Radical Commitment to God's Mission: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In our journey as followers of Christ, we are called to a life of radical commitment to the mission of God. This mission is not just about alleviating physical suffering but also about addressing the spiritual desolation that exists in the world. We are in a spiritual war, and our resources, time, and lives should be invested in the Kingdom of God. Jesus calls us to lay up treasures in heaven by giving generously and strategically for the alleviation of suffering and the spread of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul’s testimony in Romans 15 serves as a model for us. He completed his work in a region not because there were no more people to evangelize, but because the church there was self-propagating. Our task is to reach the unreached, those who have no access to the Gospel. This is a call to become "Paul-type" missionaries, going to the frontiers where Christ is not yet named. The doctrines of grace, often encapsulated in the acronym TULIP, are not just theological points but are deeply missionary in nature. They compel us to go, to preach, and to trust in God’s sovereign work in salvation.

Total depravity reminds us that all are spiritually dead without the Gospel. Unconditional election assures us that no one is excluded from the offer of salvation. Limited atonement emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice was effective for those He has chosen. Irresistible grace gives us confidence that God will overcome resistance to His call. Perseverance of the saints assures us that God will sustain His people through trials.

John 10:16 is a powerful missionary text, reminding us that Jesus has other sheep not yet in the fold. Our task is to go and bring them in. This is not just a call to action but a promise of success, as Jesus Himself will bring His sheep to Him. We are invited to participate in this divine mission, to be the means through which God calls His people. Whether young or old, we are called to be part of this mission, to go, to send, or to support those who do.

Key Takeaways:

- The Urgency of Mission: We are in a spiritual war, and our lives should reflect this reality. Our resources and efforts should be directed towards alleviating suffering and spreading the Gospel, as this is the true treasure we lay up in heaven. [00:33]

- The Call to Frontier Missions: Like Paul, we are called to go where Christ is not yet named. This requires a willingness to leave comfort behind and to be pioneers in spreading the Gospel to unreached people groups. [03:23]

- The Doctrines of Grace as Missionary Mandates: Each point of Calvinism is a call to mission. Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints all compel us to preach the Gospel with confidence in God’s sovereign work. [06:15]

- The Assurance of Success in Mission: Jesus promises that He has other sheep that will hear His voice. This assurance should embolden us to go forth, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. [37:31]

- A Call to All Generations: Whether young or in retirement, there is a place for everyone in God’s mission. We are called to be active participants, whether by going, sending, or supporting those on the front lines. [36:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Prayer for Alleviation of Pain
- [01:05] - Strategic Investment in the Kingdom
- [02:03] - Introduction to Missions
- [03:23] - The Unique Calling of Missionaries
- [05:07] - The Role of Reformed Churches
- [06:15] - TULIP as Missionary Doctrine
- [07:27] - Unconditional Election and Mission
- [09:47] - Limited Atonement and Mission
- [12:01] - Irresistible Grace and Mission
- [14:14] - Perseverance of the Saints
- [16:38] - Exegesis of John 10
- [19:28] - Jesus as the Good Shepherd
- [25:47] - The Call to the Unreached
- [36:37] - A Call to All Generations
- [49:35] - The Foundation of Missions

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 10:16 - "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."
2. Romans 15:18-20 - Paul's testimony about completing his work in a region and moving to Spain.
3. Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 10:16, what does Jesus mean when He refers to "other sheep" that are not of this fold? How does this relate to the mission of the church? [17:30]

2. According to Romans 15:18-20, why did Paul feel his work was complete in a certain region, and what does this imply about the nature of missionary work? [02:03]

3. How does the concept of "laying up treasures in heaven" as mentioned in the sermon relate to the urgency of mission work? [00:51]

4. What role do the doctrines of grace play in motivating believers to engage in missions, according to the sermon? [06:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the assurance that Jesus has "other sheep" influence the way believers approach missions and evangelism? What confidence does this give to those involved in missionary work? [37:31]

2. In what ways does Paul's example in Romans 15 challenge modern believers to think about their own role in reaching the unreached? How might this apply to someone who feels called to missions? [02:03]

3. The sermon emphasizes the doctrines of grace as missionary mandates. How might understanding these doctrines change a believer's perspective on evangelism and missions? [06:15]

4. How does the promise in Matthew 24:14 about the gospel being preached to all nations shape the urgency and strategy of mission work today? [14:14]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current lifestyle and resources. How can you strategically invest in the Kingdom of God to alleviate suffering and spread the Gospel? What changes might you need to make? [00:51]

2. Consider the idea of becoming a "Paul-type" missionary. What steps could you take to prepare yourself for frontier missions, whether by going, sending, or supporting? [03:23]

3. The sermon calls for believers of all ages to participate in missions. How can you, regardless of your stage in life, actively engage in God's mission? What specific actions can you take this week? [36:37]

4. How does the assurance of success in mission, as promised by Jesus, impact your willingness to take risks for the Gospel? What fears or hesitations do you need to overcome? [37:31]

5. Identify one unreached people group or mission field that you feel drawn to pray for or support. What practical steps can you take to contribute to reaching them with the Gospel? [04:47]

6. Reflect on the doctrines of grace discussed in the sermon. How can these truths deepen your confidence in God's sovereign work in salvation and motivate you to share the Gospel? [06:15]

7. Think about a specific area in your life where you can be more intentional about living out the urgency of mission. What is one action you can take this week to align your life more closely with this calling? [00:33]

Devotional

Day 1: The Urgency of Spiritual Warfare
In our spiritual journey, we are called to recognize the urgency of the mission we are part of. This mission is not just about addressing physical needs but also about engaging in the spiritual battle that surrounds us. Our resources, time, and lives should be invested in the Kingdom of God, as this is where our true treasure lies. We are in a spiritual war, and our lives should reflect this reality by focusing on alleviating suffering and spreading the Gospel. This is the true treasure we lay up in heaven. [00:33]

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can redirect your resources or time today to engage more fully in the spiritual battle for the Kingdom of God?


Day 2: Embracing the Call to Frontier Missions
The call to frontier missions is a call to step out of our comfort zones and go where Christ is not yet named. Like the Apostle Paul, we are invited to be pioneers in spreading the Gospel to unreached people groups. This requires a willingness to leave behind what is familiar and embrace the unknown for the sake of those who have no access to the Gospel. Our task is to reach the unreached, and this is a call to become "Paul-type" missionaries, going to the frontiers where Christ is not yet named. [03:23]

"And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, 'Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.'" (Romans 15:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one comfort or convenience you can let go of today to better align yourself with the call to reach the unreached?


Day 3: The Doctrines of Grace as a Call to Action
The doctrines of grace, encapsulated in the acronym TULIP, are not just theological points but are deeply missionary in nature. They compel us to go, to preach, and to trust in God’s sovereign work in salvation. Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints all serve as mandates for mission, urging us to preach the Gospel with confidence in God’s sovereign work. These doctrines remind us of the urgency and necessity of sharing the Gospel with those who have not yet heard it. [06:15]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." (Ephesians 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the confidence that comes from understanding the doctrines of grace into your approach to sharing the Gospel today?


Day 4: Assurance of Success in Mission
Jesus promises that He has other sheep that will hear His voice, and this assurance should embolden us to go forth, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. This is not just a call to action but a promise of success, as Jesus Himself will bring His sheep to Him. We are invited to participate in this divine mission, to be the means through which God calls His people. This assurance should give us the courage to engage in mission work with the confidence that God is already at work. [37:31]

"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." (John 10:16, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you step out in faith today, trusting in the assurance that God is already at work in the mission field?


Day 5: A Call to All Generations
The mission of God is not limited to a specific age group or demographic. Whether young or in retirement, there is a place for everyone in God’s mission. We are called to be active participants, whether by going, sending, or supporting those on the front lines. This call to mission is inclusive, inviting all generations to engage in the work of spreading the Gospel and alleviating suffering. Everyone has a role to play in this divine mission, and it is never too late or too early to get involved. [36:37]

"They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." (Psalm 92:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God’s mission today, regardless of your age or stage in life?

Quotes


Now Father in heaven we want our lives to count for the alleviation of pain especially the pain of hell for as many as we can and short of that the pain of hunger and the pain of torture and the pain of homelessness and alienation lack of medical resources, water, food oh God make us know we're in a war and Grant that we would have the kinds of lives that would display that reality and maximize our resources for the cause of the Kingdom. [00:06:16]

Missionaries have a unique calling namely to go where the name of Christ is not named to plant churches among people groups who don't have any churches they don't have any pastors they don't have any schools they don't have any literature they don't have any testimony to Christ you can plant the church in a place it becomes self-propagating there may be tens of thousands of people yet to be converted but the missionaries job the Pauline missionaries job is done. [00:03:21]

Total depravity means all people everywhere without exception are Fallen sinful and spiritually dead and perishing without the gospel and without the illuminating work of the holy spirit that comes with the preaching of the Gospel alone in other words the te in tulip is a missionary bugle a cry go preach to them they're dead they will not live without the spiritual work of the holy spirit that comes in attendance on the preaching of the Gospel go it's a missionary point. [00:06:41]

Unconditional election means no person no people group may claim exclusion from God's purposes because of any race or social class or education or prior Creed or religion if God has chosen whom he will unconditionally then no conditions can be used to withhold the gospel offer or the word of Hope from any people or any person unconditional election enforces therefore an indiscriminate proclamation of the Gospel to all people unconditionally. [00:07:23]

Irresistible Grace God suffers his Saving Grace to be resisted the first objection to the doctrine of irresistible Grace is of course he can be resisted I resist him or acts 7 you stiff neck people you resist the holy spirit all day long the doctrine of irresistible Grace doesn't mean that the grace of God can't be resisted it means God suffers it to be resisted until he decides to overcome the resistance and when he chooses to overcome the resistance he saves. [00:12:01]

Perseverance of the Saints God can and will sustain his missionary Saints through suffering so that they go on trusting him and serving him and he will see to it that they keep believing the gospel and therefore that the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world as a test to All Peoples and then the end will come that's a irreversible and irrevocable promise Matthew 24:14. [00:14:14]

I think the key missionary text in the Gospel of John is John 10:16 it's my text for this remaining time I have other sheep that are not of this fold I must bring them also and they will heed my voice so there will be one flock and one Shepherd that's power I've got other sheep out there they're going to hear me they're going to come and there will be one completed flock. [00:16:38]

The reason we don't feel those kinds of sweet promises is because they were made to risk-taking lay down your life missionaries that's who are they made to and we are so cozy so comfortable so security bound that we deny ourselves the enjoyment of the sweetest Promises of Christ. [00:18:48]

Jesus Christ has other sheep besides the fold in this room besides the Evangelical fold in America or the Christian fold in America he has other sheep besides Christendom there are who said it I think RC said it maybe Doug said it everything's tying together so well I don't know who said it maybe somebody else said it but here's what they said did you refer to the 144,000 Doug and then the okay when you said this is one of your gifts you didn't just say innumerable that's what I would have said that's no good you said said nobody can count that high that's how many there'll be and they're still out there millions of them I believe are out there. [00:45:00]

If you love The Glory of God and if you love people you have three possibilities go sin or disobey and if you're not a conscious goer or a conscious sender you are disobedient to the glory and to love as I close with the story Peter Cameron Scott founder of Africa Inland Mission went in 1867 to Africa full of Hope and was laid low with with malaria as so many were you know they took their coffins many of them took their goods in their coffins well he didn't die but he came back to England broken stricken and had to heal and then he went back and this time with gray hope because his brother John went with him and within matter of weeks he buried with his own hands his brother John who succumbed to the fever and then his own health broke a second time and he went home. [00:46:06]

My prayer for you and me now is that God might deepen and broaden the biblical Foundation of missions in our lives the first wave of modern missions was born with William Cary and the others in a decidedly doctrinal kind of Christianity it is a great offense to God and a great tragedy that we get so absorbed with the refinement of our doctrine that we do not give ourselves to the reaching of the Lost close and especially to the peoples who are without the gospel far so my prayer is not that you will become od doctrinal my life is devoted to rejecting that bifurcation that unnecessary dichotomy in life. [00:49:35]

I have other sheep that are not of this fold I must bring them also and they will come to me and they will follow me go find them let's pray Father in Heaven I so long that you would come by your Holy Spirit now and apply this word to many especially those who are if they're honest know that you've been working in their lives you've been loosening the roots of their trees vocationally several hundred in this room Lord you've been loosening the roots of their trees making them feel a a discontent with their vocation and a Readiness to venture something new oh God finish that work in these days young people Lord who don't know what to do with their lives take them right now for Frontier missionary work people in retirement right right now send them onto the internet looking at the hundreds of missionary websites all of which have innumerable responsibilities for the retired oh God mobilize make this a mobilizing conference and not just an informative conference I pray for the glory of our King Jesus in whose name I pray amen. [00:51:37]

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Transcript
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