Living Out the Great Commission: Faith in Action
Summary
In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations," a directive that forms the foundation of our mission as believers. This mission is not a passive suggestion but an active mandate, compelling us to share the transformative love of Christ and the message of the Gospel wherever we are. As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors, witnesses to the life-changing power of Jesus' death and resurrection. This call to mission is both personal and corporate, requiring each of us to engage individually and as a collective body of believers.
Baptism is a sacred act of obedience, an outward symbol of an inward change. It is not a prerequisite for salvation but a public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism connects us to the body of Christ and signifies our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Him. It is a step every believer should take, not as a means of salvation but as a response to Jesus' command and a testimony of faith.
Communion, or the Lord's Supper, is a profound practice instituted by Jesus Himself. It is a celebration of the Gospel and the unity of the church. We partake in communion not as a mindless ritual but as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and a proclamation of His death until He returns. It is a time for self-examination, repentance, and reflection on the grace that covers our sins.
Finally, we sing the doxology to remember and proclaim the source of all blessings—the Triune God. This act of worship aligns our hearts with the heavenly hosts and reinforces the truth that we are never alone; God is with us always.
Key Takeaways:
- The Great Commission is not an optional endeavor but a clear and urgent call to action. As believers, we are to actively engage in sharing the Gospel, both in our immediate communities and across the globe. This mission is fueled by the authority of Christ and the compelling love He has shown us through His sacrifice. [10:43]
- Baptism is a powerful testimony of faith, not a checkbox for salvation. It is an act of obedience that aligns us with Christ's death and resurrection and signifies our inclusion in the family of God. When we are baptized, we publicly affirm our commitment to Christ and His church. [23:51]
- Communion is a sacred time of fellowship with Christ and His church. It is not to be taken lightly or without self-examination. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the cost of our redemption and the unity we share as the body of Christ. [35:22]
- Worship through song, such as the doxology, is a vital part of our spiritual rhythm. It is a declaration of God's glory and a reminder of His constant presence with us. Singing praises to God is like a steady stream of water shaping our hearts and aligning them with His will. [40:49]
- Service within the church is a practical application of our faith. Whether through volunteering, participating in mission trips, or simply living out the Gospel in our daily lives, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others and pointing them to the hope we have in Him. [17:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
> "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."
2. Acts 1:8 (ESV)
> "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
> "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus command His disciples to do in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will the disciples receive, and what will they become?
3. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the two elements of communion, and what do they represent?
4. How does the sermon describe the act of baptism and its significance? [20:23]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Great Commission described as an "active mandate" rather than a passive suggestion? [07:03]
2. How does the sermon explain the personal and corporate aspects of engaging in missions? [06:21]
3. What is the significance of self-examination before partaking in communion, according to the sermon? [36:38]
4. How does the act of singing the doxology at the end of the service serve as a reminder of God's presence and blessings? [40:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal engagement in missions. How can you actively participate in sharing the Gospel in your immediate community this week? [07:03]
2. Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience? If you have, how can you support others in your community to take this step? [28:40]
3. Communion is a time for self-examination and repentance. Is there any unrepented sin in your life that you need to address before partaking in the Lord's Supper? [36:38]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of singing praises, like the doxology, into your daily routine to remind yourself of God's constant presence? [40:49]
5. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [06:21]
6. Think of a specific way you can serve within your church community. What steps can you take to get involved in a volunteer team or mission trip? [17:15]
7. Reflect on the unity of the church as described in the sermon. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of community and fellowship within your small group or church? [34:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Commissioned to Actively Share Faith
The Great Commission is a clarion call to every believer, urging them to step out of their comfort zones and into the world to make disciples. This is not a passive activity but an active engagement in the lives of those around us. It is about living out one's faith in such a way that others are drawn to Christ through our words and actions. The authority given by Christ empowers believers to speak boldly and lovingly, sharing the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This mission is not just for a select few but for all who call themselves followers of Jesus, and it is to be carried out in every nation, every city, and every home.
The transformative love of Christ is not merely to be enjoyed but also to be shared. It is a treasure that grows when given away, and in the giving, the believer is also transformed. The mission field is not always distant; it often starts within one's own community. It is in the everyday encounters, the conversations with neighbors, and the relationships with colleagues that the Great Commission takes life. The call to make disciples is a journey of faith, requiring trust in God's leading and a willingness to be used by Him in whatever capacity He desires. [10:43]
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 intentionally create opportunities to share your faith with someone in your immediate circle this week?
Day 2: Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith
Baptism is a profound step in the life of a believer, symbolizing the washing away of the old self and the emergence of a new creation in Christ. It is an act of obedience to Jesus' command, reflecting an inward change that has already occurred. Through baptism, one is united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and this unity is celebrated and witnessed by the church community. It is a powerful testimony to the world of one's faith in Jesus and a commitment to live according to His ways.
While baptism does not confer salvation, it is a significant milestone in the believer's spiritual journey. It is a sacred moment where the individual publicly aligns with the message of the Gospel and the community of believers. The waters of baptism represent a grave and a womb, signifying the end of life lived for self and the birth of a life lived for Christ. It is a declaration that the believer belongs to Jesus and is dedicated to following Him. [23:51]
Romans 6:4 ESV
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on that moment and how it has shaped your journey with Christ. If not, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience?
Day 3: Communion: A Time for Remembrance and Unity
Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice that invites believers to come together in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. It is a time to reflect on the cost of our redemption and to celebrate the unity we share as members of the body of Christ. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are reminded of Jesus' body broken for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. This practice is not to be taken lightly; it calls for self-examination, repentance, and a renewed commitment to living out the Gospel.
The Lord's Supper is a proclamation of Jesus' death and a testament to the hope of His return. It is a moment of grace, where believers are reminded of the love and mercy that covers their sins. In this shared experience, the church is strengthened, and the bonds of fellowship are deepened. Communion is a time to look back at what Christ has done, to look within at one's own heart, and to look forward to the day when we will feast with Him in glory. [35:22]
1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: During your next communion, what is one area of your life that you need to surrender to Christ for healing and transformation?
Day 4: Worship Through Song: Aligning Hearts with God
Singing praises to God is an integral part of worship, serving as a powerful expression of our love and adoration for the Creator. The doxology, a short hymn of praise to God, is a tradition that unites believers in acknowledging the source of all blessings. Through song, we join with the heavenly hosts in glorifying God, and our hearts are realigned with His will. Worship through music transcends the mundane, lifting our spirits and reminding us of God's constant presence and sovereignty.
The act of singing allows us to articulate truths about God that sometimes go beyond what can be expressed in words alone. It is a spiritual discipline that shapes our hearts, molds our character, and prepares us to face the world with faith and courage. As we sing, we are reminded that we are part of a larger story, one that is filled with God's glory and faithfulness. Worship through song is a declaration that, no matter the circumstances, God is worthy of our highest praise. [40:49]
Ephesians 5:19-20 ESV
"Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Reflection: What is one song of worship that deeply moves you, and how can you use its message to encourage someone else this week?
Day 5: Service: Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
Service within the church is a tangible expression of our faith in action. It is through acts of service that we embody the love of Christ and demonstrate the reality of the Gospel to others. Whether it is through volunteering in church ministries, participating in mission trips, or simply showing kindness in our daily interactions, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Service is not just about doing good deeds; it is about being a living witness to the hope we have in Christ.
The opportunities to serve are endless, and each act of service, no matter how small, has the potential to make a significant impact. Serving others is a way to put our faith into practice, to grow in humility, and to develop a heart that mirrors Jesus' heart for people. It is in serving that we often find ourselves being served, learning lessons of grace and compassion that we could not learn any other way. [17:15]
Galatians 5:13-14 ESV
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week, and how can this act of service be a reflection of Christ's love?
Quotes
- "The word 'go' in the Great Commission is a verb, not passive. It is active, compelling us to share the transformative love of Christ and the message of the Gospel wherever we are." [07:03] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "Baptism is the symbol of a person who identifies with Christ. It represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and for the believer, it's the outward expression of the inward change that has taken place." [20:23] (Download | )
- "To be a Christ follower and not to be baptized is being in direct disobedience to the command of Christ. Baptism connects us to the body of Christ and makes our profession of faith public." [21:04] (Download | )
- "Communion is not a ritual that we do mindlessly but a celebration of the gospel and the unity of the church. It's a time for self-examination, repentance, and reflection on the grace that covers our sins." [39:22] (Download | )
- "Singing the doxology is like getting a steady drip of life-giving Trinitarian water over a hardened heart. It reminds us of the source of all blessings—the Triune God—and aligns our hearts with His will." [42:22] (Download | )
- "As Christ followers, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the ministry of reconciliation and being engaged in the mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus through various missions." [16:06] (Download | )
- "Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but it is a public declaration through baptism following in obedience to Christ's example and stated command." [21:43] (Download | )
- "The Great Commission is not the great option. Engaging in mission is a personal call and a response to what Christ has done for us, compelling us to go and share His love and message." [08:36] (Download | )
- "The doxology we sing each week is a reminder of our worship, the unity with the heavenly hosts, and the presence of the Triune God with us, reinforcing the truth that we are never alone." [43:09] (Download | )
- "Service within the church is a practical application of our faith. Whether through volunteering or participating in mission trips, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others and pointing them to the hope we have in Him." [17:15] (Download | )
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