The Great Commission: Living as Disciples in Christ

The mission entrusted to us by Jesus is not simply about doing good works or engaging in charitable activities, but about restoring humanity to its original purpose: to bear the image of God and live in relationship with Him. From the very beginning, God created us to reflect His nature, to multiply His image across the earth, and to live in communion with Him. Sin corrupted this purpose, leading humanity away from God and into a state of confusion, violence, and emptiness. Yet, God’s love and wisdom were not defeated. Through Jesus—the promised seed who would crush the serpent’s head—God initiated a plan of redemption, restoring us to Himself and reestablishing our true identity.

The Great Commission is the heart of this restoration. Jesus, possessing all authority in heaven and on earth, commands us to make disciples of all nations. This is not a call to mere religious activity, but to a transformative relationship with Christ. To be a disciple is to be a dedicated learner, imitating the life and teachings of the Master, and allowing His Spirit to write God’s law on our hearts. This process is not limited to a select few or to certain nations; it is for all people, everywhere, because God’s desire is to fill the earth with those who bear His image.

Making disciples begins with proclaiming the gospel, so that people may be born again and receive the Spirit of God. Baptism marks this new identity, and teaching is essential so that believers learn to observe all that Jesus commanded. The goal is not simply to fill churches, but to bring people into a living, abiding relationship with Christ. As we abide in Him, His character is formed in us, and we naturally bear fruit—God’s love, justice, and holiness become visible to the world through our lives.

This mission is not confined to pastors or church leaders; every believer is called to participate, starting with their own families and extending to every sphere of life. Our careers, relationships, and daily interactions become mission fields where God’s image can be displayed. True discipleship is a lifestyle, not an event. It is about living out our faith authentically, so that others may see God in us and be drawn to Him. In this way, God’s original purpose is fulfilled, and His glory fills the earth.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Our True Purpose: Bearing God’s Image God’s intention from creation was for humanity to reflect His character and fill the earth with His image. Sin distorted this purpose, but in Christ, we are restored to our original calling. Our deepest fulfillment comes not from achievements or possessions, but from living as image-bearers of God, rooted in relationship with Him. [45:55]
• 2. Discipleship: A Transformative Relationship, Not a Ritual To be a disciple is to be a lifelong learner and imitator of Jesus, not just a participant in religious events. Discipleship means allowing Christ’s Spirit to shape our hearts, minds, and actions, so that we become like Him. This transformation is the foundation for true mission and witness in the world. [61:29]
• 3. The Great Commission: Restoring Identity and Purpose The command to make disciples is about more than evangelism; it is about helping people discover their true identity and purpose in Christ. As we share the gospel, baptize, and teach, we invite others into the life-giving relationship with God for which they were created. This is the justice and love God desires for all nations. [50:26]
• 4. Abiding in Christ: The Source of Fruitfulness Fruitfulness in the Christian life is not achieved by effort alone, but by abiding in Christ. As we remain in close relationship with Him—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—His nature is formed in us, and we naturally display His love and holiness to the world. Our transformation is proportional to the time we spend with Him. [71:33]
• 5. Every Believer’s Mission: Living Out Faith Daily The call to make disciples is for every follower of Jesus, not just leaders. Our homes, workplaces, and communities are mission fields where we are to live out our faith authentically. By teaching our children, loving our neighbors, and reflecting Christ in all we do, we participate in God’s plan to redeem and restore the world. [79:34]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [40:48] - Gratitude for Dublin Baptist Church
• [41:06] - The Great Commission: Our Main Reason
• [41:53] - Opening Prayer
• [42:21] - A Creative Conversation About Church
• [43:25] - The True Purpose of the Church
• [44:09] - God’s Original Purpose in Creation
• [45:55] - Bearing God’s Image and the Fall
• [47:46] - God’s Redemptive Plan Unfolds
• [49:50] - The Great Commission and Our Identity
• [50:26] - The Justice of God and Human Identity
• [52:16] - Jesus’ Authority and the Jewish Context
• [53:42] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of Scripture
• [56:42] - Jesus’ Identity and Authority Explained
• [61:29] - Discipleship: Becoming Like the Master
• [67:35] - Teaching to Abide in Christ
• [71:33] - Abiding and Bearing Fruit
• [74:42] - Living as God’s Chosen People
• [76:36] - Mission in Everyday Life
• [79:34] - Discipleship Begins at Home
• [81:19] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV) — > Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
> So God created man in his own image,
> in the image of God he created him;
> male and female he created them.
> And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

2. 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.”

3. John 15:4-5 (ESV)
> Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Observation Questions

1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what was God’s original purpose for humanity? How does the sermon describe this purpose? [[45:55]]
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific actions does Jesus command his followers to do? [[52:16]]
3. What does Jesus say is necessary for fruitfulness in John 15:4-5? How does the sermon connect this to the Christian life? [[01:11:33]]
4. The sermon mentions that making disciples is not just for pastors or leaders. Where does the speaker say this mission should begin? [[01:19:34]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that bearing God’s image is our true purpose, not just doing good works. Why is this distinction important for how we live out our faith? [[43:25]]
2. Jesus commands his followers to “make disciples of all nations.” What does the sermon say it means to be a disciple, and how is this different from just attending church or participating in religious activities? [[01:01:29]]
3. The sermon emphasizes abiding in Christ as the source of transformation and fruitfulness. What does it look like practically to “abide in Christ” in daily life? [[01:11:33]]
4. The speaker says that every believer’s daily life—at home, work, and in relationships—is a mission field. How does this change the way we think about our ordinary routines? [[01:16:36]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says our deepest fulfillment comes from living as image-bearers of God, not from achievements or possessions. In what areas of your life do you tend to seek fulfillment apart from God? What would it look like to shift your focus? [[45:55]]
2. The speaker describes discipleship as a lifestyle, not an event. What is one habit or routine you could change this week to be more intentional about following Jesus daily, not just on Sundays? [[01:16:36]]
3. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, starting with our own families. If you have children or close family, what is one practical way you can help them grow in their faith this week? If not, who is someone in your life you could encourage spiritually? [[01:19:34]]
4. The sermon says that abiding in Christ is the source of fruitfulness. What is one specific way you can spend more time with Jesus this week—through prayer, reading Scripture, or another practice? [[01:11:33]]
5. The speaker challenges us to see our workplaces and daily interactions as mission fields. Can you think of a recent conversation or relationship where you could have reflected Christ more clearly? What could you do differently next time? [[01:16:36]]
6. The sermon mentions that many people are searching for identity and purpose in the wrong places. Who is someone you know who might be struggling with this? How could you gently share with them about their value and purpose in God? [[50:26]]
7. The speaker says that transformation is proportional to the time we spend with Christ. What is one distraction you could minimize this week to make more space for God in your life? [[01:13:12]]