THE FIRST COMMISSION

GRACIOUS JESUS8. THE KING COMMISSIONS

The First CommissionSheep among WolvesFear God AloneLose Life to Find itWelcome the Righteous

THE FIRST COMMISSIONPRESENTATION OVERVIEW

10:1-15; Luke 6:7; 3:13-19;6:6b-11; ObjectivesBible passage MessageCommunicationCharacteristicsContrasting the Great CommissionCommon PrinciplesRecapDiscussion

THE FIRST COMMISSIONOBJECTIVES

To understand:The difference between the first commission and great commissionWhat we are authorized to do today as Christ’s disciplesPrinciples to follow on our calling

THE FIRST COMMISSION10 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

THE FIRST COMMISSION7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

THE FIRST COMMISSION11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. Matt 10

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIRST COMMISSION

Groomed by GodGranted authorityGiven to give

COMMUNICATION“The Kingdom of heaven is near” v 7Heaven is descending to earth, into our lives.

CHARACTERISTICS GROOMED BY GOD

Learn from Jesus (the Word)Imitate JesusCalled by Jesus

CHARACTERISTICS GRANTED AUTHORITY

Immense power -over sickness, spirits, death.To reflect the Messiah’s call.Goal – to demonstrate and prepare for spiritual healing

CHARACTERISTICS GIVEN TO GIVE

Spiritual gifts not to be used for material returns only maintenance. Eg. Balaam, Elisha’s servant, Gehazi.“What is freely received should be freely given”

CONTRASTING THE GREAT COMMISSION

Communication – Kingdom of heaven is near vs. here.Commissioned apostles – The twelve vs all disciplesComplete Focus – Jews vs. all the worldComprehensive authority – vs distributed spiritual gifts:

COMMUNICATION – HERE VS. NEAR

They were fore-runners like John the baptist. Today we have the gospel, and the word of God with the spirit to work

CONTRASTSCOMMISSIONED APOSTLES

The twelve had a special calling. In biblical terms there are only “the” twelve apostles. Rev 21:14,19,20The rest are disciples.

CONTRASTSCOMMISSIONED APOSTLES

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

Ephesians 2:20

CONTRASTS COMPLETE FOCUS

This commission covered only the Jews (lost sheep of Israel) vs. all the world in the great commission.

CONTRASTSCOMPREHENSIVE AUTHORITY

Over death Over demons Power to judge.Today those are distributed as spiritual gifts in the body of Christ and less intense as focus is spiritual healing.

COMMON PRINCIPLES• Only Jesus calls – the

highest calling• Never use spiritual

gift for material gain – only for maintenance

• Goal is spiritual healing

• The best investment can bomb. Move on.

• Have a focus• Respect God given

authority

RECAPTHE FIRST COMMISSIONCommunication Kingdom of Heaven is

near vs here.Characteristics Groomed by God Granted authority Given to giveContrasts Communication Commissioned apostles

Complete focus Comprehensive authorityCommon Principles Only Jesus calls Spiritual gift never for

material gain Goal - spiritual healing Best investment can bomb Have a focus Respect God given

authority

DISCUSSION1. What are some misconceptions on the disciples’ calling?

How can we avoid them?2. In what ways can we violate the intent of His calling?3. How can we ensure we remain true in all aspects as a

model disciple?4. What encourages us from the passage?

REFERENCES1. http://charlesasullivan.com