Staying Focused on Our Mission: Love and Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the importance of staying on mission as a church, focusing on the biblical mandate from Matthew 28 to make disciples of all nations. We explored the critical nature of our mission statement: connecting people to Christ, each other, and their purpose. The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated, as failing to stay on course can result in spiritual death and the church's decline. We examined the story of a church that lost its focus due to distractions, such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which became a source of pride rather than a tool for ministry. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to avoid elevating ministry tools above the mission itself.
We also looked at Galatians 5, where Paul urges us to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us and not to return to the yoke of slavery under the Mosaic Law. This freedom is rooted in the gospel of grace, which is the only way to salvation. We must remain focused on this gospel, avoiding distractions like politics, cultural trends, or even the tools we use for ministry. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love, a love that seeks God's best for others.
We discussed practical ways to live out this mission, such as enlarging our circle of love to include even those who are difficult to love. This involves showing real, sacrificial love, just as Christ loved us while we were still sinners. We are called to get back into the race, to serve, to join group life, and to support the mission financially. The church cannot fail with a love like this, and we must stay committed to expressing our faith through love.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Urgency of the Mission: The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, as commanded in Matthew 28. Failing to stay on mission can result in spiritual death and the decline of the church. We must remain focused on connecting people to Christ, each other, and their purpose. [24:39]
2. Avoiding Distractions: Just like the church with the Olympic-sized swimming pool, we can easily become distracted by ministry tools, politics, or cultural trends. These distractions can cause us to lose sight of our mission. We must prioritize the gospel of grace, which is the only way to salvation. [37:19]
3. Standing Firm in Freedom: Galatians 5 reminds us to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us and not return to the yoke of slavery under the Mosaic Law. This freedom is rooted in the gospel of grace, and we must remain focused on this gospel to stay on mission. [34:54]
4. Faith Expressing Itself Through Love: The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. This love seeks God's best for others and is the hallmark of true Christian faith. We must enlarge our circle of love to include even those who are difficult to love. [45:13]
5. Getting Back in the Race: For those who are discouraged or have fallen off course, it's time to get back into the race. We must put on our running shoes, serve, join group life, and support the mission financially. The church cannot fail with a love that expresses faith. [59:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:45] - The Importance of the Mission
[27:41] - The Story of the Olympic-Sized Pool
[32:45] - Galatians 5: Stand Firm in Freedom
[37:19] - Avoiding Distractions
[45:13] - Faith Expressing Itself Through Love
[49:57] - Two Approaches to Sharing Faith
[55:03] - Enlarging Your Circle of Love
[59:17] - Getting Back in the Race
[01:01:34] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2. Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
3. Galatians 5:6: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the mission of the church according to Matthew 28:19-20?
2. In Galatians 5:1, what does Paul urge believers to stand firm in, and what are they to avoid returning to?
3. According to Galatians 5:6, what is the only thing that counts in Christ Jesus?
4. What was the main issue with the church that had an Olympic-sized swimming pool? [27:41]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it critical for the church to stay focused on its mission as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20? [24:39]
2. How does Paul’s message in Galatians 5:1-6 help believers avoid distractions and stay on mission? [34:54]
3. What does it mean for faith to express itself through love, and why is this important for the church’s mission? [45:13]
4. How can the story of the Olympic-sized swimming pool serve as a cautionary tale for modern churches? [27:41]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal mission. How can you align it more closely with the church’s mission to make disciples of all nations? [24:39]
2. Identify a distraction in your life that might be pulling you away from focusing on the gospel of grace. What steps can you take to minimize this distraction? [37:19]
3. Think of a person who is difficult for you to love. What specific action can you take this week to show them sacrificial love, as Christ loved us? [45:13]
4. Have you ever felt discouraged or fallen off course in your spiritual journey? What practical steps can you take to get back into the race and stay committed to the mission? [59:17]
5. How can you support the church’s mission financially or through service? Identify one specific way you can contribute this month. [01:00:08]
6. Reflect on a time when you prioritized a ministry tool or activity over the mission itself. How can you ensure that your focus remains on the mission moving forward? [27:41]
7. How can you enlarge your circle of love to include someone outside your usual group? What specific action will you take this week to show love to that person? [53:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of the Mission
The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, as commanded in Matthew 28. Failing to stay on mission can result in spiritual death and the decline of the church. We must remain focused on connecting people to Christ, each other, and their purpose. [24:39]
Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28 calls us to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the urgency and importance of our mission. This mission is not just a suggestion but a mandate that requires our full attention and dedication. When a church loses sight of this mission, it risks spiritual stagnation and decline. The story of the church that became distracted by an Olympic-sized swimming pool serves as a cautionary tale. Instead of using the pool as a tool for ministry, it became a source of pride and distraction, leading the church away from its primary purpose.
As a church, we must remain vigilant and focused on our mission to connect people to Christ, each other, and their purpose. This involves intentional efforts to reach out to others, share the gospel, and disciple new believers. The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated, as it is a matter of spiritual life and death. Let us commit to staying on course and prioritizing our mission above all else.
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."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to connect someone to Christ, each other, or their purpose?
Day 2: Avoiding Distractions
Just like the church with the Olympic-sized swimming pool, we can easily become distracted by ministry tools, politics, or cultural trends. These distractions can cause us to lose sight of our mission. We must prioritize the gospel of grace, which is the only way to salvation. [37:19]
Distractions are a common challenge for any church or individual believer. The story of the church that became preoccupied with an Olympic-sized swimming pool illustrates how easily we can lose focus. Instead of using the pool as a means to further their mission, it became a source of pride and distraction. Similarly, we can become sidetracked by various ministry tools, political issues, or cultural trends that divert our attention from the gospel of grace.
The gospel of grace is the foundation of our faith and the only way to salvation. It is essential that we prioritize this message above all else. By keeping our focus on the gospel, we can avoid the pitfalls of distractions and remain steadfast in our mission. Let us examine our lives and our church to identify any distractions that may be hindering our effectiveness and take steps to realign our focus on the gospel.
Galatians 1:6-7 (ESV): "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ."
Reflection: What distractions in your life or church are diverting your focus from the gospel of grace? How can you address these distractions?
Day 3: Standing Firm in Freedom
Galatians 5 reminds us to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us and not return to the yoke of slavery under the Mosaic Law. This freedom is rooted in the gospel of grace, and we must remain focused on this gospel to stay on mission. [34:54]
In Galatians 5, Paul urges believers to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given us. This freedom is a precious gift, rooted in the gospel of grace, and it liberates us from the yoke of slavery under the Mosaic Law. However, it is easy to fall back into old patterns and legalistic mindsets that can hinder our spiritual growth and mission.
To stay on mission, we must remain focused on the gospel of grace and the freedom it brings. This means rejecting any form of legalism or works-based righteousness and embracing the grace that Christ offers. By standing firm in this freedom, we can live out our faith authentically and effectively, fulfilling our mission to make disciples and share the love of Christ with others.
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to return to legalism or works-based righteousness? How can you embrace the freedom Christ has given you?
Day 4: Faith Expressing Itself Through Love
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. This love seeks God's best for others and is the hallmark of true Christian faith. We must enlarge our circle of love to include even those who are difficult to love. [45:13]
True Christian faith is characterized by love—love that seeks God's best for others and expresses itself in tangible ways. Paul emphasizes in Galatians 5 that the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. This kind of love goes beyond mere words and is demonstrated through actions that reflect the heart of Christ.
Enlarging our circle of love means extending grace and compassion to those who are difficult to love. It involves sacrificial love, just as Christ loved us while we were still sinners. By doing so, we embody the gospel and fulfill our mission to make disciples. Let us challenge ourselves to love more deeply and inclusively, reflecting the love of Christ in all our interactions.
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Who in your life is difficult to love? How can you show them Christ's love in a practical and sacrificial way this week?
Day 5: Getting Back in the Race
For those who are discouraged or have fallen off course, it's time to get back into the race. We must put on our running shoes, serve, join group life, and support the mission financially. The church cannot fail with a love that expresses faith. [59:17]
Life's challenges and distractions can sometimes cause us to fall off course or become discouraged in our faith journey. However, the call to get back into the race is a reminder that it is never too late to recommit to our mission. Putting on our running shoes symbolizes readiness and determination to serve, engage in community, and support the mission of the church.
Serving others, joining group life, and contributing financially are practical ways to express our faith and love. These actions not only strengthen our own faith but also contribute to the vitality and effectiveness of the church. With a love that expresses faith, the church cannot fail. Let us encourage one another to stay committed and get back into the race, knowing that our efforts are not in vain.
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: In what areas of your faith journey have you become discouraged or fallen off course? What steps can you take today to get back into the race and support the mission of the church?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our mission statement is connecting people to Christ, each other, and their purpose. Maybe you've seen it on a wall as you were walking into the worship center. Maybe you've seen it on our website. This is our mission. And it is critical that Connect Christian Church stays on mission so that we can accomplish the mission that Christ put us on earth to accomplish." [24:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "People die. We all die the first death. But if we're not on mission, people die that second death. They die that spiritual death. They are lost and separated from God for eternity. When the church fails at the mission, people are lost for eternity. Saved people aren't discipled. Which means saved people aren't becoming disciples. And disciple makers, which results in the church dying out and not existing within one generation." [25:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to celebrate our freedom in Christ. Look at verse 5. For through the spirit. For through the spirit. The Holy Spirit. God's spirit. We eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. Do you remember the chart I showed you a few weeks ago? It was the phases of salvation. So if you can't read this. This first word is justification." [41:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Folks that should be a huge spotlight on Christianity. That Christianity is not about a bunch of do's and don'ts. It is not a religion. It's a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son. And he fills you with his Holy Spirit. It is about a relationship." [44:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. We've got to enlarge our circle of love. We've got to make it bigger. Because God has already put people in our path. And I guarantee you that there is somebody in your life. That you would rather ignore. That God has already put in your path. But God is saying this is it. This is the person. This is that selfish. Thankless. Foul mouthed. Whatever you want to describe that person." [54:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need to do a better job of discipling the people that God has put in our path. And then our third component of our mission statement. Probably the one where we are doing the least progress. It's one of our weakest areas. And that is connecting people to their purpose. Helping people understand why God put them here in the first place. Helping them understand how God has spiritually equipped them with spiritual gifts. We got some work to do." [31:35] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We can be distracted by our own tools. Our facilities. Or our website. Or our stage. Or our systems. How we do things. And we can elevate these ministry tools above the mission. And all of a sudden we are drifting off course. Because we have more love for the tools to do ministry than we do for the mission. We are tempted to fall in love. We fall in love with the what. And we forget the why." [37:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gospel of grace. The gospel of Jesus is what transforms. So if that's so transformational. And we know that faith comes through hearing the word of God. Romans 10. Why aren't we more concerned about the thing that transforms people? Like the gospel of grace. Instead sometimes we get consumed in these things. Like our gymnasium. Or our drums and guitars. Or our curriculum. Or even the people who stand on this stage. All of these things are simply tools that we use for ministry." [38:01] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The same God who called you to believe and to repent of your sins and to confess that Jesus is Lord and to be baptized is still God. He's still in charge. He's still on the throne. The same Jesus who was victorious on the cross and left the tomb empty through his physical resurrection is still Lord and Savior. The same race that Jesus called you to run when you were dead. When you were justified by faith is still the same race worthy of you running." [58:37] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Because this is where God wants you. He wants you with your eyes fixed on Him. He wants you dedicated to the mission of the church. He wants you alive by the Spirit. Pursuing Him in your freedom. Not getting hung up on ministry tools. Not getting hung up on discouraging voices. This is about Jesus. And it's time to put the running shoes back on. And start running this race with purpose. By loving other people just the way Jesus loves you." [59:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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