Urgently Sharing the Gospel: Our Great Commission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the profound significance of the Great Commission and our role in spreading the gospel. We began by drawing a parallel between the joyous announcement of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and the even greater news of Jesus Christ's resurrection. Just as the British couldn't wait to share the news of their liberation, we too must urgently share the gospel, the greatest news of all time.
We delved into Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This command is not just for the apostles but for all believers. We examined the context of this passage, noting that even the apostles, who had seen the risen Christ, experienced doubt. This highlights our human frailty and the necessity of relying on Jesus' authority and strength.
We discussed the importance of baptism as an outward sign of an inward transformation and the need for immediate obedience following one's commitment to Christ. The sermon emphasized that our faith should naturally lead to works, not as a means of salvation but as evidence of a transformed life.
We also addressed common reasons why believers might hesitate to share the gospel, such as fear and the misconception that evangelism is only for those with a specific gift. We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in every aspect of our lives.
To effectively fulfill the Great Commission, we must engage in three vital actions: pray, read the Bible, and go. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's will and opens doors for evangelism. Reading the Bible deepens our understanding of God and equips us to share His truth. Finally, we must take action, stepping out in faith to share the gospel with those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Urgency of the Gospel: Just as the British couldn't wait to share the news of their victory, we must urgently share the gospel. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest news ever, impacting every person throughout history. This news is too good to keep to ourselves and must be proclaimed to all. [40:35]
2. Human Frailty and Divine Strength: Even the apostles, who had firsthand experiences with the risen Christ, doubted. This underscores our human frailty and the necessity of relying on Jesus' authority and strength. We are weak on our own, but with Christ, we can fulfill the Great Commission. [49:09]
3. Baptism and Immediate Obedience: Baptism is an outward sign of an inward transformation and should follow shortly after one's commitment to Christ. It signifies dying to our old life and being made new in Jesus. Immediate obedience in baptism reflects a true understanding and commitment to the gospel. [51:35]
4. Fear and the Fear of God: We often fear people's reactions more than we fear God. However, Jesus teaches us to fear God, who has ultimate authority over our souls. This healthy fear should motivate us to share the gospel despite potential persecution or rejection. [01:06:15]
5. Three Vital Actions: Pray, Read, Go: To fulfill the Great Commission, we must pray for compassion and opportunities, read the Bible to deepen our understanding of God, and go out to share the gospel. These actions are interconnected and essential for effective evangelism. [01:21:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:13] - The Battle of Britain and VE Day
[40:35] - The Greatest News: The Gospel
[43:32] - The Great Commission in Matthew 28
[45:02] - The Apostles' Encounter with the Risen Christ
[46:06] - Dealing with Doubt
[47:54] - Jesus' Authority and Our Mission
[49:09] - Human Frailty and Divine Strength
[50:22] - Baptism and Immediate Obedience
[52:16] - Jesus' Presence with Us
[53:37] - The Call to All Christians
[55:08] - Examples from Acts
[58:52] - The Gift of Evangelism
[01:00:27] - Always Be Prepared
[01:06:15] - Fear and the Fear of God
[01:21:08] - Three Vital Actions: Pray, Read, Go
[01:27:06] - The Importance of Going Out
[01:31:19] - What Success Looks Like
[01:36:05] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:16-20
2. 1 Peter 3:15
3. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. According to the sermon, why is the Great Commission not just for the apostles but for all believers? [55:35]
3. What are the three vital actions mentioned in the sermon that are necessary to fulfill the Great Commission? [01:21:08]
4. How does 1 Peter 3:15 instruct believers to be prepared in their faith?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that some of the apostles doubted even after seeing the risen Christ? How does this relate to our own faith struggles? [49:09]
2. How does the concept of being an ambassador for Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:20 shape our understanding of our daily interactions and responsibilities? [01:03:07]
3. What does it mean to have a healthy fear of God, and how can this fear motivate us to share the gospel despite potential persecution or rejection? [01:06:15]
4. How does immediate obedience in baptism reflect a true understanding and commitment to the gospel? [51:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hesitant to share the gospel. What were your fears, and how can you overcome them by relying on Jesus' authority and strength? [49:09]
2. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What specific steps can you take this week to share the good news with them? [01:21:08]
3. How can you incorporate the three vital actions (pray, read, go) into your daily routine to better fulfill the Great Commission? [01:21:08]
4. Think about your baptism experience or your understanding of baptism. How does it serve as an outward sign of your inward transformation, and how can you share this significance with others? [51:35]
5. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate being an ambassador for Christ in your workplace or community? [01:03:07]
6. How can you cultivate a healthy fear of God in your life to prioritize His commands over the fear of people's reactions? [01:06:15]
7. Reflect on the urgency of the gospel message. How can you develop a sense of urgency in your own life to share the gospel with those around you? [40:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of the Gospel
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest news ever, impacting every person throughout history. Just as the British couldn't wait to share the news of their victory on VE Day, we must urgently share the gospel. This news is too good to keep to ourselves and must be proclaimed to all. The urgency of the gospel is not just about speed but about the importance and life-changing nature of the message. We are called to be messengers of this incredible news, sharing it with everyone we encounter. [40:35]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you share this life-changing news with them this week?
Day 2: Human Frailty and Divine Strength
Even the apostles, who had firsthand experiences with the risen Christ, doubted. This underscores our human frailty and the necessity of relying on Jesus' authority and strength. We are weak on our own, but with Christ, we can fulfill the Great Commission. Our doubts and weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God; rather, they remind us to depend on His strength and authority. When we rely on Jesus, we can overcome our doubts and be effective in our mission. [49:09]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Identify a specific area of doubt or weakness in your life. How can you rely on Jesus' strength to overcome it and fulfill your mission?
Day 3: Baptism and Immediate Obedience
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward transformation and should follow shortly after one's commitment to Christ. It signifies dying to our old life and being made new in Jesus. Immediate obedience in baptism reflects a true understanding and commitment to the gospel. This act of obedience is a public declaration of our faith and a step of faithfulness to Jesus' command. It is a powerful testimony to others of the transformative power of the gospel. [51:35]
Acts 22:16 (ESV): "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."
Reflection: If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience? If you have been baptized, how can you encourage others to take this step?
Day 4: Fear and the Fear of God
We often fear people's reactions more than we fear God. However, Jesus teaches us to fear God, who has ultimate authority over our souls. This healthy fear should motivate us to share the gospel despite potential persecution or rejection. When we prioritize God's authority and reverence Him above all else, we find the courage to speak the truth in love. Our fear of God should lead us to boldness in our witness, knowing that He is with us and will guide us. [01:06:15]
Matthew 10:28 (ESV): "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you have been hesitant to share the gospel due to fear of people's reactions. How can you shift your focus to a healthy fear of God and find the courage to share?
Day 5: Three Vital Actions: Pray, Read, Go
To fulfill the Great Commission, we must pray for compassion and opportunities, read the Bible to deepen our understanding of God, and go out to share the gospel. These actions are interconnected and essential for effective evangelism. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's will and opens doors for evangelism. Reading the Bible equips us with the knowledge and wisdom to share God's truth. Finally, taking action by going out in faith allows us to put our prayers and knowledge into practice. [01:21:08]
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the actions of praying, reading the Bible, and going out to share the gospel into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week to start?
Quotes
1. "We have greater news than that. There is one event in history that is greater than this news, any news that ever has happened, or any news that ever will happen, and that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the greatest news and the greatest event that anybody could ever hear of. It has an impact on people who live today, and it has an impact on anybody who will ever live until the end of time, and this news is so good that it cannot wait." [40:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are weak on our own. We can doubt sometimes, but we have Jesus who strengthens us. We are weak on our own, but we are not alone. Christ's strength allows us to make disciples. And when this passage goes on to speak of all nations, it's speaking of all people everywhere, without distinction, including Israel. So if there's ever a thought of, do I need to share the gospel to these people? What about these people that the culture is telling me about that we're seemingly against? Every single person in every single place of the world needs to hear the gospel. So the answer is yes." [49:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus encourages the apostles with this verse. I think sometimes we get too focused on Jesus is with us until the end of the age. So what that sometimes comes to mind is I'll live my life here and then whenever I die, Jesus will be there waiting for me. He will be there waiting for you. But what he is talking about is every day, every hour, every minute, every second, every moment of every day, Jesus Christ is with you. You are not living a single moment alone as soon as you give your life to the risen King." [52:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are called to perform good works to bring glory to God so others can see how great and caring and loving He is. In Matthew chapter 25 there is the parable of the talents. In this parable, a master is going away for a long time and he has three servants. One servant he gives five talents, one servant he gives two talents, and one servant he gives one talent. During this period of time they invest what he gave them wisely and when he came back he asks each servant, what did you do with the talent that I gave you?" [01:15:50] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are only saved by our faith in God, but we are justified by our actions. It shows that we have truly put our faith in God. This servant who took the one talent and buried it did not truly place his faith in his master. The ones who doubled it did. We are called to take, God has given all of us some talents, some abilities that we can use to serve him and build his kingdom. And that is what we are to do with it. We are not supposed to bury it and put it in a hole. God did not give us the things that we have or the abilities that we have to serve ourselves. He gave us these abilities to serve him." [01:18:13] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The gospel is so important that people throughout history have been willing to die for it. The people in this country need to hear it and we need to be willing to do what is necessary to share the gospel that might include losing our jobs, losing our friends, losing our families, losing our 401Ks, maybe even losing our lives. But we need to remember Jesus died by the people who he was trying to save. That is who we are trying to emulate. We are trying to emulate somebody who was trying to save people that killed him." [01:32:24] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus has commanded us to share the gospel. It is not just for the apostles. It is not just for those who are gifted with evangelism. It is scary, but what should be even scarier is the fear of God. And if we want to be successful, we need to prostrate ourselves, get down on our knees and pray to God to conform us to the image of his son, get in our Bibles and know who God is. And go and talk to others about the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords." [01:36:05] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are called to service. We are called to serve the king and grow his kingdom. So we can only get there if we pray and ask God to help conform us to the image of Christ. Now how do we do this? I could have spent this time giving a lesson on how we can share the gospel but it's not important. There are plenty of resources to do that. I have resources in the back. I even have handouts that I can give to people if you would like to learn some of the resources but it is not important on knowing how to share the gospel if you don't truly have a heart for these people, if you don't have compassion, if you do not feel love for these people and want them to truly know the king of kings and the Lord of lords." [01:33:47] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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