Living Out the Great Commission

In a world that often feels disconnected and self-focused, there's a powerful reminder that echoes through the ages: we are called to be sent. This isn't just a casual suggestion, but a divine commission that challenges us to look beyond ourselves and carry the message of hope to those around us.
The heart of this calling is beautifully captured in Romans 10, where the Apostle Paul lays out a compelling case for why and how we should share our faith. He begins with a profound statement: "Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved." This sentiment isn't just about a specific group of people; it's a model for how we should view everyone around us who doesn't yet know Christ.
But here's where it gets challenging. Paul points out that it's possible to have a zeal for God without truly knowing Him. In our modern context, this hits close to home. We can surround ourselves with Christian culture – the music, the movies, the coffee shops – and still miss the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. The question we must ask ourselves is: if we strip away all the trappings of Christian culture, do we truly know Christ?
The core of our faith, and the message we're called to share, is beautifully simple yet profoundly powerful: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This isn't about perfection or having all the answers. It's about a genuine faith that transforms us from the inside out.
But why should we care about sharing this message? Paul gives us a compelling reason: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" These questions should stir something within us. If we truly believe that knowing Christ is the most important thing in life, how can we keep that to ourselves?
This call to be sent isn't just for a select few "super Christians" or professional missionaries. It's for every believer. We are all placed in our specific contexts – our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social circles – for a purpose. God doesn't place Christians in the lives of non-Christians randomly. We are there to be witnesses, both in how we live and in what we say. However, this calling comes with challenges. There are four main hindrances that can keep us from effectively living out our mission:

1. Lack of intimacy with the Lord: We can't share about the greatness of God if we don't know how great He is ourselves. Our fuel for being sent comes from our personal relationship with God.
2. Absence of holiness: Our lives should reflect the message we're sharing. This doesn't mean perfection, but it does mean a genuine pursuit of Christ-likeness.
3. Finances out of order: Debt and poor stewardship can become chains that hold us back from fully embracing our calling.
4. Health issues: Our mental, physical, and emotional well-being play a significant role in our ability to serve effectively.

Interestingly, it's often through our greatest hurts that we experience the deepest healing from God – and these healed wounds become powerful avenues for sharing the gospel with others who are hurting. Living out this calling doesn't always mean dramatic gestures or moving to far-off lands (though for some, it might). Sometimes, it's as simple as showing kindness in a world that often lacks it. In a culture where anger and impatience seem to be the norm, a small act of grace can speak volumes. It might be apologizing when we've made a mistake, showing patience in traffic, or treating someone with respect when they've been rude to us. These moments allow the gospel to "leak out" of us, showing others a glimpse of Christ's love.
We're also reminded of the power of invitation. Studies show that a staggering 80% of people would attend church if someone simply invited them. This statistic should challenge us to be bold in extending invitations to those around us. As we consider this call to be sent, we must remember that it's not about our own abilities or perfection. It's about allowing God to work through us. As missionary Elizabeth Elliot wisely said, "The secret of mission is Christ in me, not a different set of circumstances." We don't need to wait for the perfect moment or until we have everything figured out. We simply need to be willing vessels, allowing God to use us where we are.
The message we carry is one of hope, love, and transformation. It's a message that says no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. As Paul reminds us, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Our task is to ensure that people have the opportunity to hear this good news. In the end, our motivation for living out this calling comes back to the resurrection of Jesus. Because He rose, we go. His victory over death gives us the courage and the reason to share this life-changing message with others.
As we go about our daily lives, let's remember that we are sent ones. Whether it's in our homes, our workplaces, or our communities, we carry with us the greatest news ever told. May we be faithful in living out this calling, always ready to share the hope that we have, and trusting that God will use our obedience to draw others to Himself. The world is waiting. The message is powerful. And we are sent. How will you respond to this calling today?

Being Sent on Mission

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:

1. God places Christians in the lives of non-Christians for a specific reason - to be gospel witnesses.
2. The Great Commission is not optional for believers - it's a command to be obeyed.
3. "Go not grow" reminds us that God is doing something bigger than just our local church.
4. 80% of people will come to church if invited.
5. Embodying the gospel means living it out in our daily interactions.

Discussion Questions:

1. Pastor Josh shared a personal story about a high school friend who passed away. Have you had a similar experience that made you reflect on the urgency of sharing the gospel? Share with the group.
2. What does it mean to you to "see yourself as a missionary" in your daily life? What challenges do you face in living this out?
3. The sermon mentioned that "you can have a zeal for God, but not really know God." How can we ensure our faith is centered on Christ and not just Christian culture?
4. Discuss the concept of "Go not grow." How does this perspective change the way we approach our Christian walk and evangelism?
5. Pastor Josh listed four hindrances to mission: lack of intimacy with God, absence of holiness, finances out of order, and health issues. Which of these do you struggle with most? How can we address these hindrances?
6. How can we cultivate a heart that desires for others to be saved, as Paul expresses in Romans 10:1?

Practical Applications:

1. Invite Challenge: This week, invite at least one person to church or a church event.
2. Prayer Focus: Write down the names of 3-5 non-Christian friends or family members. Commit to praying for their salvation daily this week.
3. Gospel Embodiment: Identify one way you can show kindness or grace to someone this week as a way of embodying the gospel.
4. Self-Reflection: Spend time examining your life in light of the four hindrances to mission. What steps can you take to address any areas of concern?
5. Scripture Memorization: Memorize Romans 10:9-10 as a reminder of the core gospel message.

Closing Prayer

Encourage group members to share any prayer requests related to their personal evangelism efforts or struggles with being "sent" in their daily lives.