Greater Things 5 - The Great Privilege Series

Greater Things – The Great Privilege

8/30/15

Matthew 28:16-20

Sunday AM

Video – Ben Brezina

God is working in amazing ways in our church family – and even greater things are yet to come – Read John 14:12-13.

For the past few weeks we’ve been discussing the (4) most critical teachings of Christ focused on knowing, loving, following, and serving Him – challenging teachings that should’ve caused all of us to take a long, hard look at the reality and vitality of our faith.

In week 1 we looked at what’s required to have a saving relationship w/ Christ. In Mt. 11, Jesus said, “Come unto to me all of you who are weary and heavy-laden (burdened by the weight sin and worn out by the impossibility earning God’s favor) and I’ll give you rest.” COME to Jesus, TAKE His grace, and LEARN from Him – and He’ll give you rest.

In week 2 we looked at what it means to love God w/ all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength – and if you do, how it’ll be evident w/ other people.

Then last week, we looked at the powerful requirement of following Jesus – we have to DISOWN all rights to ourselves and PICK UP our cross in obedient fellowship.

As we close out this series of lessons, today I want to look at our great privilege found in Matthew 28:16-20 – better known as the Great Commission.

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him – but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the H.S. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am w/ you always, even to the end of the age.”

When I think of the Great Commission, I’m reminded of a product we’re all too familiar w/ here in Atlanta. It’s a drink invented by Dr. John Pemberton, a pharmacist, in 1886 when he concocted a caramel-colored syrup in a brass kettle in his backyard – and of course I’m speaking of Coca-Cola. Until 1970, Coke was basically an American soft drink when the company made it there ambition to make Coke available to every person on the planet. And today, some 130 yrs. later – in every country in the world you can buy a Coke. 97% of the world’s population has heard of coke and more than ½ the world has tasted a Coke. At present, 1.7 billion coke products are consumed every day around the world – meaning around the world, the avg. person drinks a coke once every (4) days.

W/ such amazing global expansion since 1970, someone said if Jesus had given the Great Commission to the Coca-Cola Company, the Gospel would’ve already been presented to every person on earth – but God didn’t give His commission to Coke or any other company – He gave it to His followers. He gave it to us.

This AM I want us to consider what God has given us and what He expects of His people.

I Our AUTHORITY

All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me.

This is THE key statement in the Great Commission b/c it’s the basis on which everything else is built – Jesus possesses all authority in heaven and earth and has the right to use this power – from Scripture we see He has authority over…

A He showed authority over DISEASE

By giving sight to the blind, sound to the deaf, stamina to the lame, and skin to the leper.

B He showed authority over the DEMONIC

By overcoming Satan in the wilderness and closing the mouths of demons and casting them out into swine.

C He showed authority over NATURE

When He walked on water and calmed the storm. Remember when Jesus was on a boat w/ His disciples in a raging storm asleep. They freaked and He simply got up, wiped His eyes, and spoke a word of silence.

D He showed authority over SIN

When He gave grace to the woman caught in adultery – Jesus said, “Where are your accusers? Neither do I accuse you. Go and sin no more.” Or how about when He conquered the cross to set us free from condemnation/judgment we all deserve b/c of sin.

Let me explain while this is key and the basis for the Great Commission – b/c while Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and earth and has the right to use this power – He makes it available to us.