To Make Christ Known

The Desire to Make Known Christlike Affections in 2025 • The first Sunday of every month in ’25, we are asking God to heighten our religious affections. • Definition of Affection: Deep and lasting transformation of the soul that results in the zealous pursuit of God, overflowing love for God’s people, and joyful service in God. • Last month, we discovered “the Desire to Know.” Today we will explore, “the Desire to Make Known.” Our Commission (John 1:19-23) • Jesus appears to “the disciples,” likely all the of disciples minus Philip (see Luke 24:33; Acts 1:15) • Jesus comes in glad-hearted peace – Christ reassures twice • Jesus’s Commission: 1. Complete harmony with His own mission: “just as” and “even so” 2. Continuation of His own mission: “has sent” and “I am sending” 3. Content of His own mission: (a) Spiritual in nature; (b) for the forgiveness of sins • If our sending mirrors Jesus’s mission, we need should ask, “How was Jesus sent?” Our Pattern • Jesus was sent to save those who believe, not to condemn those who do not (John 3:17-18) • Jesus was sent to seek out needy individuals (John 4:3435) • Jesus was sent to impart His word to those who would hear (John 5:19-29) • Jesus was not sent solely for humanitarian work, but for the ultimate satisfaction of the soul (John 6:53-59) • Jesus was sent to declare God’s will publicly (John 7:1618) • Jesus was sent to open eyes and to blind eyes (John 9:39) Our Pattern • Jesus was sent to die (John 10:17-18; 12:23-26) • Jesus was sent to raise the dead by their belief in Him (John 11:25-26; 41-42) • Jesus was sent to impart His word to those who would hear (John 5:19-29) • Jesus was sent to serve those who proclaim His name (John 13:19-20) • Jesus was sent to bring soul peace in a troubled world (John 16:33) • Jesus was sent to glorify God in the revelation of eternal life (John 17:1-5) Our Mission • Fight Excuses: 1. I’m busy – It’s not a matter of time, but priority. 2. I’m shy – Engagement means more from shy people. 3. I’m called to help Christian people – We don’t have the right to redefine our King’s commission. 4. I lack opportunity – Jesus came from heaven to earth; He’s asking us to walk across the street. • Fight Together: 1. Jesus sent people in pairs (see Luke 10:1ff) 2. Jesus commands prayer among the commissioned (Ephesians 6:18) 3-Month Goals • Weekly: Pray and brainstorm with your partner. • Monthly: Spiritually influence one person or family. • Quarterly: Invite one person to an event where they will hear the gospel.