Living on Mission: The Call to Discipleship
Summary
In the exploration of Christian discipleship, the focus is on the profound calling that individuals have received to engage in something far greater than themselves. This calling is not merely an invitation to step out of darkness into light but to participate actively in a mission that transcends personal comfort and fear. It is a mission that Jesus Christ himself commissioned, a duty that extends beyond personal salvation to the responsibility of sharing the faith and nurturing others in their spiritual journey.
The foundation of this mission is rooted in the authority of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, where He declares all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This authority is the bedrock that empowers believers to carry out the Great Commission with confidence. The commission is not a suggestion but a command, an instruction to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded.
The imperative command within this commission is to make disciples. A disciple is defined as a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher. In the Christian context, this means making followers of Jesus Christ. The process of making disciples involves two functions: evangelism, which is the act of converting others to the Christian faith, and teaching, which focuses on the maturation and spiritual growth of believers.
The motivation for embracing this mission is threefold. Firstly, it is commanded by Jesus, and His commands are not burdensome but life-giving, designed for the ultimate good of His followers. Secondly, there is a sobering reality that many people are on a path to eternal separation from God, a place referred to as hell. This reality should compel believers to share the hope of salvation with others. Lastly, there is a profound blessing and growth that comes from engaging in this mission, a blessing that many miss when they choose comfort over obedience.
The practical aspect of living out this mission involves becoming a disciple oneself, as one cannot lead others where they have not been. It requires a change in perspective, seeing every environment as an opportunity to live on mission. This could mean viewing one's workplace, school, or community as a field ripe for sharing the gospel and influencing others towards Christ.
The message emphasizes that every believer is called to be a missionary, not just those who travel to distant lands. The term "missionary" is not found in the Bible, but the concept of living on mission in one's everyday life is clear. This involves both evangelism and discipleship, which can take many forms, from formal teaching to simply influencing others through one's lifestyle and conversations.
In conclusion, the call to live on mission is an invitation to join in the greatest work one could ever be a part of. It is a call to obedience, to compassion for the souls of others, and to the joy of seeing lives transformed by the power of the gospel. It is a call that requires faith, courage, and a willingness to step out of comfort zones, trusting in the authority and presence of Jesus Christ every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- The Great Commission is not just a historical mandate but a present-day calling for all believers to actively participate in making disciples. This involves both evangelism and nurturing new believers in their faith, recognizing that every Christian has a role to play in this divine mission. The authority of Jesus Christ underpins this task, providing confidence and purpose to those who engage in it. [09:21]
- The command to make disciples is deeply intertwined with the love of God. It is not a burdensome obligation but a reflection of God's desire for His children to experience the fullness of life in Him. When believers understand that God's commands are for their good and His glory, they can approach the Great Commission not as a duty but as an opportunity for growth and blessing. [21:12]
- The reality of eternal separation from God, commonly referred to as hell, is a sobering motivation for sharing the gospel. The urgency to communicate the message of salvation stems from a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others, recognizing that without Christ, many are on a path to a tragic destiny. [24:04]
- Engaging in the mission of making disciples brings a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment to the believer's life. It aligns one's actions with the heart of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. This mission-oriented lifestyle transforms everyday interactions into opportunities for eternal impact. [28:14]
- The call to live on mission is a call to faithfulness in one's current context. Whether in the workplace, at school, or in the community, believers are challenged to see their environment as a mission field. This perspective shift can lead to a more intentional and joyful approach to sharing one's faith, trusting that God has placed them in specific situations for a divine purpose. [35:20]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus declare about His authority in Matthew 28:18, and why is this significant for the Great Commission? [05:15]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main functions involved in making disciples? [13:25]
3. How does the sermon describe the term "missionary" and its relevance to everyday believers? [14:01]
4. What are the three motivations for embracing the mission of making disciples as mentioned in the sermon? [20:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand Jesus' authority before engaging in the Great Commission? How does this understanding impact a believer's confidence? [07:30]
2. The sermon mentions that many Christians do not share their faith due to fear. What are some specific fears mentioned, and how can believers overcome them? [09:38]
3. How does the reality of eternal separation from God (hell) serve as a motivation for sharing the gospel, according to the sermon? [23:31]
4. What does it mean to live on mission in one's current context, and how can this perspective shift influence a believer's daily interactions? [35:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of Jesus' authority. How does this knowledge empower you to engage in the Great Commission with confidence? [07:30]
2. Identify a specific fear that holds you back from sharing your faith. What practical steps can you take this week to address and overcome this fear? [09:38]
3. Think about someone in your life who may not know Christ. How can the reality of eternal separation from God motivate you to share the gospel with them in a loving and compassionate way? [23:31]
4. Consider your workplace, school, or community. How can you intentionally live on mission in these environments? What specific actions can you take to influence others towards Christ? [35:01]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of both evangelism and discipleship. Who is someone you can mentor or disciple in their faith journey? What steps will you take to begin this relationship? [13:25]
6. Reflect on the blessings and growth that come from engaging in the mission of making disciples. How have you experienced this in your own life, and how can you encourage others to embrace this mission? [28:09]
7. The sermon challenges believers to change their perspective and see every environment as a mission field. How can you remind yourself daily to live on mission? What practical reminders or habits can you implement? [35:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Commissioned for a Divine Mission
The Great Commission is a present-day calling for every believer to actively engage in making disciples. This divine mission is not just about evangelism but also about nurturing new believers in their faith. It is a responsibility that comes with the authority of Jesus Christ, empowering believers to confidently fulfill this task. [09:21]
Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'"
Reflection: How can you step into your role in the Great Commission within your current sphere of influence?
Day 2: Embracing God's Life-Giving Commands
God's commands are designed for our good and His glory, reflecting His desire for His children to experience life to the fullest. The command to make disciples is an opportunity for growth and blessing, not a burdensome obligation. When we embrace this mission, we align ourselves with God's heart and purpose. [21:12]
1 John 5:3 - "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome."
Reflection: In what ways can you view God's command to make disciples as a life-giving opportunity rather than a duty?
Day 3: The Urgency of Eternal Realities
The sobering reality of eternal separation from God compels us to share the gospel with urgency. Recognizing that many are on a path to a tragic destiny without Christ, we are motivated by genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others to communicate the message of salvation. [24:04]
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Reflection: How does the reality of eternal separation from God influence your willingness to share the gospel with others?
Day 4: Purpose and Fulfillment in Discipleship
Engaging in the mission of making disciples brings a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment to our lives. It transforms everyday interactions into opportunities for eternal impact, aligning our actions with the heart of God who desires that none should perish. [28:14]
Colossians 1:28-29 - "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Reflection: How can you make your daily interactions more intentional for the purpose of discipleship?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Your Current Context
The call to live on mission is a call to faithfulness wherever God has placed you. Whether in the workplace, school, or community, every environment is a mission field. This perspective shift can lead to a more intentional and joyful approach to sharing your faith. [35:20]
1 Corinthians 7:17 - "Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches."
Reflection: What is one way you can demonstrate faithfulness to God's mission in your current context today?
Quotes
1) "Jesus's authority empowers us to execute the Great Commission with confidence. It's this same authority that still empowers you and me today." [09:21] (Download)
2) "You've been called into something greater, bigger, and better than most of us have ever dreamed about or experienced in our lives." [38:18] (Download)
3) "The mission is to make disciples of all nations. The imperative command is to make followers of Jesus Christ." [11:52] (Download)
4) "The presence of the Lord is most felt when we are on mission for Him and with Him. Many miss out on this greater blessing." [30:17] (Download)
5) "If I keep to myself everything I've gained, I won't truly be able to enjoy the full benefits of it." [30:17] (Download)
6) "We live on mission, not just go on missions. As we're living on mission, we baptize and teach, converting and maturing believers." [14:28] (Download)
7) "Because Jesus commands it, we should take the Great Commission seriously. His commands are for our good and His glory." [21:12] (Download)
8) "The fields have never been as ripe as they are now. God is looking for ambassadors, an army to influence the world." [20:35] (Download)
9) "Have you ever thought that God has you at your place to live on mission for a very specific purpose?" [35:20] (Download)
10) "We're not just called to tell people about Jesus, we're also called to grow them up and mature them in Jesus Christ." [18:14] (Download)
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