply it appropriately in diverse situations. [01:12:02]
- Dependence on God's sovereignty is key to sharing the gospel with confidence. The success of evangelism does not depend on human eloquence or strategy but on the power of God. This reliance on God's sovereignty should embolden believers to share the full gospel message, trusting in His ability to transform hearts. [01:16:07]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47
2. Acts 11:19-26
3. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the early Christians in Acts 11:19-26 doing as they were scattered due to persecution? ([48:31])
2. How did the early church in Acts 2:42-47 demonstrate their devotion to the apostles' teachings and fellowship? ([47:47])
3. What role did Barnabas play when he arrived in Antioch according to Acts 11:22-24? ([49:13])
4. How did the early Christians in Antioch adapt their message to their audience? ([01:12:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is obedience to Christ's commands considered foundational to effective evangelism? How does this relate to the early Christians' actions in Acts 11:19-26? ([58:02])
2. What does it mean to be intentional in sharing the gospel, and how did the early Christians exemplify this? ([01:03:59])
3. How can stepping out of our comfort zones impact our ability to fulfill the Great Commission? Reflect on the early Christians' willingness to reach out to Gentiles. ([01:07:21])
4. How does dependence on God's sovereignty provide confidence in sharing the gospel? Consider the personal story shared in the sermon. ([01:16:07])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle with obedience to Christ's commands? How can you take steps to prioritize obedience over personal comfort or fear of rejection? ([58:02])
2. Think about your daily interactions. How can you be more intentional in sharing the gospel with those around you? Identify one specific person or situation where you can share the love of Christ this week. ([01:03:59])
3. Consider a time when you felt uncomfortable sharing your faith. What steps can you take to embrace discomfort for the sake of the gospel? How can you prepare yourself to reach out to those who are different from you? ([01:07:21])
4. Evaluate your understanding of the gospel. Are there areas where you need to deepen your knowledge to communicate it effectively? What resources or practices can help you grow in this area? ([01:12:02])
5. Reflect on a recent experience where you depended on your own abilities rather than God's sovereignty. How can you shift your mindset to trust in God's power when sharing the gospel? ([01:16:07])
6. How can you stay equipped for the Great Commission within your church community? What steps can you take to engage in ongoing instruction and discipleship, similar to the early Christians in Antioch? ([49:13])
7. Examine your heart and commitment to the Great Commission. Do you have a passion for reaching the lost? What specific actions can you take to cultivate this passion and stay engaged in the mission? ([01:29:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Fuels Evangelism
Obedience to Christ's commands is not merely about following rules; it's about aligning one's heart and actions with the mission of God. When believers prioritize obedience, they reflect a trust in God's plan and a commitment to the Great Commission. This obedience often requires courage, as it did for the early Christians who faced persecution yet continued to spread the Word. It's a tangible expression of love for Christ, demonstrating a willingness to put His desires above personal comfort or fear of rejection. Obedience is the bedrock upon which effective evangelism is built, and it is through this steadfast adherence to Jesus' commands that the message of the gospel can be shared authentically and powerfully. [58:02]
"But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.'" (Acts 5:29-32 ESV)
Reflection: How might prioritizing obedience to Christ's command to evangelize challenge and change your daily interactions?
Day 2: Intentional Gospel Conversations
Intentionality in sharing the gospel is about seeing every interaction as a divine appointment. The early believers understood this, risking their lives to spread the message of Jesus. Today, this intentionality requires believers to recognize the value of every person as an image-bearer of God and to approach each conversation with the potential to share the love of Christ. It's about being proactive, not passive, and seeking opportunities to discuss faith in a world that is often indifferent or even hostile to the message of the gospel. This intentionality is a conscious choice to be on mission in every aspect of life. [01:03:59]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'" (Mark 16:15-16 ESV)
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to be more intentional in your conversations, looking for opportunities to discuss your faith?
Day 3: Embracing Discomfort for Christ
The willingness to embrace discomfort is a hallmark of a believer who is serious about the Great Commission. The early Christians did not limit their evangelism to those like them but reached out to Gentiles, crossing cultural and societal boundaries. Today, this means being prepared to step out of one's comfort zone, engaging with people who have different beliefs, backgrounds, or lifestyles. It's about putting the gospel above personal preferences and being willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of sharing the love of Jesus with others. This discomfort is not a burden but a privilege, as it allows believers to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who Himself reached out to the marginalized and the outcast. [01:07:21]
"And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.'" (Acts 18:9-10 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a group or individual you have avoided sharing the gospel with due to discomfort? How can you step out in faith to bridge that gap?
Day 4: Understanding the Gospel Deeply
A deep understanding of the gospel is essential for communicating it effectively. The early Christians in Antioch knew their audience and adapted their message accordingly, demonstrating a profound grasp of the gospel's core truths. Today, believers must also be well-versed in the gospel, not only to defend their faith but to share it in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. This understanding goes beyond memorizing scripture; it involves internalizing the transformative power of the gospel and being able to articulate it in various contexts, always pointing back to Jesus as Lord and Savior. [01:12:02]
"For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." (Acts 20:27-28 ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the gospel this week to better communicate its truths to those around you?
Day 5: Relying on God's Sovereignty in Evangelism
Dependence on God's sovereignty in evangelism is about recognizing that the power behind the gospel is not human effort but the Lord Himself. This reliance frees believers from the pressure of feeling responsible for the salvation of others and emboldens them to share the gospel with confidence. The early Christians trusted in God's sovereignty, knowing that it was He who would transform hearts. Today, this dependence is a reminder that while believers are called to be faithful in sharing the message, it is ultimately God who saves. This trust in God's sovereignty should encourage believers to share the full gospel message, resting in the assurance that God is at work in ways that surpass human understanding. [01:16:07]
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:5-6 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from your own abilities to God's sovereignty as you share your faith with others?
Quotes
1) "The first thing about being equipped for the Great Commission just be obedient. Jesus said if you love me you'll obey my commands. Our faith involves us just being obedient because we trust the one that we are now following." [58:02] (Download)
2) "These believers they were losing their lives because of the gospel and yet they were sharing it. They didn't let that stop them. Every time they opened their mouth to talk about Jesus it might have been their last breath." [01:03:59] (Download)
3) "Part of being equipped for this mission is to be willing to be uncomfortable. You'd be amazed at how God would use you and at the same time how God will build you up." [01:09:01] (Download)
4) "You need to know the whole Gospel of Jesus in order to be equipped to share it. You don't have to be some Bible scholar or some Theologian, you just have to be able to share what Christ has done in your life." [01:13:39] (Download)
5) "The actual power behind the gospel has nothing to do with our words or our own ability. It's not our power that saves people. It really takes all the pressure off of the Great Commission." [01:16:07] (Download)
6) "God could have chosen a million different ways to share this message to the world. He picked each of you and the millions of Believers across our planet to share the greatest news ever." [01:15:31] (Download)
7) "The reality is if you study your Bible, if you study the history of the church, God has called Believers into uncomfortable situations Time After Time." [01:09:01] (Download)
8) "We need to start seeing people around us made in the image of God, people that are valuable to God, important to God, people that deserve dignity no matter who they are because they're made in His image." [01:11:31] (Download)
9) "The Church of Antioch was a model Great Commission Church. They cared about reaching the lost in their town and they cared about reaching the lost All Around the World." [55:03] (Download)
10) "If you really want to gauge your own intentionality, what are you willing to give up for the gospel? What are you willing to give up just to see people come to Christ?" [01:06:13] (Download)
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