Sermon Reflection::Matt28:16-20

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(promoting desiring god's arabic site launch)

Last Sunday (listen online), Pastor David dove into what could be the 2nd most commonly referenced Bible passage (after John 3:16). In Matthew 28:18-20 the Lord commands his disciples to go to all the nations, make disciples and baptize them, and teach them His commands. He finishes by promising to be there with them. David also referenced Psalm 67:1-2 “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations” as God's call through the ages to spread His light in the darkness.

David broke the Matthew passage into 4 truths:
1) The disciples' mission is our mission (Matt 28:19) The command is for the 11 and their disciples (and repeat) to make disciples “as they are going”. Christ said this would continue to the end of the age (not the end of their life). Matt 24:14 states that the world WILL hear and then the end will come. The law of Supply and Demand was stated – if God demands our actions he will supply the power to do it (Acts 2 confirms this)
2) How do we reproduce followers of Christ? (Matt 28:20) Shine the Light of Christ and The Word in a VERY dark world. We must be seen to be Christ's followers, with godly lives (in word and deed) that are markedly different from our previous worldly life. 6000 people groups have less than 2% of their population who have even HEARD of Christ. They are statistically unreached. We must be ready TO GO and teach them about Christ.
3) By what authority do you do these things? (Matt 28:18)
In verse 18 we see that all authority is given to Christ (also Philippians 2:8-11). No authority is withheld. Who can stand against God's will to reach the world??? NO ONE! (Authorities of Darkness – governments, religions, demons may oppose the gospel to varying degrees). Matt 16:18 says even Hell can NOT prevail against his Church.
4) Christ promises to be there as we go. Just as the disciples lived and walked with Christ for 3 years, that fellowship would continue with the presence of the Holy Spirit. We have the command and the promise to go in power and authority to reach the lost. Now the BIG QUESTION – Will we go?

Paul, in 2 Tim 2:3-5, references the suffering of soldiers (a universal truth!) to achieve a great and special task. When I was (much) younger I enlisted in the US Air Force. I traded the comforts of home, family and friends to serve as an airman. I gave up rights – I was a “slave” to my Air Force masters. If they wanted me to work 12 hour days, 7 days a week, I could not say no. If they wanted to ship me to another country at a moment's notice, I was gone. Inconvenience did not weigh into the decision. I was ordered where my superiors thought I was needed at the time. Sulking or complaining only brought a reprimand. I could have run away, but there were penalties for that. I was a servant and I HAD to serve.

Paul uses the imagery of a runner in 1 Cor 9:24-27, with the eye on the prize, which is only available for those who finish the race. He disciplines his body to run the race of sanctification and not be disqualified (by cheating or stopping). Soldiers who go AWOL or runners who quit do not receive praise (and may be vilified).

If humans can work so hard at exercise programs, climbing corporate ladders, and other earthly pursuits that have no gain for the kingdom, can't we work even harder to serve the Heavenly Master who gave His life for us??? Let us all strive to serve Christ well, so that one day we can all hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your master.”

--C3 Member - Steve Barrett