Living the Great Commission: Embracing Our Eternal Identity
Summary
In our time together, we explored the profound concept of the "Great Omission" from the Great Commission, emphasizing the importance of teaching and living out everything Jesus commanded. This journey is not just about understanding what Jesus did or said, but about experiencing Him as our living Lord, walking beside us as we become His disciples. The vision of the gospel is fundamental; it is the life in the Kingdom of God, which is not a distant reality but a present one. This vision is crucial because it forms the foundation for our intentions and actions. Without a clear vision, we often fail to act on our good intentions.
We delved into the idea that we are unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny in God's universe. This understanding should transform how we see ourselves and our purpose. We are placed uniquely in time and space to be the light of the world, reflecting Jesus, who is the true light. Our position is one of creative responsibility under God, and our lives are about ruling and reigning with Him, starting now.
Eternal life, as Jesus described, is about knowing God and Jesus Christ, not just something that happens after death. It is a quality of life that begins now as we interact with God's grace. This life is safe and secure in the Kingdom of God, where we lack nothing because the Lord is our shepherd.
We also discussed the importance of character and spiritual formation. Our character is revealed in our actions, especially those we perform without thinking. It is formed by the integration of our thoughts, emotions, and will, and is deeply influenced by our social context. The transformation of our character into Christlikeness is the goal, and it requires intelligent effort and interaction with God's grace.
Finally, we touched on the significance of suffering and how it can lead us to the Kingdom of God. Suffering in itself is not a blessing, but it can become a means to discover the Kingdom and experience true blessedness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Vision and Intention: A clear vision of the gospel and the Kingdom of God is essential for forming and maintaining our intentions. Without it, we are prone to wavering and failing to act on our good intentions. This vision is not just about what Jesus did or said, but about experiencing Him as our living Lord. [01:51]
2. Our Eternal Identity: We are unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny in God's universe. This understanding should transform our self-perception and purpose, as we are uniquely placed to be the light of the world, reflecting Jesus. [08:03]
3. Eternal Life Now: Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality. It is about knowing God and Jesus Christ and living in the Kingdom of God now, where we find safety and provision. [12:28]
4. Character and Spiritual Formation: Our character is revealed in our actions and is formed by the integration of our thoughts, emotions, and will. Spiritual formation involves transforming our character into Christlikeness through intelligent effort and interaction with God's grace. [47:38]
5. Suffering and the Kingdom: Suffering is not inherently a blessing, but it can lead us to discover the Kingdom of God. True blessedness comes from finding the Kingdom, even in the midst of suffering. [31:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:26] - The Great Omission and Commission
- [01:29] - Vision as Fundamental
- [02:27] - Living in the Kingdom
- [03:18] - Leadership and Spiritual Growth
- [05:08] - Vision and Stress in Ministry
- [06:37] - Our Spiritual Identity
- [08:03] - Eternal Destiny in God's Universe
- [09:39] - Being the Light of the World
- [10:45] - Spiritual Substance and Destiny
- [12:28] - Understanding Eternal Life
- [14:56] - Safety in the Kingdom
- [17:24] - The Kingdom of God is Here
- [21:03] - The Abrahamic Covenant
- [24:24] - Christ's Work in Us
- [33:04] - The Human Side of Holiness
- [47:38] - Character and Actions
- [55:02] - Spiritual Formation and Social Context
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
2. John 17:3 (Eternal Life)
3. Revelation 22:5 (Reigning with God)
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the "Great Omission" refer to in the context of the Great Commission, and why is it significant? [00:52]
2. How does the sermon describe our identity as "unceasing spiritual beings"? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [08:03]
3. According to the sermon, how is eternal life described, and how does it differ from common perceptions of eternal life? [12:28]
4. What role does suffering play in discovering the Kingdom of God, according to the sermon? [31:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the "Great Omission" challenge the way believers typically approach the Great Commission? [00:52]
2. In what ways does understanding ourselves as "unceasing spiritual beings" change our perspective on life and purpose? [08:03]
3. How does the sermon’s description of eternal life as a present reality impact the way believers live their lives now? [12:28]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between suffering and spiritual growth? How can suffering lead to discovering the Kingdom of God? [31:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the Great Commission. How can you incorporate the idea of teaching and living out everything Jesus commanded in your daily life? [00:52]
2. Consider your self-perception. How does viewing yourself as an "unceasing spiritual being" with an eternal destiny influence your daily decisions and interactions? [08:03]
3. Eternal life is described as knowing God and Jesus Christ now. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God in your everyday life? [12:28]
4. Think about a recent experience of suffering in your life. How can you use that experience to draw closer to the Kingdom of God and find true blessedness? [31:09]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of character and spiritual formation. Identify one area of your character that you would like to transform into Christlikeness. What specific actions can you take to work on this transformation? [47:38]
6. How can you cultivate a clear vision of the gospel and the Kingdom of God to strengthen your intentions and actions? What might be hindering this vision in your life? [01:51]
7. Reflect on your current social context. How does it influence your spiritual growth and character formation? What changes, if any, do you need to make to align your social environment with your spiritual goals? [47:38]
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