The Mission of Christ, Matthew 28:18-20, J.
Josh Smith, 2/1/15
The church only works when every member is
committed to the same work.
How does that happen?
Every
member must have the same Lord – Matthew 28:18
His authority is the basis of the command
in verse 18.
His authority shows the scope of the
command – it is universal for all things, all places, and all people.
His authority gives hope to the command –
we don’t just go out and “try” but we go out and “do” because we are aware of
His ultimate control which gives us confidence.
His authority gives weight to the command –
if we aren’t doing this then it shows that we are submitting to something or
someone else, not to the One who has all authority.
Every
member must have the same focus – Matthew 28:19
It is hard to make disciples if we don’t
know what they are and how to make them. A disciple is anyone who chooses by
faith to follow Jesus Christ. Someone who is born again becomes a disciple at
conversion. If you aren’t a disciple then you aren’t a Christian. It isn’t a
degree but a process you enter – to become like Christ.
“Baptizing” – the first step of obedience
as a disciple. “Teaching them to observe” – disciple-making.
This isn’t just leading people to trust
Christ and letting God do the rest (external focus only). It also isn’t
thinking that it is only the churches job to teach them to follow Christ
(internal focus only). It has to be both. The ministry of the church happens
inside and outside the church – leading people to trust and follow Christ.
The focus is on people. Programs don’t
reach people. People reach people.
Every
member must have the same confidence – Matthew
28:20
We have absolute assurance He is there
while we do this – “I am with you always”.
The task is overwhelming but the promise is
equal to the task.
Who are you investing in? Who are you
leading to trust and follow Christ?