Mission Sunday

The Life of a Missionary

Bible Passage: Hebrews 13:15–16

Summary: The book of Hebrews emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and our call to live out our faith actively as a community, highlighting Jesus' mission and our role in continuing that mission.

Application: This sermon will encourage believers to embrace their calling to be active participants in God's mission, fostering community, encouraging one another, and sharing the message of Christ's love and salvation with the world.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that every believer is commissioned to partake in God's mission, motivated by Christ's example and empowered by the community of faith as they run the race of life together.

How this passage could point to Christ: Hebrews presents Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise, the one who leads many sons to glory, emphasizing His role as both high priest and the sacrificial Lamb who empowers us to fulfill our mission.

Big Idea: Believers are called to actively participate in God's mission, encouraged by the example of Christ and the support of the community of faith, as they journey towards spiritual maturity.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the implications of Hebrews 2:9–10 and how Christ's experience informs our mission. You may find it helpful to consult the Logos library for insights on the uniqueness of Christ’s priesthood outlined in Hebrews 2:17 and its implications for mission. Additionally, investigate the cultural context behind the communal emphasis in Hebrews 10:24–25 and its relevance for today’s church context. As we study the book of Hebrews, I wanted to honour our missionaries as they head out to the Philippines to undertake a mission. Highlighting spefic verses in Hebrews, my hope is to encourage our missionaries by listing out certain key passages and draw out some simple practical points relevant to where they are going. We all to some degree know what’s happening in the country they’re going in. Ongoing political unrest that shows widespread corruption, seasonal floods and ones that have been quite sever in recent times and 2 weeks ago an earthquake. The country is going through a lot. And as volatile as things are, the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ is what the country needs to hear. I believe that God has raised up these people for such a time as this. In the midst of the chaos, the truth of the gospel will prevail and always has. So missionaries as we delve into the word, take it with you, and take these instructions with you as go into the country, arm yourself witht he word of God (sword of the spirit) take up the spiritual armour which you will defintely need to protect you.

Hebrews 13:15–16 ESV

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Perhaps highlight the call to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, underscoring the significance of sharing, doing good, and worship in mission. Engaging in these acts reinforces the community aspect and acts as a testimony of faith that can lead others to Christ. You could emphasize how our praise and deeds serve as a foundation for mission, drawing others into God's grace.

1. A message of hope for all

Hebrews 2:9–10 ESV

But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

You could emphasize the significance of Jesus tasting death for everyone, suggesting His unique role as the pioneer of our salvation. This passage highlights His humility and sacrifice—qualities central to our mission as believers. Maybe focusing on His suffering, believers can be encouraged to embrace their mission with the same selflessness that Christ exhibited, showing the path of salvation and glory He has laid before us to lead others towards a relationship with God. The message of a missionary is a message of hope for all. As the verse says He (Christ) tasted death for everyone. All are welcomed to benefit from Christ’s work on the cross because He died for everyone, though not all will accept the message, the offer is there for all to accept it. This includes people who live in the most difficult places to reach down to the neighbour who lives next to us who may have a hard heart towards God. Following in Christ’s example, He spoke the gospel weherever He went and many heard. And you never knew (obviously unless you read the bible) who would be receptive to his message. As remember the gospel message is a message for all, there are many kinds of people in different walks of life where all they might need at that point in time is to hear your sharing of the gospel perhaps for the 100th time so that they’ll believe. In your daily activities whether you’re scheduled to be doing something mission related or on a break, always be on the lookout for the opportunity to speak the gospel into people’s lives.

2. Priestly Pursuit

Hebrews 2:17–18 ESV

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Perhaps explore Christ's role as the merciful and faithful high priest, who made atonement for the sins of the people. This invites believers to reflect on their mission as participants in extending Christ's reconciliation to the world. By understanding His compassionate mediatory role, we can better embrace our calling to offer grace and reconciliation to those around us.

3. Provoking Partnership

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Maybe consider the importance of community encouragement and the role of believers in spurring one another towards love and good deeds. This passage remind us that mission is often fostered within the faith community, where mutual edification strengthens our resolve. You could stress how supporting each other equips us for effective outreach, embodying the unity Christ called us to maintain in spreading His love.

4. Persevering Pace

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

You might focus on running the race set before us with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. As we embark on our mission, Christ’s example offers direction and encouragement, urging believers to persevere despite challenges, maintaining focus on the ultimate goal. This shared journey reflects our commitment to fulfilling God's purpose through thick and thin.