Living Sent: Embracing Our Mission and Unity
Summary
In the heart of our faith lies a profound truth: we are a sent people, called to live out the mission of Jesus Christ. This mission is not a passive suggestion but a divine mandate to carry the transformative power of the Gospel to every corner of the earth. As we embrace this calling, we recognize that we are stewards of the grace we have received, leveraging our lives for the sake of the Gospel wherever we find ourselves. Whether in our neighborhoods or across the globe, we are on mission, propelled by the love of our Savior.
Our unity as believers is not merely a lofty ideal but a powerful witness to the world. Jesus Himself prayed for our oneness, knowing that a united Church, transcending backgrounds, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses, would be a testament to His love and purpose. This unity is not for our glory but for the glory of God, demonstrating to the world the depth of His love for humanity.
We must be vigilant, for our unity is under constant threat from an enemy who seeks to sow discord among us. The devil knows that a divided Church is ineffective, so he preys on our weaknesses, tempting us to prioritize personal preferences over our collective mission. We combat this by being sober-minded and alert, striving for the unity that Jesus desires for His followers.
The foundation of our unity and mission is the truth of God's Word. It is living and active, shaping us to be more like Christ. As we delve into Scripture, we are not merely seeking knowledge but an encounter with the Living God, which transforms us from the inside out. The Word exposes our shortcomings and calls us to a higher purpose, equipping us to carry out the work entrusted to us.
During this Global Impact Catalyst week, we have the privilege of witnessing the embodiment of Jesus' prayer for unity. With 37 ministries from various states and countries, we are reminded that the Kingdom of God is vast and diverse. Our partners in ministry showcase the expansive work of God around the world, and we are grateful for their dedication to the Gospel.
As we engage with these ministries, let us be open to what God is revealing to us. Let us pray earnestly for guidance on how we can participate in this global mission. Whether through prayer, giving, or going, each of us has a role to play in the advancement of God's Kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Our identity as believers is intrinsically linked to our mission to live sent. We are called to be active participants in spreading the Gospel, using our unique gifts and resources to impact the world for Christ. This mission is not a secondary aspect of our faith but the very essence of what it means to follow Jesus. [22:45]
- Unity among believers is a powerful testament to the truth of the Gospel. When we stand together across cultural and denominational lines, we reflect the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, compelling the world to take notice of the love that binds us. This unity is not optional but essential to our witness. [25:00]
- The Word of God is our foundation and source of transformation. It is not a static text but a dynamic force that shapes our hearts and minds. As we submit to its authority, we grow in sanctification, becoming more effective ambassadors for Christ in a world that desperately needs His truth. [19:46]
- Vigilance against division is crucial for maintaining our unity and mission focus. We must recognize the schemes of the enemy who seeks to derail us from our purpose. By guarding our hearts and prioritizing the mission over personal preferences, we uphold the unity that Jesus prayed for. [35:53]
- Participation in the global mission of the Church is a privilege and a responsibility. As we engage with ministries around the world during the Global Impact Catalyst week, we are reminded of the vastness of God's work and our part in it. Let us be attentive to God's leading and willing to step out in faith. [42:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 17:17-23 (ESV)
> "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus ask the Father to do for His followers in John 17:17? How does He describe the Word of God?
2. According to John 17:18, what mission does Jesus give to His followers?
3. In John 17:21, what is the purpose of the unity Jesus prays for among His followers?
4. How does Jesus describe the relationship between Himself, the Father, and His followers in John 17:22-23?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "sanctified in the truth" as mentioned in John 17:17? How does this process impact a believer's life? [09:12]
2. How does Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17:21-23 reflect the nature of the relationship within the Trinity? Why is this unity important for the mission of the Church? [25:00]
3. What are the implications of being "sent into the world" as Jesus was sent, according to John 17:18? How should this shape the way believers live their daily lives? [22:02]
4. How does the unity of believers serve as a testimony to the world about Jesus' mission and the love of God, as stated in John 17:23? [37:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. In what ways are you actively participating in the mission of being "sent" as described in John 17:18? What specific steps can you take to live out this mission more fully? [22:45]
2. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers. Are there any personal preferences or biases that you need to surrender to promote unity within your church community? How can you contribute to fostering unity? [30:37]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of being vigilant against division. How can you be more alert to the schemes of the enemy that seek to sow discord? What practical steps can you take to guard against division in your church? [35:53]
4. The Word of God is described as living and active. How can you make Scripture a more integral part of your daily life to experience its transformative power? What specific practices can you implement? [19:46]
5. During the Global Impact Catalyst week, we are encouraged to engage with ministries around the world. How can you support these ministries through prayer, giving, or going? What is one specific action you can take this week to participate in the global mission? [42:37]
6. Jesus' prayer highlights the importance of living a life of worship for the glory of God. How can you intentionally live a life that points others to God's love? Identify one area of your life where you can make a change to better reflect God's glory. [37:24]
7. Consider the two questions posed during the 21-day prayer focus: "God, what do you want me to see?" and "What do you want me to do about what you show me?" How can you keep these questions at the forefront of your mind this week? What is one thing God is revealing to you, and how will you respond? [07:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Mission of Presence
Living sent means embracing the mission of Jesus Christ with intentionality and purpose. As believers, the call to spread the Gospel is not a secondary aspect of faith but the very essence of following Jesus. This mission requires active participation, using individual gifts and resources to make a tangible impact in the world. It is a divine mandate to carry the transformative power of the Gospel to every environment encountered, from local communities to global outreach. The mission is a reflection of identity in Christ, and as stewards of grace, there is a responsibility to leverage life for the sake of the Gospel, propelled by the love of the Savior.
"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." (Matthew 28:19-20)
Reflection: How can you embody the mission of Jesus in your daily interactions within your community today?
Day 2: Unity as a Witness to the World
The unity among believers is a testament to the Gospel's truth, reflecting the oneness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This unity transcends cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers, compelling the world to notice the love that binds believers together. It is a powerful witness and a fulfillment of Jesus' prayer for His followers. Unity is not for personal glory but for the glory of God, demonstrating the depth of His love for humanity. It is essential to the witness of the Church, and each believer plays a role in maintaining this unity for the sake of the Gospel. [25:00]
"I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." (John 17:23)
Reflection: What is one step you can take to foster unity with another believer who is different from you?
Day 3: Transformed by the Living Word
The Word of God is not a static text but a dynamic force that shapes hearts and minds. It is the foundation and source of transformation, calling believers to a higher purpose and equipping them for the work of the Gospel. As believers submit to the authority of Scripture, they encounter the Living God, leading to sanctification and becoming more effective ambassadors for Christ. The Word exposes shortcomings and inspires growth, making it essential for those who wish to carry out their divine mission. [19:46]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Reflection: In what ways can you allow the Word of God to shape your decisions and actions this week?
Day 4: Vigilance Against Division
Maintaining unity and mission focus requires vigilance against the enemy's attempts to sow discord. Personal preferences must not overshadow the collective mission. Believers are called to be sober-minded and alert, striving for the unity that Jesus desires. Recognizing the schemes of the enemy is crucial for staying on course with the purpose God has set forth. Guarding one's heart and prioritizing the mission over personal desires upholds the unity that is vital for the Church's effectiveness. [35:53]
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Reflection: How can you guard against division in your church community and promote peace and unity instead?
Day 5: Engaged in Global Mission
Participation in the global mission of the Church is both a privilege and a responsibility. Engaging with ministries during the Global Impact Catalyst week serves as a reminder of the vastness of God's work and the individual role in it. Believers are called to be attentive to God's leading and willing to step out in faith, whether through prayer, giving, or going. The Kingdom of God is diverse and expansive, and there is joy in partnering with others to advance the Gospel around the world. [42:37]
"And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." (Acts 2:45)
Reflection: What is one tangible action you can take this week to support a global ministry effort?
Quotes
1) "The word of God is the unshakable immovable unchanging inherent truth that we need to hear and so when we turn to the scripture we see what God says is right and good and true." [09:12] (Download)
2) "The word of God does work in us when it is received... we go to the word to know God and when we know God through his word... it changes us." [19:46] (Download)
3) "The word of God when it is received it goes to the heart of the matter... it shows us what we need to see... it calls us to life it calls us to purpose." [20:28] (Download)
4) "Jesus says As you sent me I am sending them that is the mission to be a sent people taking the good news with us to the world." [22:45] (Download)
5) "Unity is so challenging to grab a hold of why is it so hard... Unity is hard because people are involved and people are tough." [30:00] (Download)
6) "We have an enemy who hates what God loves... the enemy of God knows that when the people of God are unified in Oneness for the sake of the mission, they are a force to be reckoned with." [32:56] (Download)
7) "Live a life of worship for the glory of God that points the world to his love... the glory that has been given to us was never about us to begin with, it's all about him." [38:15] (Download)
8) "The kingdom of God is so much bigger than one local church... thank you for showing us Steps of Faith, open hands before the Lord, seeking to live a life of worship for the glory of God." [41:17] (Download)
9) "We must be United together on the truth of God's word... the truth of God's word that then sends us out together for the sake of this Mission." [18:53] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?