Commissioned

Introduction

Ever got that strange gift?

My uncle got me a book on "How to lose weight after 50." I was 25 at the time.

A jack-in-the-box with a monster that popped up.

As a little kid, it wasn't fun - it was frightening.

A board game where you played as an octopus cultivating its garden.

When I was a kid my grandma got me a dog toy for Christmas.

So now what…?

The gift of salvation.

So now what…?

Keys to the Christian experience:

Key 1: Obedience

This is the key characteristic of a Disciple.

Disciple = Learner

The first thing we find them doing is being obedient.

They went into the mountain of in Galilee where Jesus directed them.

Same root word as the word “submit.” Almost a cuss word today!

Misunderstood. To come under the direction of another.

My appreciation of music, played in band.

So, at one point going to the OKC symphony. Warm up. But the the maestro gets up - all play the same note.

But, our pride gets in the way.

Pride creates limits.

Limits to our obedience and limits to blessing.

Destroy those barriers!

Key 2: Worship

The key response or a disciple.

People talk about the first they’ll do when they get to heaven.

Some, loved ones, explore, check out the new place, visit with heroes of the Bible.

Worship of Jesus.

Example set, when they saw him - no delay.

What does their worship tell us about their belief?

Believe that Jesus is God.

No more was Jesus just a rebel or a rabbi.

Jesus is bigger than what most people think.

Even some of those who were with Him - “some doubted.”

Not everyone will believe.

But for us, who have asked Jesus to forgive our sins and have committed our lives to Him…

Worship is a fruit of salvation.

Worship is internal and external.

Key 3: Make Disciples

Now, the key mission of a Disciple.

In what Jesus tells His disciples the main command: Make Disciples.

He surrounds this command with three participles.

Think of participles as describing verbs to tell you how the main verb is to be accomplished.

Participles are usually identified in English with an “-ing” ending. Think about a barking dog.

“The barking dog growled at the intruder.”

How do we make Disciples?

The first participle is “go” or, more precisely, “going.”

The best way to understand this verb is “as you are going.”

We often use this idea to talk about mission trips or the like.

Not incorrect, but it is too narrow. As you live your life.

Making disciples isn’t meant to be a program or an event, but a lifestyle.

As you are going about your life… make disciples.

Second participle is baptizing.

Baptism indicates a change in identification.

I was once lost, now I am saved. Dead, alive. Separated, Reconciled.

Third and finally, the third participle is teaching.

Honestly, where many churches & denominations have struggled over the past 50 years.

Jesus clarifies what we are to be teaching - what He taught.

This is why I emphasize what is called “exegetical preaching.”

From the text.

Build a bridge of relationship strong enough to bear the weight of the truth you have to give.

Key 4: Presence

The key comfort of a Disciple.

Jesus closes this with an emphatic statement: Look! Behold! Lo! Hey!!

Just when you think life is too much…there is Jesus lifting you up.

When you wonder if you are able… to obey, to worship, to make disciples.

How can I obey when the calling is so difficult?

How can I worship when life is so distracting?

How can I make disciples when I don’t have the words?

And there is Jesus.

The verse most taken out of context:

Philippians 4:13 ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Rejoicing in hardship, focusing on what is good, enduring in need.

Jesus provides.

He is with you.

Conclusion

We are given great freedom in how we accomplish what we are called to do.

Your calling will look different than mine.

Your preferred worship will look different than mine.

Your method of evangelism will look different than mine.

The biggest thing to remember is…

Everything centers around Jesus.