Session 7: Following on Mission

What is your experience with missions?

Have you ever been on a short or long term missions trip?

Do you tend to think of missions as something for others “out there” or something meant for you? Explain.

Most believers know we are supposed to share the good news of the Gospel with others. However, we find it easier to talk about anything else other than that. We will even talk about things we have little knowledge of and never bring up one of the most important things we are supposed to be sharing.

This is quoted from the study.

“Just as the Father sent the Son and the Son sent the Spirit, we too are sent to tell the good news about what God has done for us in Christ.”

Matthew 28:18 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

John 20:19–21 ESV

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

Who sent Jesus to man?

Who did Jesus send to share the Gospel message?

How are we sent in the same way today?

If you take a look at the original word used for send, it was used in present tense. Jesus didn’t send the disciples past tense for us to read. He was sending them and He continues to do so with all believers.

John 20:22–23 ESV

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

If you take a look at this section of scripture, Jesus is giving them one thing the Holy Spirit was going to help them to do.

The Holy Spirit was called a Helper to us. Of course there are many other things which the Holy Spirit can help us do.

Forgiving Others

Exercise Spiritual Discipline

Recall God’s Teaching

Endure Persecution

Serve the Church

The Holy Spirit was sent so we wouldn’t have to be alone.

How does the Holy Spirit enable you to serve God?

He is with us throughout our lives. If we pay attention to His calling, we will be in the will of God. We will find out things about ourselves we never thought possible. We will find the places He has gifted us to serve others in the church, and we will be able to step up and help others where we are most gifted.

How have you experienced the reality of the Holy Spirit being your Helper at a time when you were not powerful enough or wise enough on your own?

I’ve shared with you all several times when I’ve felt the Holy Spirit give me answers that I couldn’t come up with myself.

I’ve shared with you times when He has held my tongue to keep things in a certain tone.

I’ve shared with you times when I’ve been challenged to go beyond.

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As a follower of Jesus, we each have a testimony of how we came to accept the gift of salvation. Part of this story should also be about how He has made a difference in your life. Your story should also be added onto as you go through your life. Your story is a living story which continues to change.

In your story, there will be something almost everyone should be able to relate too. It’s not a guarantee, but should happen.

Have you ever had the opportunity to share the gospel with someone? How did the conversation go?

How does it give you confidence to remember that Jesus has not sent you to share the gospel in your own power but by the power of His Holy Spirit?