NEW LIFE EQUIPPING CLASS

SUMMER 2014 9 AM

FIRESIDE ROOM

the great commission: FULFILLING YOUR CALL

The Great Commission

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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. ~ Matthew 28:19-20

Discussion Questions

• If you devoted all of your efforts to bringing food and clothes and medical aid to needy children in Africa, would that fulfill the Great Commission? Why or why not?

 • If you devoted all of your efforts to proclaiming the gospel in

a country that was clearly destitute, but did not meet their felt needs, would that fulfill the Great Commission? Why or why not?

William CareyThe Father of Protestant Missions

“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”

Objections observed

“It seems as if many thought the commission was sufficiently put in execution by what the apostles and others have done; that we have enough to do to attend to the salvation of our own countrymen; and that, if God intends the salvation of the heathen, he will some way or other bring them to the Gospel, or the Gospel to them.”

~ William Carey

How would you answer these objections?

1. The Great Commission is not binding on us.

2. There is so much need here at home.

3. If God wants to save the heathens, he will.

[YOUR] Great Commission

[YOU] go therefore and [YOU] make disciples of all nations, [YOU baptize] them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [YOU teach] them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with [YOU] always, to the end of the age. ~ Matthew 28:19-20

Table of Nations

How would you answer these objections?

1. They are too far away.

2. Their languages are unintelligible.

3. They are uncivilized in their way of living.

4. They might kill us.

What are some other barriers today that might hinder the missions effort?

What does the Bible say about suffering and missions?

• Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Pet 4:12).

• As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger… (2 Cor 6:4-10)

• Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus

will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12).

What does the Bible say about suffering and missions?

• Christ’s suffering is an example for us to follow.

…For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps (1 Pet 2:20-21).

• Our suffering is a testimony that we have followed Christ.

If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you

(John 15:20).

What does the Bible say about suffering and missions?

• For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil (1 Pet 3:17).

• Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good (1 Pet 4:19).

Why does God appoint suffering?

• Suffering deepens faith and holiness (2 Cor 1:8-9)• Suffering makes your cup increase (Matt 5:11-12; 2 Cor 4:17-

18; Rom 8:18)• Suffering is the price of making others bold (Phil 1:14)• Suffering fills up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions (Col

1:24; 1 Thess 1:5-6)• Suffering enforces the missionary command to go (Acts 1:8;

8:1; cf. 11:19)• Suffering manifests the supremacy of Christ (2 Cor 12:9-10)

Two Questions

Are you on mission for Christ?

Are you suffering for Christ?