Living the Great Commission: Love, Grace, and Action

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission—Our Call to Make Disciples

Jesus calls every believer to go and make disciples, teaching them to obey all He has commanded and assuring us of His presence always. This is not just a task for the original apostles, but a mission for every follower of Christ: to help others find Jesus and follow Him, living out His teachings in daily life. Our purpose as the church is not only to worship and learn, but to actively share the love and message of Jesus with those around us, both in word and in action. [02:01]

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: Who is one person in your life right now who does not know Jesus, and what is one practical step you can take this week to help them move closer to Him?

Day 2: Loving Others Because God First Loved Us

We are called to love others not because they are always easy to love, but because God first loved us—even when we were unlovable. True love for God is demonstrated in how we treat those around us, refusing to “other” people or judge them, but instead choosing compassion, understanding, and practical care. Even when people are difficult, have different views, or seem unworthy, we are to see them as God sees them and respond with His love, remembering that loving others is a test of our love for God. [05:15]

1 John 4:19-21 (ESV)
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love—how can you intentionally show them God’s love in a tangible way this week?

Day 3: Saved by Grace, Created for Good Works

Though we were dead in our sins and could never earn God’s favor, He has saved us by His grace through faith, making us alive in Christ and creating us for good works. Our salvation is a free gift, not a result of our own efforts, but our response to this gift should be a life of gratitude, demonstrated by doing good and living out our faith. The evidence of our faith is seen in the transformation of our lives and our willingness to serve others, not to earn salvation, but to thank God for His immeasurable love. [09:43]

Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: In what specific way can you express gratitude to God today by serving someone else or meeting a need around you?

Day 4: Bearing Fruit—The Evidence of a Changed Life

Jesus expects His followers to bear fruit, not to settle for spiritual complacency or a “good enough” faith, but to actively live out and share the good news. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our lives should show evidence of transformation and a desire to reach others, not just for our own sake but for the growth of God’s kingdom. Each of us is chosen and appointed to go and bear lasting fruit, and this means stepping out of comfort, investing in others, and refusing to be content with spiritual stillness. [19:34]

John 15:16 (ESV)
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have become spiritually “still,” and how can you take a step this week to bear fruit for Jesus?

Day 5: Sharing the Good News with Gentleness and Respect

We are called to share the hope we have in Jesus, but to do so with gentleness, respect, and sensitivity to where others are in their journey. Like Paul, we must meet people where they are, listen to their stories, and share our faith in ways that connect with their experiences and questions. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak and act, and we should always be ready to explain the difference Jesus has made in our lives, doing so with humility and kindness, trusting God to open hearts. [35:23]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Reflection: If someone asked you today why you follow Jesus, how would you share your story in two minutes with gentleness and respect?

Sermon Summary

Today, we reflected on the true purpose of the church and our personal response to Jesus’ call. Jesus’ final words to his disciples, the Great Commission, are not just a historical command but a living mandate for each of us: to go, make disciples, and teach others to obey all that he has commanded. Our gathering is not just for worship or learning, but to be equipped to share God’s love—both in word and in action—with a world that desperately needs hope and meaning.

We are reminded that God’s love is for everyone, regardless of background, character, or even hostility toward us. The call is to see others as God sees them, not as “others” or outsiders, but as potential neighbors and future brothers and sisters in Christ. This love is not sentimental or passive; it is active, choosing to show compassion even when it is difficult. The test of our love for God is our love for others, especially those who are hard to love.

We also considered the depth of God’s grace. None of us deserve the gift of salvation; it is entirely by God’s mercy and not by our own efforts. Yet, while salvation is a free gift, it calls forth a response—a life of gratitude expressed in good works. These works do not earn our salvation but are the evidence of a transformed life. If our faith has made no difference in how we live, we must ask ourselves if we have truly responded to Jesus.

Using the story of the Oklahoma land rush, we saw the danger of spiritual complacency—settling for “good enough” rather than pursuing the fullness of what God offers. Many are content to remain at the starting line, but Jesus calls us to bear fruit, to invest our lives in others, and to multiply the good news.

We looked at Paul’s example in Acts 17, learning practical ways to share our faith: meeting people where they are, starting with their interests, and building genuine relationships. Evangelism is not reserved for a few; it is the natural overflow of a life changed by Jesus. We are called to be ready to share the hope within us, always with gentleness and respect, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions.

Key Takeaways

1. The Great Commission is a personal calling for every believer, not just the original disciples. Our purpose is to help others find and follow Jesus, teaching them to obey his commands. This is not a passive suggestion but an active mandate that shapes the very identity and mission of the church. [02:01]
2. True Christian love refuses to “other” people or draw lines between “us” and “them.” Instead, it asks, “How does God see this person?” and chooses compassion, even when it is uncomfortable or undeserved. Our love for others is the truest test of our love for God, especially when it is extended to those who are difficult to love. [06:05]
3. Salvation is a gift of grace, not something we can earn or deserve. Yet, this gift demands a response: a life marked by gratitude, transformation, and good works. If our faith does not result in visible change, we must examine whether we have truly embraced the gift God offers. [11:11]
4. Spiritual complacency is a subtle but real danger. Like those who settled in Stillwater rather than pursuing the land promised to them, we can be tempted to settle for a comfortable, inactive faith. Jesus calls us to bear fruit, to invest in others, and to multiply the good news, refusing to be content with “good enough.” [16:06]
5. Effective evangelism begins with meeting people where they are, understanding their interests, and building authentic relationships. We must be ready to share the difference Jesus has made in our lives, always with gentleness and respect, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us. Evangelism is not about formulas but about genuine love and Spirit-led conversation. [32:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:01] - The Great Commission: Our Purpose
[03:38] - Compassion Over Criticism
[05:15] - Who Is My Neighbor?
[06:05] - Seeing Others Through God’s Eyes
[06:51] - The Message of the Cross and Grace
[09:43] - The Gift and Cost of Salvation
[11:11] - Responding with Gratitude and Good Works
[12:26] - The Land Rush: A Lesson in Complacency
[16:06] - The Danger of Settling for “Good Enough”
[18:20] - Bearing Fruit and Church Growth
[19:34] - Evangelism: More Than Billy Graham
[22:22] - The Power of One-to-One Evangelism
[24:22] - Paul’s Evangelism in Acts 17
[28:55] - Meeting People Where They Are
[32:39] - Practical Steps for Sharing Jesus
[34:51] - Sharing Your Story and Hope
[35:23] - Gentleness, Respect, and the Spirit’s Guidance
[36:43] - Closing Prayer and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission) — > 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.”

2. Ephesians 2:8-10 — > For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

3. Acts 17:22-28 (Paul in Athens) — > So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man... Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”

Observation Questions

What specific instructions does Jesus give his followers in the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:18-20) [02:01]
According to Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the relationship between grace, faith, and good works? [06:51]
In Acts 17, how does Paul begin his conversation with the people of Athens, and what does he notice about their beliefs? [28:55]
What does the sermon say is the real test of our love for God? [05:15]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says the Great Commission is not just for the original disciples but for every believer. What does this mean for how we see our own purpose as Christians? [02:01]
The message of Ephesians 2 is that salvation is a gift, but it also says we are created for good works. How should this shape the way we live out our faith? [06:51]
The pastor described how Paul met people where they were and started with their interests (Acts 17). Why is this approach important for sharing our faith today? [32:39]
The sermon challenges us to see others as God sees them, not as “others” or outsiders. What are some barriers that make this difficult, and how can we overcome them? [06:05]

Application Questions

The sermon compared spiritual complacency to people who settled at the starting line in the Oklahoma land rush. Are there areas in your faith where you have settled for “good enough”? What would it look like to move forward and pursue more of what God has for you? [16:06]
Think of someone in your life who is hard to love or who seems very different from you. What is one practical way you could show them compassion this week, even if it feels uncomfortable? [06:05]
The pastor said that if our faith hasn’t made a visible difference in our lives, we should ask if we’ve truly responded to Jesus. What changes have you seen in your life because of your faith? Are there areas where you want to see more transformation? [11:11]
Paul’s example in Acts 17 shows the importance of building genuine relationships and starting with people’s interests. Who in your life could you get to know better or build a deeper relationship with, with the hope of sharing your faith? [32:39]
The sermon emphasized that evangelism is not about formulas but about genuine love and Spirit-led conversation. What fears or hesitations do you have about sharing your faith? How can you trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in these moments? [32:39]
Ephesians 2:10 says we are created for good works. What is one good work you feel God is calling you to do right now, either in the church or in your community? [06:51]
The pastor encouraged us to be ready to share the hope within us, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). How can you prepare yourself to share your story of faith in a simple and respectful way if someone asks? [35:23]

Sermon Clips

We don't make other people the subject of critical comment. We don't choose to ignore their needs. We don't look down on them because they're different. We shouldn't be making social media comments, criticizing their character because they have some different political views. We shouldn't be having a distinction between us and them. And the reason is that God loves everyone. [00:04:04] (32 seconds) #LoveWithoutJudgment

Everyone is our potential neighbor. Even our enemy is our potential neighbor, Jesus said. That means everyone we meet either already belongs to us in the sense that they already know Jesus or could potentially belong to us as a future follower. So when we look at other people, we should ask ourselves, how does God see this person? [00:05:22] (25 seconds) #SeeOthersThroughGodsEyes

God wants us to love him by responding to his love Jesus said be perfect well we can't be perfect can we it's something to aim for every time we choose to put our own view our own sense of what's good over what God senses that is sin we are putting a barrier between ourselves and God now God has dealt with that by coming you you in the person of Jesus and dying on the cross. He's paid our death penalty so that we can have eternal life. [00:09:10] (40 seconds) #GraceThroughJesusSacrifice

We don't deserve it, it's a gift from God, it's a present. It costs us no price at all. There is no ticket price that you have to pay in order to be blessed by the blood of Jesus. All we have to do is believe. We believe that he came, he rose from the dead and that we want to follow him as our Lord. We want to do what he says we should do. That's a priceless gift. [00:09:50] (34 seconds) #FaithIsAGift

So there's no price but there's a cost. There is a cost. We are called to respond. We're called to do good works. The good works don't save us. Our faith saves us because of the grace of God. The good works prove that actually we're grateful. [00:10:39] (24 seconds) #FaithProvesGratitude

``If there has been no change in your life between before you met Jesus and after you chose and after you chose to follow him. Where's the proof of your faith? What difference does it make? None at all. There's no evidence that you're following him. Jesus even said, anyone who follows me must carry his own cross. You have to take up a cross daily. That suggests some element of putting yourself out, at least, doesn't it? If not actual suffering. [00:11:31] (33 seconds) #CarryYourCrossDaily

But doing whatever it is we're responding in love to do doesn't save us. Our faith saves us. It just shows that we're saying, I want you as my Lord. I want to follow you. I want to give my life to you because you've given your life for me. [00:12:04] (20 seconds) #FruitfulFaithMatters

If you, as a Christian, start off by yourself, and let's have a low challenge. In one year, you meet someone, you share the good news, and that person decides to follow Jesus. One person a year. And then you do that each year. And that one person is so inspired by your evangelism that they do the same. The following year, they bring one of their own friends to Jesus. And the following year, those two bring two people. So, in three years, you've got four people then. You and these other people have been brought. If you do that, and everyone did that... Mathematically, after 35 years, there would be 17 billion people reached. That's twice the current population of the world. Now, clearly, Christians are not doing that because the world has not yet been fully reached for Jesus. Amazing, though, isn't it? Personal one-to-one evangelism. It's not a tall order, one person a year. [00:22:22] (75 seconds) #MeetPeopleWhereTheyAre

Finally, we need to know what difference Jesus has made in our lives. You need to be able to say in two minutes why Jesus is good for you. What difference has he made to your life? How else could other people appreciate that great gift that we've got? [00:34:51] (22 seconds)

So always be ready to share Jesus with people. But do it with gentleness and respect. People will not respond. You know, if you go in a store, I mean, Debenhams isn't there anymore, but if you walk through Debenhams and you had five different people saying, Can I help you? And you say, No, I'm just looking, thanks. You don't actually want to be bombarded with assistance. We have to actually see how people are responding in order to know who's ready. Because not everyone is ready to receive the gospel. But everyone is potentially a convert. [00:35:50] (38 seconds)

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