Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Explores our calling as Christians to spread the Gospel, empowered by Christ's authority and reassured by His constant presence.
Good morning, beloved family of God. Isn't it a joy to gather together in the house of the Lord, to share in fellowship, to lift our voices in worship, and to sit at the feet of our Savior as we seek to learn from His infinite wisdom? Today, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of a profound truth, a truth that has the power to transform our lives, our communities, and indeed, our world.
Our focus for today's sermon is found in the final verses of the Gospel of Matthew, often referred to as the Great Commission. Allow me to read the passage for us:
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20)
In these three profound verses, we find our calling, our mission, and our hope. We see the authority of our Savior, the commission He has given to each of us, and the promise of His enduring presence.
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor." This statement, while it may seem harsh, reminds us of the weight of our calling. If we claim to follow Christ, we cannot ignore the command He has given us. We are to be His representatives, His ambassadors, to a world in desperate need of His love and grace.
As we prepare to delve deeper into this passage, let's take a moment to approach the throne of grace in prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of gathering together as Your people. We thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we consider the truths found in this passage, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to understand and apply these truths. Help us to see the weight of our calling, to experience the power of Your authority, and to be reassured by the promise of Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
When we consider the authority of Jesus, we are reminded of His words in Matthew 28:18, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This is a profound statement. It tells us that Jesus is not just a good teacher or a wise prophet. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He holds all power and authority. This is the foundation of our faith and the basis of our mission.
What does it mean for us?: How does this divine authority impact our lives? It's not just a theological concept. It's a practical reality that should shape our everyday lives. When we understand and embrace the authority of Jesus, it changes how we live, how we serve, and how we relate to others.
Firstly: Recognizing the authority of Jesus gives us confidence. We are not serving a powerless deity. We are serving the Almighty God who has all power and authority. This gives us boldness in our mission. We don't have to be timid or fearful. We can step out in faith, knowing that we are backed by the highest authority.
Secondly: Acknowledging the authority of Jesus demands our obedience. If Jesus is indeed the King of Kings, then we are His subjects. We are called to obey His commands and follow His teachings. This is not a burden, but a joy. His commands are not burdensome. They are life-giving. They lead us to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and joy.
Thirdly: Submitting to the authority of Jesus brings us into alignment with His will. When we recognize His authority, we yield our will to His. We seek His will in all things. We pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done." This is the path to true peace and contentment. When we align our will with His, we find ourselves in the center of His perfect will.
Lastly: Leveraging the authority of Jesus empowers our mission. Jesus didn't just command us to go and make disciples. He also gave us the authority to do so. We are not just servants, but ambassadors. We are not just followers, but representatives. We carry His authority as we carry out His mission.
As we immerse ourselves in the words of the Great Commission, we find a command that is both clear and compelling ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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