The Mission

Living on Mission: Embracing the Missio Dei

Summary: The theme of 'missio dei' emphasizes God's mission in the world and our invitation to join Him in that mission, reflecting both His heart for the lost and the call for believers to actively participate.

Application: This sermon can help teens understand their role in God's mission. By exploring how they can engage in their communities, schools, and the world, they will recognize that their faith is not merely personal but also communal and missional.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that being a follower of Christ involves being a part of His mission. It’s not an optional part of faith; rather, it’s a fundamental aspect of what it means to live as a disciple.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ embodies the Missio Dei by coming to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). His life and ministry serve as the ultimate model of living on mission, culminating in the Great Commission where He sends His followers out to make disciples.

Big Idea: Every believer is called to actively participate in God's mission, demonstrating faith in action and reaching out to others with the love of Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using your Logos library to explore the historical context of key Old Testament passages that reflect God's mission, such as Genesis 12:1-3 and Isaiah 49:6. Additionally, look into contemporary missiological studies that discuss how the missio dei can be applied in today's culture, providing practical examples for your audience.

1. Purpose in God's Plan

Genesis 12:1-3

Perhaps you could explore how God's call to Abraham in Genesis 12 is the foundation of the Missio Dei. God promises to bless Abraham so that all families of the earth will be blessed through him. This passage illustrates that God's mission has always been global and inclusive. The blessing is meant to flow through God's people to everyone. Teens might grasp that they are part of a much larger story, called to be a blessing in their own contexts, whether at school, home, or social settings.

2. Participate as a Light

Isaiah 49:6

You could suggest that Isaiah 49:6 expands the Missio Dei by showing God’s desire for His servant to be a light to the nations. This point emphasizes God's heart for salvation to reach the ends of the earth. This could inspire teens to understand that their faith should extend beyond their immediate surroundings, challenging them to think globally and be aware of the diverse ways they can be a light in their community and beyond, reflecting Christ's light to others.

3. Press Forward in Faith

Matthew 28:18-20

Perhaps this well-known passage on the Great Commission can tie the sermon together by stressing Jesus' command to 'go and make disciples of all nations.' This point can highlight that every believer, regardless of age, plays a vital role in carrying out God's mission. Teens should be reminded that living on mission involves active discipleship and engaging with others to share God's love and truth, as Jesus modeled throughout His life and ministry.