Matthew 28:16-20 | The Great Commission & William Carey

“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” William Carey, 1792

This phrase fueled the transformation of global missions. Carey had a burden and a vision to see all the peoples praise the living God.

There was a major barrier: apathy

His burden and vision was not well received by other Christians. In one occasion, he was sharing his burden and vision to share the message of the gospel through missions, when an older ministered interrupted and rebuked Carey by saying, “Young man, sit down! You are an enthusiast. When God pleases to convert the heathen, he'll do it without consulting you or me.”

You see, many Christians at that time believed the Great Commission only applied to the Apostles. The Great Commission had become the Great Suggestion.

He went on to write pamphlet, An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians, to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens. The pamphlet addressed two major questions:

Is the Great Commission still binding?

How can we possibly go into the remotes areas of the world?

First, we this amazing technology called a mariner’s compass (kuhm-puhs). We can sail anywhere.

Second, what about the “uncivilized and barbarous way of living”? “This can be no objection to any, except those whose love of ease renders them unwilling to expose themselves to inconveniences for the good of others.” At one point, we used to be “barbarous Britons,” yet missionaries came to us with the message of the gospel.

Third, what about the danger of being killed by them? The reward is greater than the risk. Plus, we hear stories of missionaries who are seldom attacked.

Fourth, what about the difficulty of procuring the necessaries of life? You can order anything from Amazon now days :) Say goodbye to friends, pleasures and comforts. Say hello to suffering.

Fifth, what about learning their language? We could hire temporary interpreters until we learn their language which would take 1-2 years.

“They must be willing to leave all the comforts of life behind them and to encounter all the hardships of a torrid or a frigid climate, an uncomfortable manner of living, and every other inconvenience that can attend this undertaking.”

Take with you some clothing, a few knives, a gun, and a fishing tackle. Learn the language ASAP.

William Carey is considered The Father of Modern Day Missions.

He practiced himself what he preached to others. In 1793, Carey, John Thomas (a former surgeon), and Carey’s family (which now included three boys, and another child on the way) were on a ship headed for India.

Carey experienced so much hardship:

His friend John Thomas deserted the mission.

Illness hit the family, and loneliness and regret set it: “I am in a strange land,” he wrote, “no Christian friend, a large family, and nothing to supply their wants.” But he also retained hope: “Well, I have God, and his word is sure.”

When Carey himself contracted malaria, and then his 5-year-old Peter died of dysentery, it became too much for his wife, Dorothy, whose mental health deteriorated rapidly. She suffered delusions, accusing Carey of adultery and threatening him with a knife. She eventually had to be confined to a room and physically restrained. “This is indeed the valley of the shadow of death to me,” Carey wrote, though characteristically added, “But I rejoice that I am here notwithstanding; and God is here.”

For his first two years in India William Carey got no mail. During his first seven years he got no converts. After nineteen years of labor a fire destroyed his precious manuscripts of a polyglot dictionary, a Sikh and Telugu grammar and ten versions of the Bible. He had an accident and was lame to the end. He lost two wives in death. And he never went home—for 41 years.

What kept him going?

“When I left England, my hope of India's conversion was very strong; but amongst so many obstacles, it would die, unless upheld by God. Well, I have God, and His Word is true. Though the superstitions of the heathen were a thousand times stronger than they are, the example of the Europeans a thousand times worse; though I were deserted by all and persecuted by all, yet my faith, fixed on that sure Word, would rise about all obstacles and overcome every trial. God's cause will triumph.”

No doubt he was referring to the Great Commission.

What makes the great commission great?

All authority | All nations | All the commands | All the days

All Authority

The supreme authority of Jesus is our foundation for making disciples.

Daniel 7:13–14 “13 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”

Jesus’ supreme authority over everything is meant to encourage us and to give us comfort: Our personal kingdoms and authority are so fragile and temporary. Jesus’ kingdom and authority on the other hand is eternal and his dominion is from generation to generation (Dan 4:3)

All Nations

1. Going

The mission of the church cannot be fulfilled without intentionally pursuing the lost. The church must take the initiative and pursue lost people. Sunday mornings: Gather and scatter

Going sharing the gospel: “repentance and forgiveness of sin” (Luke 24:47)

Of all nations. The word nations (Gk, ethnos) is a reference to people groups not geographical boundaries.

2Baptizing

Baptism identifies a new believer with the community of God.

Baptism is declaring allegiance to Christ and his church. Baptism is not optional.

Baptism is part of the discipleship package – NT pattern: people believed the gospel and were baptized.

Peter’s first sermon on the day of Pentecost:

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41, ESV)

“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12, ESV)

Have you obeyed the command to be baptized?

3. Teaching

All the Commands

Jesus’ disciples joyfully do what Jesus has commanded them to do as a result of God’s transformation of their hearts. Love God; Love people

All the Days

The gospel of Matthew begins with the promise that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. The gospel of Matthew ends with the promise that, Jesus, Emmanuel is with us.

Conclusion:

As we close today, consider the vision that drove William Carey: a passion to see people across the world come to know Jesus. Carey believed that the Great Commission was for every follower of Christ, and he let it shape his life, despite countless obstacles.

Maybe you’re sensing that God is stirring something similar in your heart—a desire to step out of your comfort zone and join Him in His work among the nations.

This summer, our church will be planning a missions trip, and it could be an opportunity for you to “go” in a tangible way. Whether it’s serving practically, sharing the gospel, or building relationships, a missions trip can be a powerful way to experience God’s heart for the nations and see firsthand how He is at work in other cultures.

I encourage you to pray about joining us. Let’s be a church that not only supports missions but actively steps into the Great Commission, trusting that Jesus is with us to the end of the age.

Nizhoni Marks video.