AUTHENTIC PASSION 4
“World”
TEXT: Multiple
INTRO: Over the last 3 weeks we have been in our series “Authentic Passion.” Authentic Passion4: Worship, Word, Work, & World. This series is based on the 4 passions that every Christian should have in there lives. As a Christian we are marked by our passion… Our Passion for God. People are always looking and observing us all the time. This morning we want to finish our series by looking at:
“Having Authentic Passion 4 The World”
What is meant by having Authentic Passion for the World? Is not desiring the things of this world such as riches, power, fame or sex…. But having a passion for the world does refer to having a Heart of compassion, a zeal for the lost, and a love for seeing people come to Christ… it’s a passion for Reaching People, & Serving Others.
This morning I want to spend a few minutes looking at 3 things to help us in developing an Authentic Passion for the World.
I. JESUS MODELED IT…
Matt 9:35-38 with the Key vs. 36
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
The Key found in this passage comes from vs. 36 “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd
Compassion is an earmark of a true Christian. I don't believe you can call yourself a Christ Follower and not be full of compassion.
Sure you may get upset and even have bad days from time to time. Trust me many of us do… were human. But there something inherited in us as we become more and more like Christ a desire to see people coming to know the grace & mercy of Christ. This heart of compassion that Jesus models for us can be seen in a changed life such as yours or mine.
(ILL) I am reminded of roller coaster that my life was before Jesus got a hold of me on Feb 5th 1995. I was a typical, rebellious young man wanting life my way. My heart was broken, my life felt like I was in the bottom of the barrel but Jesus lifted me up and rewired my life… I will forever be changed. I am not going back, I have never looked back because there was nothing left for me back in my old life.
Bottom Line: Jesus was moved with compassion and we who are called Christ followers should be looking at Jesus' life who modeled what true compassion is and what it looks like.
II. JESUS COMMANDED IT…
To have “authentic passion 4 the world” is to look at the world and not only see it and be moved with compassion but be apart of the world making a difference in the lives of your community. Jesus not only modeled it for us but he also commanded us….
Mark 16:15-20 you have the great commission given to the disciples.
“...He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” 19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 20 And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.
Often you can count on one hand the amount of people that reach out to others, I have seen in many churches there is about 1% or less of most church... that do any type of outreach and discipleship.
(ILL) I think back to growing up and being a leader of the IMPACT street ministry team in the church I grew up in that out of a church of 450+ back then on any given Thursday night when we went to fells point up in Baltimore we would see only about 5 to 7 people who where willing to go out and do street ministry… this is sad! That is why here we have always tried to convey & promote 100% participation. We believe that every person has a part to play and everyone can do something. Even if you cant walk, stand, or speak to people you can still help by making food or packing bags for the homeless, or even making a phone call, or writing an encouragement letter. There is always something a person can do.
Bottom Line: We have all been commanded to fulfill and be apart of the great commission. Again it’s the great commission not the great suggestion. So to have authentic passion 4 the world we have been commanded to be apart of the mission. Today will you be apart of the mission? If so Its not to late… don't delay ask Jesus what you can do today?
III. JESUS EMPOWERED US FOR IT...
It my belief that many Christian don't have an Authentic Passion 4 the people of this world because they: A. don't know how to relate to people of the world. B. no one has ever taught them how to do outreach and serve the community. or C. They could careless about other people as long as they are safe from the fires of hell with fire assurance.
I can tell you that C. is not an option for True Life followers of Christ. Jesus not only modeled it, Commanded it, but also empowered us to fulfill it.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus told us that we would receive power from on High. In other words like we learned last week we are partners in this mission with Christ. He is our partner and he knows how to change hearts and give true life to people. We are co-laborers with Him… We don't have to have everything figured out before we do anything. The Holy Sprit is our helper in this life and mission. He is the other person in the trinity that empowers us as believers to carryout the mission of Christ.
Bind up the broken hearted and to set the captives free.
To have an Authentic passion 4 the world we must be full of the Holy Spirit. The work of the holy Spirit is not to make us week and powerless and comfortable in our 4 walls. He is here to empower us to be a threat to the devil and see people in this community, this city, this county, state, nation, and world set free and come into the knowledge of Christ and experience the grace giving community that only Christ can offer.
Bottom Line: to have authentic passion 4 the world we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. If we don't have it how will we ever reach this community.
CLOSING: Today I spoke about 3 things to having Authentic Passion 4 the World & Jesus cave them to us. He modeled it, He commanded it, & He empowers us to fulfill it. “IT” is having a heart, a passion, and boldness to love people who most desperately need the love of Christ in areas where its hard to find it. My challenge for you today as we transition into communion is to ask yourself…. Do I have an Authentic Passion for people of this world. Have I been following Jesus example, have I listened to His hearts cry, or have I asked the Holy Spirit into my life to empower me and show me how to reachout to people?
If that’s you this morning as we take communion will you let the Spirit speak to you and give you what you need?
*Move To The Communion Table*
