Dependent Disciples

Service Notes

We are just a couple weeks out from Christmas!

Tonight we will have our monthly Vision Fraternity and Ladies Fellowship / men will meet at 4 pm for the Mens Training Union

Ladies Christmas Dinner tomorrow at 6 pm

Text Introduction:

Though we did not spend much time on it, we ended the last story with laughter/scorn. Tells of the condition of the world. Not as welcoming as you might think.

We saw full dependency upon God on display. In one person we saw needed action and the other in needed patience.

Today we will see dependency from the disciples.

We will look at a great deal of passages. Sermon Outlines are provided on our church website & app in case you miss a reference and want to look at it later or if you would like to follow along.

Only as proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate the compassion of Christ while fully trusting God will we learn our proper place in this world.

Luke 9:1–9 (KJV 1900)

Luke 9:1–9 KJV 1900

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

So many questions

Herod’s question

The question by Herod “ but who is this, of whom I hear such things?” seems to always be present in each of our stories

Reasonable that a king would have questions about a man who demonstrates great authority in what he believes is his kingdom

Mary’s questions

Mary did you know? A song loved by some and possible disliked by others. It does ask some valid questions, in my opinion.

Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Luke 1:34 KJV 1900

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Luke 1:43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Luke 1:43 KJV 1900

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19 KJV 1900

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Everyone had questions (review)

From the very beginning of following Jesus. John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

John 1:38 KJV 1900

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

People had question after hearing Jesus teach Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Luke 4:36 KJV 1900

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Those who came to be healed wondered if He would show compassion Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Luke 5:12 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

His authority was often question Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

Luke 5:21 KJV 1900

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

His view of humanity was questioned Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

Luke 5:30 KJV 1900

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

The fact He was the Messiah was questioned Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Luke 7:19 KJV 1900

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

His understanding of the situation was questioned Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

Luke 7:39 KJV 1900

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

His view of family would be questioned Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

Luke 8:20 KJV 1900

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

What manner of man is He is a common question Luke 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Luke 8:25 KJV 1900

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Demons questioned Jesus timing Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

Luke 8:28 KJV 1900

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

Peter even questioned if Jesus knew what He was talking about Luke 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

Luke 8:45 KJV 1900

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

So it seems fitting for us to ask “Mary did you know?”

Disciples had questions as they followed Jesus.

If you are honest you still have questions as you follow Jesus.

A great deal of the questions revolved about Jesus authority and compassion.

It is understandable that we have questions

It is good to ask these questions if you are ready to act upon the answers

Jesus like these questions are found recurring in every story I believe they are also found all throughout the story of our lives as we follow Jesus

Who is this King of angels, O blessed Prince of Peace Revealing things of Heaven and all it's mysteries My spirit's ever longing for His grace in which to stand Who is this King of glory, Son of God and song of man

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart The King of glory

[Ending] The Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things He is the King of glory, He's everything to me

Thankfully I know so much more about King Jesus then I did as a teenager driving around in 1992 Mercury Topaz

The Christian life is life of asking hard questions and trusting Jesus with the answers to them. This is how our dependence on Him grows and this will alter our lives in such a wonderful way.

Disciples have come so far now it is time for them to be sent out.

He called the twelve disciples, he gave them power, he sent them to preach the Kingdom of God

The cross is approaching

Jesus is 1/2 through His time of earthly ministry with His disciples. (18 months)

Between Luke 8 & 9 we learn from Mark where Jesus and the disciples Go.

Luke 8 KJV 1900

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Jesus will send out the disciples in response to the questions the world has about Him

Mark 6:2–4 (KJV 1900)

Mark 6:2–4 KJV 1900

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

Mark 6:7 (KJV 1900)

Mark 6:7 KJV 1900

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Jesus called unto Him the twelve

This is the first calling anyone will ever receive from Jesus.

Mark 3:13–14 (KJV 1900)

Mark 3:13–14 KJV 1900

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Remember Levi/ Matthew after seeing a man healed of palsy

Luke 5:27–28 (KJV 1900)

Luke 5:27–28 KJV 1900

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

Jesus desire for us to be with Him should always cause people to be willing to follow Him

John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

John 17:24 KJV 1900

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Same call for us today

Mark 16:19–20 (KJV 1900)

Mark 16:19–20 KJV 1900

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Confirming the word with signs is where the story of the Apostles does differ from us today.

Jesus gave them power with a purpose

His twelve disciples speaks of a specific group with a specific purpose

Luke 9:1 (KJV 1900)

Luke 9:1 KJV 1900

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

There is something you need to know about me, I am not an apostle. You may think that is given but there are many church signs that have Apostle so and so on it / Apostolic

Why am I not an apostle?

There are signs of a true Apostle 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

2 Corinthians 12:12 KJV 1900

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

I did not see Christ after the resurrection 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

1 Corinthians 9:1 KJV 1900

Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

I was not explicitly chosen by the Holy Spirit Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 9:15 KJV 1900

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

I do not have the ability to perform signs and wonders Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 2:43 KJV 1900

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

The teaching of these men will be the foundation of the church with Jesus being the cornerstone Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone

Ephesians 2:20 KJV 1900

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

There are no plans to add any apostles to the list. Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Revelation 21:14 KJV 1900

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Confirming the word with signs

They even had power to resurrect the dead. Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. / This week I saw an Apostolic Church with a graveyard

Matthew 10:8 KJV 1900

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Jesus couldn't send them out with the right message unless there was a way “confirm the word” because there wasn't a New Testament against which you could measure the preacher.

Though we believe God can and still does perform miracles today, the Holy Spirit no longer uses individuals to perform miraculous signs.

If you need a big word, I will suggest to you the word “cessationist”. Means we believe “sign gifts” have ceast

Apostles, through inspiration, wrote that sign gifts would end.

1 Corinthians 13:8 (KJV 1900)

1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV 1900

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Later books, such as Ephesians and Romans, contain detailed passages on the gifts of the Spirit, but the miracle gifts are not mentioned

Speaking in tongues was an inferior gift to prophecy (preaching). Preaching the Word of God edifies believers, whereas tongues does not. 1 Corinthians 4:1-3 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

1 Corinthians 4:1–3 KJV 1900

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

Example seen in the life of Paul

The Apostle Paul raised Eutychus from the dead in Acts 20:9-12

Acts 20:9–12 KJV 1900

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

However he did not heal Epaphroditus Philippians 2:25-27

Philippians 2:25–27 KJV 1900

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

However he did not heal Trophimus 2 Timothy 4:20

2 Timothy 4:20 KJV 1900

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

However he did not heal Timothy 1 Timothy 5:23

1 Timothy 5:23 KJV 1900

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

However he did not heal even himself 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 KJV 1900

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Why?

1) the gift was never intended to make every Christian well, but to authenticate apostleship

2) the authority of the apostles had been sufficiently proved, making further sign gifts unnecessary.

We also are sent went authority

We will see this more clearly in about a month when we look at the sending of the 70

Apostles were not only sent out with power but with a purpose. To preach the Kingdom of God.

Jesus sent them to preach the Kingdom of God

Jesus sending out the Apostles shows us the profile of what He wants in His messengers.

Luke 9:2 (KJV 1900)

Luke 9:2 KJV 1900

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:6 (KJV 1900)

Luke 9:6 KJV 1900

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Proclamation of Hope

Demonstration of Compassion

Totally Dependent upon God for their needs

Proclamation of Hope

All followers of Jesus Christ are called to be messengers/apostles.

We are all to be His ambassadors 2 Cor 5:18-20 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 KJV 1900

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

We are all to be “ones who are sent out” Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

We are all to be preachers of the good news Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Romans 10:15 KJV 1900

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Message of Hope

Not a political message.

Not an attempt to amend things socially in the culture.

Not an effort at altering public morality

A message of sin, salvation, and forgiveness. That changes everything about a person, family, and community.

Demonstration of Compassion

All followers of Jesus Christ are called to demonstrate the compassion of the King we represent.

Luke 9:2 (KJV 1900)

Luke 9:2 KJV 1900

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Remember the question we looked at in the review where about Jesus authority and compassion

Jesus came and cast out demons and healed the sick and raised the dead, all three of those categories dealt with people at the point of profound suffering.

The miracle of the wind and the waves was to relieve human suffering in the fear of the disciples.

The miracle of casting the demons into the pigs was to eliminate human suffering in that man.

The next miracle we will see of the feeding the thousands was to eliminate the suffering of hunger.

Jesus cares about those who are suffering and his messengers we must as well

Luke 19:41–42 (KJV 1900)

Luke 19:41–42 KJV 1900

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

We will never be effective messengers of hope until our hearts are broken for the condition of those around us.

Totally Dependent upon God for their needs

All followers of Jesus Christ should live completely dependent upon Him.

Normally you make a packing list. They made a “do not pack list” Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

Luke 9:3 KJV 1900

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

This is what we would call an internship. This is training.

This will not always be the conditions in which they are sent out.

Luke 22:35–36 (KJV 1900)

Luke 22:35–36 KJV 1900

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

What is the lesson? lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

More to be learned than not going hungry as we obediently follow Jesus.

Jesus is not stripping away their identity but teaching them who they are, who is making them to be

I will make you fishers of men

These group of young men have gone from being filled with questions to having Jesus tell them

Where to go

What to say

What to not take with them

When to leave “dust off your feet” / another way to say this isn’t about you

They are learning contentment and trust.

Luke 9:4 (KJV 1900)

Luke 9:4 KJV 1900

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

Not to bounce from place to place looking for better provision.

Living in a place where they can be seen and known and not able to hide from accountability.

In submission to God we learn who we really are

Our true identity (who we are) has been tied to our Creator (who he is)

Fredrick Nietzsche said that “in heaven, all the interesting people are missing.”

Ever had friends or family members worried that getting to close to Jesus and spending too much time in your religion will cause you to forget who you are? I would like to argue the contrary view.

It is no good trying to be ‘myself’ without Him. The more I resist Him and try to live on my own, the more I become dominated by my own heredity and upbringing and surroundings and natural desires. In fact what I so proudly call ‘Myself’ becomes merely the meeting place for trains of events which I never started and which I cannot stop. (Mere Christianity, 225–26)

Romans 6:16 (KJV 1900)

Romans 6:16 KJV 1900

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

In our pursuit to be completely independent and individual we will lose out on who we truly are

Matthew 16:25 (KJV 1900)

Matthew 16:25 KJV 1900

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

How do we lose it?

Those who give themselves over to themselves do not become more interesting, more unique, or even more themselves; they become beasts:

Brute beasts Jude 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Jude 10 KJV 1900

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Horse or mule with no understanding Psalm 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, Or as the mule, which have no understanding: Whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, Lest they come near unto thee.

Psalm 32:9 KJV 1900

Be ye not as the horse, Or as the mule, which have no understanding: Whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, Lest they come near unto thee.

We should find our place in the body of Christ, let God assign us our mission.

1 Corinthians 12:11–12 (KJV 1900)

1 Corinthians 12:11–12 KJV 1900

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Conclusion

What a great day when the disciples lined up and took their marching orders from Jesus!

Until you recognize Jesus authority in your life and respond to His call, receive His power, and allow Him to send you out into this world on a mission you do not truly know who you are.

In submitted to Jesus you lose nothing except for the bondage of serving the wrong master.

Not just a great day for them but for us as well!

John 17:18–20 (KJV 1900)

John 17:18–20 KJV 1900

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Only as proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate the compassion of Christ while fully trusting God will we learn our proper place in this world.

Surrender - life as you know it will never be the same

Go and tell - life as the know it will never be the same