The Church On Mission

The Church: Defined

Week 4 — The Church on Mission

Main Scripture: Matthew 28:18–20

 “Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
—Matthew 28:18–20, CSB

Big Idea

The church doesn’t have a mission; Jesus has a mission, and He has called His church into it.

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1.. Our Mission Comes From the Authority of Jesus

Matthew 28:18–20

The Great Commission doesn’t begin with “Go.”

It begins with Jesus.

 “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”
—Matthew 28:18, CSB

Because Jesus is Lord, He has the authority to define the mission of His church.

Our mission is to make disciples.

A disciple is someone who:

* Repents and believes in Jesus.
* Publicly identifies with Christ.
* Learns the Word of God.
* Obeys what Jesus commands.
* Grows in holiness.
* Helps others follow Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t merely command us to teach people what He said. He commands us to teach them “to observe” what He said.

The goal isn’t simply information.

It’s transformation.

And Jesus doesn’t send us alone:

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:20, CSB

Key Thought:

His authority sends us. His presence goes with us.

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2. Our Message Is the Gospel

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...”
 —Romans 1:16, CSB

Our confidence is not in our ability to answer every question.

Our confidence is in the gospel.

What is the Gospel?

God is holy.

God created us and has the right to rule our lives.

We are sinners.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
—Romans 3:23, CSB

Our sin separates us from God, and we cannot save ourselves.

Christ died for our sins.

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...”
—1 Corinthians 15:3, CSB

Jesus took the judgment our sin deserved.

Christ rose from the dead.

 “He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
—1 Corinthians 15:4, CSB

Jesus is alive. Sin has been paid for, and death has been defeated.

We must repent and believe.

 “Repent and believe the good news!”
—Mark 1:15, CSB

A godly life should support our witness, but eventually someone has to **say the gospel**.

Key Thought:

Don’t let what you don’t know keep you from telling somebody what you do know.

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3. The Mission Happens Where God Has Placed Us

2 Corinthians 5:20

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’”
—2 Corinthians 5:20, CSB

We are ambassadors for Christ.

Wherever we go, we represent the One who sent us.

The Great Commission takes us to all nations, so the church must continue to:

* Pray.
* Give.
* Send.
* Go.

But mission also begins where God has already placed us.

Your mission field may include:

* Your family.
* Your workplace.
* Your school.
* Your neighborhood.
* The ball field.
* Your circle of friends.
* The people you encounter every week.

You don’t need a church program before you can tell someone about Jesus.

You have already been sent.

Key Thought:

The building stays here. The church leaves.

And when we leave, we aren’t simply dismissed.

We are sent.

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This Week’s Challenge

Ask God to put one person on your heart.

Who has God already placed in your life who needs Jesus?

Then:

Pray for them.

Ask God to open their heart and give you an opportunity.

Love them.

Don’t treat them like a project. Genuinely care about them.

Listen to them.

Pay attention to what is happening in their life.

Look for the door.

When God gives you an opportunity, take it.

Tell them.

You don’t have to save them.

You can’t.

But you can faithfully tell them about Jesus.

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Discussion Questions

1. Read Matthew 28:18–20. Why do you think Jesus begins the Great Commission by declaring His authority?

2. What is the difference between simply making a convert and making a disciple?

3. Jesus commands us to teach people to observe everything He commanded. What does this tell us about the relationship between discipleship, obedience, and holiness?

4. Why do many Christians feel intimidated about sharing their faith? Which fear is most likely to keep you silent?

5. Read Romans 1:16. How does remembering that the gospel—not our presentation—is the power of God change the way we approach evangelism?

6. How would you explain the gospel to someone in your own words?

7. Why is living a good Christian life in front of someone important but insufficient by itself for evangelism?

8. Read 2 Corinthians 5:20. What does it mean practically to live as an ambassador for Christ?

9. How can the church remain committed to reaching the nations while also taking responsibility for the people God has placed around us locally?

10. Where has God already placed you on mission? Who are the people you regularly encounter there?

11. What are some natural openings in everyday conversation that could lead to talking about Jesus without forcing the conversation?

12. Who is one person God has placed in your life who needs Jesus? What is one step you can take this week to pray for them, love them, or share the gospel with them?

Closing Reflection

Who is one person God has already placed in my life who needs Jesus—and am I willing to be the person who tells them?