You Have a Mission part 2
Notes
Transcript
Handout
SURRENDERING TO CHRIST’S LORDSHIP
SURRENDERING TO CHRIST’S LORDSHIP
SHINING
SHINING
SEEKING
SEEKING
SERVING
SERVING
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Serving All to Win Some
Serving All to Win Some
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;
Tentmaking (Acts 18:3; 20:33–35): Paul supported himself financially so no one could accuse him of preaching for profit.
Refusing pay from Corinth (1 Cor. 9:12, 15): Though entitled, he laid down his rights to serve without hindrance.
Becoming as a Jew to Win Jews
Becoming as a Jew to Win Jews
20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;
3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.
— Paul circumcised Timothy (though unnecessary for salvation, Gal. 5:6) so Jews would receive him.
LOOK AT PAUL IN ACTS 21
23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.
24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.
25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.
Paul participated in temple purification rites to avoid offending Jewish believers.
Examples in Paul’s Life:
He reasoned in synagogues “as his custom was” (Acts 17:1–2).
He used the Law and prophets in sermons (Acts 13:16–41) to connect with Jews.
Becoming as Gentiles to Win Them
Becoming as Gentiles to Win Them
21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;
“To those outside the law I became as one outside the law.”
15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,
16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
— In Lystra, he appealed to Gentiles using creation, not Jewish Scripture.
Acts 17:22–31 — In Athens, Paul quoted Greek poets and philosophers to point to God.
Examples in Paul’s Life:
Adjusted his evangelism style: to Gentiles, he didn’t start with Abraham but with God as Creator.
Ate with Gentiles (Gal. 2:11–14 implies he did so until Peter withdrew).
Becoming Weak to Win the Weak
Becoming Weak to Win the Weak
22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak.”
Eternal Focus
Eternal Focus
22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
“…that by all means I might save some.”
Examples in Paul’s Life:
Flexibility in method without compromise in message: synagogue sermons for Jews, marketplace debates for Gentiles, personal testimonies before kings (Acts 22, 26).
Adapted vocabulary, illustrations, and reasoning depending on his audience.
Self-Discipline
Self-Discipline
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
“I discipline my body and keep it under control… I do not run aimlessly.”
Philippians 3:12–14 — Pressing toward the goal for the prize of Christ.
2 Timothy 4:7–8 — “I have fought the good fight… finished the race… kept the faith.”
Examples in Paul’s Life:
Rigorous missionary lifestyle: endured beatings, imprisonments, hunger, sleepless nights (2 Corinthians 11:23–28).
Practiced personal holiness to avoid hypocrisy (1 Thess. 2:10).
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Give reasons for our lack of witnessing.
the plan of God
the will of God
the mercy of God
Prepared to Give an Answer
Prepared to Give an Answer
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
You are commanded to give an answer to the question "Why Jesus?"
What am I saved from?
What am I saved from?
1. You have been saved from the penalty of God: Justification
2. You are being saved from the power of sin: Sanctification
3. You will be saved from the presence of sin: Glorification
Elements in Evangelizing
Elements in Evangelizing
Step 1. God's Perfect World
Step 1. God's Perfect World
God created a perfect world. His design was for us to be in relationship with Him. This relationship with God provided security, significance, and fulfillment. Because He is our creator, this relationship is the source of life. God and man walked together in this perfect world without sickness, brokenness, or death.
Step 2. A Broken Relationship
Step 2. A Broken Relationship
God did not make us robots to automatically love and obey Him. He gave us a will and freedom to choose. We chose to be our own authority. We still make this choice today when we disobey Him and go our own way.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.
How Can I be saved?
How Can I be saved?
Step 3. God's Remedy: Jesus Christ
Step 3. God's Remedy: Jesus Christ
On our own, there's no way we can attain the perfection and holiness required to bridge the gap between God and us. Through the ages, individuals have tired many ways without success. Good works, religion, money, morality, or philosophy will not bridge the gap. Jesus is the only answer to this problem.
Step 4. Our Response
Step 4. Our Response
Is there any reason why you shouldn't cross over to God's side and be certain of eternal life?
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Have you sinned against God and others? A person is made right with God by trusting in Jesus.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Do you confess that Jesus is God's Son and He is your Lord and Savior?
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Are you willing to turn away from your sin and turn to God for direction?
20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,
21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Will you surrender to Jesus way?
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Let go of your plans
Let go of your ideas
Let go of your life
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Circle 1: God's Design
Circle 2: Brokenness
Circle 3: Gospel
