Faith and Courage: The Call to Disciple-Making
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into a convicting message about God's judgment, focusing on the Old Testament characters Joshua and Caleb. These two figures exemplify the courage and faith we need to embody when God calls us to action. Our mission, as stated in the Great Commission, is to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission is like a "sammich," a term from the Urban Dictionary that signifies something extraordinary. The Great Commission starts with the authority of Jesus, includes the directive to make disciples, and ends with the assurance that Jesus is with us always. This "sammich" transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones by shifting our focus from mundane tasks to disciple-making.
We then reviewed the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land. God liberated them through a series of miraculous events, including the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. However, when Moses sent 12 spies to scout the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb returned with a positive report. The other ten spies were terrified of the giants in the land, causing the Israelites to grumble and lose faith. Despite Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb's efforts to convince them otherwise, the Israelites were unmoved and even considered stoning these four leaders. God's glory appeared, saving them, but He was deeply displeased with the Israelites' lack of faith.
Moses interceded for the people, praying for God's glory and reputation. God pardoned the Israelites but set conditions. None of the men who had seen His miracles and still doubted Him would enter the Promised Land, except for Joshua and Caleb. This punishment was a direct consequence of their grumbling and lack of faith. God takes grumbling seriously because it signifies a lack of trust in Him. When we grumble, we are essentially questioning God's wisdom and provision.
The sermon then shifted to the concept of disciple-making. Making disciples is not just about converting people but helping them grow in Christ. Every moment of our lives is an opportunity to make disciples. This process is reciprocal; as we help others grow, we also grow. The exponential nature of disciple-making is evident in the growth of Christianity from 11 disciples to 2.4 billion believers today. However, like the Israelites, we often fail to trust God fully, which hinders our disciple-making efforts.
God's response to the Israelites' grumbling was severe. He directed them to turn back to the wilderness, where they would wander for 40 years, corresponding to the 40 days the spies spent scouting the land. This punishment was a direct result of their lack of faith and grumbling. The ten spies who brought back a negative report died by a plague, the same fate that befell the Egyptians who opposed God's will.
In conclusion, we are called to go and make disciples in every aspect of our lives. This mission is not optional but a directive from God. We must overcome our reluctance and trust in God's plan, just as Joshua and Caleb did. Let's pray for the strength and courage to fulfill this mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, just as the apostles were on Pentecost.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Great Commission as a "Sammich"
- The Great Commission is like an extraordinary "sammich," starting with Jesus' authority, including the directive to make disciples, and ending with the assurance of His presence. This transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones by focusing on disciple-making.
- This "sammich" metaphor helps us understand the importance and the structure of our mission, making it easier to internalize and act upon.
- [01:31]
2. The Importance of Courage and Faith
- Joshua and Caleb exemplify the courage and faith needed to follow God's directives. Despite the daunting challenges, they trusted in God's promise and were ready to act.
- Their story teaches us that faith and courage are essential in fulfilling God's mission, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
- [04:33]
3. The Seriousness of Grumbling
- Grumbling is not just venting; it signifies a lack of trust in God. God views grumbling as a serious offense because it questions His wisdom and provision.
- Understanding the gravity of grumbling helps us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust, aligning our attitudes with God's will.
- [19:14]
4. Disciple-Making as a Reciprocal Process
- Making disciples is about helping people meet and grow in Christ. This process is reciprocal; as we help others grow, we also grow.
- The exponential nature of disciple-making is evident in the growth of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of each individual's contribution.
- [15:01]
5. Consequences of Disobedience
- The Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith led to severe consequences, including wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. This serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, and obedience to God is crucial.
- Understanding these consequences helps us to take God's directives seriously and strive to live in obedience to His will.
- [26:18]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:31] - The Great Commission as a "Sammich"
3. [03:02] - Transforming Ordinary Lives
4. [04:33] - Joshua and Caleb's Courage
5. [06:03] - Israel's Lack of Faith
6. [07:30] - Moses' Intercession
7. [09:04] - God's Response to Prayer
8. [10:33] - Consequences of Grumbling
9. [12:10] - Israel's Testing of God
10. [13:35] - Our Call to Make Disciples
11. [15:01] - Disciple-Making Explained
12. [16:23] - Caleb's Different Spirit
13. [17:53] - The Oddity of Not Enjoying Church
14. [19:14] - The Seriousness of Grumbling
15. [20:43] - God's Justice and Design
16. [22:11] - Consequences for Israel
17. [23:31] - Grumbling's Repercussions
18. [24:48] - Suffering for Faithlessness
19. [26:18] - The 40-Year Punishment
20. [27:47] - The Call to Make Disciples
21. [29:13] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 14:1-24 - The story of the Israelites' rebellion and God's judgment.
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission.
3. Philippians 2:14-15 - Do everything without grumbling.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the mission given to the Israelites when they reached the Promised Land, and how did Joshua and Caleb respond differently from the other spies? ([04:33])
2. How did Moses intercede for the Israelites when God was ready to disinherit them? ([07:30])
3. What were the consequences for the Israelites' grumbling and lack of faith? ([26:18])
4. How does the Great Commission resemble a "sammich" according to the sermon? ([01:31])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Joshua and Caleb were able to maintain their faith and courage when the other spies could not? ([04:33])
2. How does grumbling signify a lack of trust in God, and why does God take it so seriously? ([19:14])
3. What does it mean to make disciples in the context of our everyday lives, according to the sermon? ([15:01])
4. How does the story of the Israelites' punishment for their disobedience serve as a warning for us today? ([26:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt reluctant to follow God's direction. What held you back, and how can you overcome similar reluctance in the future? ([29:13])
2. How can you incorporate the Great Commission into your daily routine, transforming ordinary tasks into opportunities for disciple-making? ([03:02])
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you tend to grumble. How can you shift your perspective to one of gratitude and trust in God's provision? ([19:14])
4. Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement in their faith journey. What practical steps can you take this week to help them grow in Christ? ([15:01])
5. How can you cultivate a "different spirit" like Caleb, fully following God even when it is challenging? ([16:23])
6. What are some ways you can pray with the "big picture" in mind, focusing on God's glory rather than just your immediate needs? ([07:30])
7. Reflect on the exponential nature of disciple-making. How can you contribute to this growth within your community or church? ([15:01])
Devotional
Day 1: The Great Commission as an Extraordinary "Sammich"
The Great Commission is described as an extraordinary "sammich," starting with Jesus' authority, including the directive to make disciples, and ending with the assurance of His presence. This metaphor helps us understand the importance and structure of our mission, making it easier to internalize and act upon. By viewing the Great Commission as a "sammich," we can see how it transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones by focusing on disciple-making.
This "sammich" metaphor emphasizes that our mission is not just a task but a divine calling that encompasses our entire lives. It begins with recognizing Jesus' authority, which gives us the confidence to go forth. The directive to make disciples is the core of our mission, and the assurance of Jesus' presence provides us with the strength and courage to carry it out. This understanding helps us to see our daily activities as opportunities to fulfill this divine calling.
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: How can you view your daily tasks as opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission? What specific steps can you take today to make disciples in your current context? [01:31]
Day 2: The Importance of Courage and Faith
Joshua and Caleb exemplify the courage and faith needed to follow God's directives. Despite the daunting challenges, they trusted in God's promise and were ready to act. Their story teaches us that faith and courage are essential in fulfilling God's mission, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Joshua and Caleb's unwavering faith in God's promises set them apart from the other spies who were paralyzed by fear. Their courage to stand against the majority and trust in God's plan serves as a powerful example for us. When faced with challenges, we must remember that God is faithful and His promises are true. By embodying the courage and faith of Joshua and Caleb, we can overcome obstacles and fulfill the mission God has given us.
Numbers 14:6-9 (ESV): "And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, 'The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.'"
Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that require courage and faith? How can you trust in God's promises and take action despite the obstacles? [04:33]
Day 3: The Seriousness of Grumbling
Grumbling is not just venting; it signifies a lack of trust in God. God views grumbling as a serious offense because it questions His wisdom and provision. Understanding the gravity of grumbling helps us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust, aligning our attitudes with God's will.
The Israelites' grumbling in the wilderness demonstrated their lack of faith in God's provision and plan. This attitude led to severe consequences, including wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. By recognizing the seriousness of grumbling, we can strive to develop a heart of gratitude and trust in God's wisdom. This shift in attitude helps us to align our lives with God's will and experience His blessings more fully.
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV): "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself grumbling or complaining? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God's provision today? [19:14]
Day 4: Disciple-Making as a Reciprocal Process
Making disciples is about helping people meet and grow in Christ. This process is reciprocal; as we help others grow, we also grow. The exponential nature of disciple-making is evident in the growth of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of each individual's contribution.
Disciple-making is not just about converting people but nurturing their growth in Christ. As we invest in others, we also experience spiritual growth. This reciprocal process strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with God. The exponential growth of Christianity from 11 disciples to 2.4 billion believers today highlights the impact of each person's contribution. By committing to disciple-making, we participate in God's transformative work in the world.
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 life can you invest in to help them grow in Christ? How can you create opportunities for reciprocal growth in your relationships? [15:01]
Day 5: Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith led to severe consequences, including wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. This serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, and obedience to God is crucial. Understanding these consequences helps us to take God's directives seriously and strive to live in obedience to His will.
The story of the Israelites' disobedience highlights the importance of trusting and obeying God. Their lack of faith and grumbling resulted in a prolonged period of wandering and hardship. This serves as a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, and obedience to God is essential for experiencing His blessings. By taking God's directives seriously, we can avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and live in alignment with His will.
Hebrews 3:16-19 (ESV): "For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are struggling with disobedience or lack of faith? What steps can you take to align your actions with God's will and experience His blessings? [26:18]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So you know, I hope after reading that, listening to that, I hope none of us ever take for granted the privilege it is to gather on a Sunday to worship God in spirit and in truth. So I'm really glad you're here today, or if you're watching online, because this is a really convicting message. It's about God's judgment, and there's some really important stuff in here for us to get today." [00:00]
2. "So whenever we go to shop and save, yeah, we got a list that we got to go through. But hey, while we're there, we make a disciple. And that is the focus that we have here. So if we're not making disciples, then we kind of have a problem on our hands. Because maybe we're just like this nation Israel that we're studying. God says go, but we're just not actually going." [03:02]
3. "The best way to think about it is that making disciples is helping people meet and grow in Christ. That's it. So every single moment of your day in your everyday lives, you have this opportunity to make disciples. And the cool thing is, as you help point people to Jesus, as you help build them up, strengthen them and encourage them, you start to look past the fact that these people are annoying you, that they're taking shots at you, that they're getting underneath your skin because you don't care about that anymore. You're over yourself. You're actually focused on making a disciple." [15:01]
4. "You know, it always strikes me, the number of people who say, oh yeah, I want to go to heaven. Yeah, yeah, sure, I'll believe in Jesus if I can go to heaven. But they don't want to follow him. They don't even want to come to church. When they do come to church, they don't want to sing. There's really nothing at all that they like about God, or this Jesus thing. They just kind of want to go to this notional heaven thing for some reason." [17:53]
5. "Think about the things we grumble about and how much he's using that to shape us. It's actually pretty easy to see when you look at Israel. Despite all God had done for them, they continue to grumble. And you look at them, you're like, I don't know what the deal is. But when we look at our own lives, we see the exact same thing. Because at the end of the day, our lives mirror the lives of those Israelites very closely, don't they? We lack trust in God. And so we grumble. It displeases him. And he sees it as a very wicked thing, to use his words." [24:48]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So when you think about that, you snatch up your sammich with you each day, and you go out to the tri-state region and beyond, and you go make disciples, because that's what we're called to do. That's where we live out our everyday, ordinary lives. But when you take your sammich, you're not going to be able to make disciples. You're not going to be able to make disciples. That's what changes the ordinary life into an extraordinary life, because our entire mission changes. We aren't about making a living or making money anymore. We're about making disciples. And that becomes our focus." [03:02]
2. "So these 12 spies, they set out. They're out there for 40 days. They return to render their report. Here's what they find. The land is absolutely amazing. It overflows with milk and honey, just like God had promised. However, people there are strong, really strong. And the cities, they're fortified. There seem to be multiple clans there, and one of the clans is comprised of Anakites, these superhuman giant warriors. So that's what they're up against." [04:33]
3. "And then God says, since those Amalekites and Canaanites dwell in this promised land, you know what, don't bother going in at all. Forget about it. I'm now directing you otherwise. Turn tomorrow, he says, and set out for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea. In other words, I will pardon Israel, but those who rebelled against me, they're not going to see this promised land. In fact, turn around tomorrow, because none of you are going to see this land that flows with milk and honey anytime soon." [17:53]
4. "So everyone, 20 and up, except Caleb and Joshua, will not enter the promised land. They're going to die in the wilderness. Those are the consequences for sinning against God. Don't ever forget this truth. Sin leaves scars, and it always has consequences. We don't ever want to pay the cost for them ourselves. Unfortunately, Jesus came to pay the eternal cost for that. But in the here and now, it leaves scars, and there are consequences." [22:11]
5. "And then God concludes by sentencing the 10 spies who did not trust him. The text says, and the men who Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation grumble against him by bringing up a bad report about the land. The men who brought up a bad report of the land died by plague before the Lord. Of those men who went to spy on the land, only Joshua, the son of Nun, and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, remained alive." [26:18]
6. "When God says move, we see throughout this entire text today, we better move. He wasn't actually suggesting that maybe if we get around to it, maybe, you know, if the kids don't have a game this afternoon, or if I don't have to run to the grocery store, or if I, you know, don't have to get the grass mowed, maybe then I will go make a decision. He wasn't asking us. He was directing us that when we go to the ball fields, we make a disciple. When we go to the grocery store, we make a disciple. Shoot, figure out how to make disciples where you're cutting grass. I don't know, maybe praying for people. Who knows? But everything we do, we are called to go make disciples. That's our mission." [27:47]
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