Go, Tell, Defend: Living the Great Commission

Living the Great Commission: Our Call to Action

Bible Passage: Matthew 28:19, Mt 9:35–38, 1 Pe 3:13–17, Ac 1:4–8, Is 52:7–12, 1 Jn 2:15–17, 2 Timothy 3, 1 Jn 3:16–24, 1 Jn 4:20–21, Dt 6:6–9

Summary: The Great Commission calls believers to make disciples and live out their faith in active love and service, demonstrating God's love and truth in a world that often opposes these values.

Application: This message encourages Christians to actively share their faith while embodying love and good works, particularly in a culture that often contradicts Christian principles. It challenges them to be bold in their faith, engage in loving actions, and to uphold a commitment to teaching others the truths of the Covenant.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that living out the Great Commission requires not only sharing the gospel but also demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions, even in the face of opposition and societal challenges.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible as a whole, Christ is central to the Great Commission, as He commands His followers to make disciples in His name, empowering them through the Holy Spirit to live out His teachings and love.

Big Idea: As followers of Christ, we are called to actively live out the Great Commission, demonstrating love and faithfulness in our actions while reaching out to a world in need of hope and truth.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the Greek nuances of the text in Matthew 28:19 to grasp the weight of the command to 'make disciples.' You could also delve into the cultural context of 2 Timothy 3 and how it applies to modern challenges in the Christian life using Logos. Investigating how love is described and manifested in 1 John could also yield deep insights into practical applications for your audience.

1. Mandate of the Master

Matthew 28:19

You could begin by highlighting the direct command from Jesus to make disciples, emphasizing the active role Christians are to play in spreading the Gospel. The passage underscores that the authority to carry out this mission stems from Christ Himself, assuring believers that they are not acting on their own but with divine mandate and support. This could inspire confidence and commitment in your audience to prioritize discipleship in their personal and communal lives, recognizing it as a fundamental expression of their faith.

2. Mobilizing for the Harvest

Mt 9:35–38

Perhaps you could stress the urgency and compassion Jesus exhibited as He saw the crowds, urging prayer for more laborers. This mirrors the need for Christians to have eyes attuned to the spiritual needs around them. You might suggest praying for opportunities to serve as laborers in God’s harvest, fostering a heart like Christ’s that moves with compassion and engages actively in the work of the Kingdom.

3. Courage in Confession

1 Pe 3:13–17

In these verses, you might elaborate on the courage needed to maintain good conduct while witnessing to others. Suggest that suffering for righteousness is not without reward or purpose, as it aligns believers with Christ’s own experiences and mission. Encourage your audience to hold firm in their testimony, reminding them that their witness speaks volumes even when met with resistance or misunderstanding.

4. Empowered by the Spirit

Ac 1:4–8

Delve into how the Holy Spirit equips Christians to live out the Great Commission. Perhaps highlight the promise of empowerment from Jesus, who assures His disciples that they will receive power to be His witnesses. Encourage reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in their evangelistic efforts, and emphasize that this divine power makes the seemingly impossible task of gospel proclamation possible.

5. Bringers of Good News

Is 52:7–12

Maybe focus on the beauty and joy described in bringing good news to others. Isaiah paints a picture of messengers who announce peace and salvation. You could inspire by envisaging the joy that comes with fulfilling the role of a bearer of good tidings, urging your listeners to embrace this calling with enthusiasm and hope, knowing that they are part of God’s redemptive story.

6. Choose the Eternal

1 Jn 2:15–17

Consider addressing the tension between loving the world and fulfilling the Great Commission. Suggest that Christian identity should be marked by a love for God and His mission over worldly desires. Encourage listeners to examine their lives for areas where love for the world might overshadow their commitment to Christ, directing them towards a lifestyle that reflects eternal values over temporary gains.

7. Perseverance in Precarity

2 Timothy 3

You might consider outlining the challenges and oppositions noted in these verses as reflective of the current era. Encourage learning, persistence in doctrine, and living a godly life despite such obstacles. Suggest that perseverance under trial forms a crucial part of fulfilling the Great Commission, fostering resilience and wisdom in navigating today’s cultural landscape.

8. Loving in Deeds

1 Jn 3:16–24

Suggest highlighting love as the central tenet of living out the Great Commission. Encourage actionable love that mirrors Christ’s sacrifice, demonstrating to the world Christianity's transformative impact. Emphasize the importance of integrating belief and action, urging your audience to embody love in genuine, practical ways, which serves as a compelling testament to their faith.

9. Living Love Loudly

1 Jn 4:20–21

You could emphasize the necessity of loving others as evidence of love for God. This passage presents a challenge to live authentically, ensuring our inner convictions align with outward actions. Encourage the audience to reflect on their relationships, suggesting that demonstrating love for one another signifies their commitment to the Great Commission’s call to embody Christ’s love.

10. Teach the Timeless Truths

Dt 6:6–9

Conclude by perhaps stressing the importance of teaching and passing on covenant principles as essential for sustaining the faith. Highlight the role of family and community in shaping believers who are responsive to the Great Commission. Encourage the audience to take an active role in mentoring and teaching the next generation, ensuring the continuity of the faith and its values.