Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Explores discerning God's divine mission, committing to active discipleship, and boldly declaring the good news of Christ's love and salvation.
Beloved brothers and sisters, we gather here today in the spirit of fellowship and unity, bound together by our shared love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we open our hearts and minds to His divine word, let us remember the profound words of Oswald Chambers, who once said, "Our Lord's conception of discipleship is not that we work for God, but that God works through us." Indeed, discipleship is more than just a surface-level activity, there’s so much depth and meaning behind it.
Today, we will be focusing our attention on the passages from Matthew 28:18 and 1 Timothy 1:15. Let us read together:
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'" (Matthew 28:18).
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst" (1 Timothy 1:15).
These passages, my dear friends, are not just mere words, but the life-giving breath of God, the divine truth that resonates within us, and the spiritual compass that guides us on the path of righteousness.
Our first main point today is Discerning the Divine Mission. What does it mean to discern the divine mission? How can we align our lives with the divine purpose God has set for us? Our second main point is Delving into Discipleship. Discipleship is not a passive act, but an active commitment to follow Christ, to learn from His teachings, and to emulate His actions in our lives. Our third and final main point is Declaring the Good News Boldly. How can we share the good news of Christ's love and salvation with others? How can we be bold and courageous in our witness for Christ?
As we embark on this spiritual voyage, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to gather in Your holy name. As we delve into Your word, open our hearts and minds to Your divine truth. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your divine mission, the courage to delve into discipleship, and the boldness to declare Your good news. May Your word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let’s get started!
In the book of Matthew, Jesus makes a profound declaration. He states that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This is a testament to His divine mission. He was sent into the world with a purpose, a mission that was ordained by God Himself. This divine mission was not just about His own journey, but about the salvation of mankind.
The divine mission of Jesus was to save sinners: This is a truth that we can find echoed in the book of 1 Timothy. Paul, who once persecuted Christians, acknowledges that he is the worst of sinners. Yet, he also recognizes that Christ came into the world to save him. This is the heart of the divine mission. It is about redemption, transformation, and salvation.
But what does this mean for us? How do we discern this divine mission in our own lives?
First: We must understand that the divine mission is not about us. It is about God. It is about His plan, His purpose, and His will. We are merely vessels, instruments in the hands of the Almighty. Our role is to submit to His will, to surrender our desires, and to align our lives with His divine plan. This requires humility, obedience, and faith. We must trust in God's wisdom, even when we do not understand His ways.
Second: Discerning the divine mission involves recognizing our own sinfulness. Like Paul, we must acknowledge that we are sinners in need of salvation. We must confess our sins, repent, and turn to God for forgiveness. This is the first step towards salvation. It is only when we recognize our need for God that we can truly appreciate the magnitude of His love and mercy.
Third: Discerning the divine mission requires us to follow Jesus. Jesus is our model, our guide, and our Savior. He showed us the way to the Father. He taught us how to live, how to love, and how to serve. By following Jesus, we align ourselves with the divine mission. We become part of God's redemptive plan.
Fourth: Discerning the divine mission involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We are called to be witnesses, to proclaim the love and salvation of Jesus to the world. This is not just a responsibility, but a privilege. It is an opportunity to participate in the divine mission, to be part of God's plan to save the world.
Not a simple task: It requires humility, confession, obedience, and boldness. But it is also a rewarding endeavor. It brings us closer to God, aligns us with His divine plan, and allows us to participate in His redemptive work. So, let us strive to discern the divine mission in our lives, trusting in God's wisdom, following Jesus' example, and boldly proclaiming the good news of salvation.
In the spirit of discipleship, we turn our attention to the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO