“Disciple-Making Church”
Sermon Title: Disciple-Making Church
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 ESV
Introduction - Discipleship as the mission of the Church
The word “commission" refers to a special assignment or mission tasked to a person or group on behalf of another. The Great Commission is a special assignment given to the church on behalf of Jesus. It is the very purpose for the Church’s existence. The gospel writers emphasize the work of the cross and the resurrection to magnify God’s plan to redeem mankind, which was put into motion from the very beginning, and all of biblical history culminates in Jesus Christ who came to redeem us and restore our relationship with God. For many Christians, this is a familiar to you, but one thing many Christians fail to realize is that God’s redemptive plan continues on through the Church beyond the cross and resurrection. It continues with our transformation to be Christlike for our benefit and for the people of all nations. This is what discipleship is about.
Disciple-Making is the Purpose of the Church
Most Christians give the following three answers when asked about the purpose of the church: fellowship (community), teaching of Scripture (knowledge), and worship.
· There is no doubt that these three are vital to the life of the church, but they are not the purpose of the church. They are a means to fulfill the purpose of making disciples of Jesus. When we focus on the means and the means become an end in itself – fellowship, Bible studies, praise nights, Sunday School – it all ends.
· The purpose is to help others grow in their Christlikeness and to continue to make more people to be Christlike, so that they may live out in the world as disciples of Christ who reflect Christ wherever they are. We are called to exist as disciples in the world with the intention and purpose to share the love of Jesus, so that others may come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We do this not by simply existing with people, but by serving and caring for them. You ask them about their life, how they’re doing, what kind of situation they are in and offer to pray for them. And they will discover that you care for them.
Three things we need to do as a disciple-making church
We discover 3 things we need to do for the disciple-making mission when we look at Matthew 28 from a disciple-making perspective.
1. We need to make ourselves available.
· “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them (v.16).” Going to Galilee from Jerusalem was a three-day walk. They had to sacrifice their time and effort. The disciples made the trip even though they had doubts about the risen Jesus, “And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted (v.17).” Despite their doubts, they listened and obeyed, and they were available. Because they were available, they received the great commission to carry out Jesus’ ministry.
· Are you unsure of where to start, where to serve, unconfident about your ability to share the gospel with friends? That’s alright. It begins with simply showing up and being available.
2. We need to worship.
“And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted (v.17).”
“… but some doubted.” These doubters saw all the miracles, the life, death, and the resurrected Jesus and yet they still doubted. Be encouraged that your doubting shows a struggle to find truth, which may hopefully lead to you growing beyond your doubts. We may have doubts about our faith, about God, and about our salvation, but so did the disciples. Moving past your doubts begins with worship.
Peter was learning to be a “fisher of men” but he went back to fishing because he thought it was all over. We see later in the book of Acts how Peter becomes the fisher of men Jesus said he would be, boldly proclaiming the gospel. Peter’s availability allowed for his worship to be restored through the Holy Spirit.
We can find clarity in our doubts when worship for Jesus is restored. God will make Himself known to you and give you faith. We do this by living a life of worship by living intentionally to encounter, enjoy, and glorify God through all that you do in every aspect of your daily life. God will transform you to be a true disciple of Jesus and He will open your eyes to see more opportunities to be part of His mission.
3. We must submit to Christ's authority and trust His power
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me… “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (vv.18, 20).””
· The commission of making disciples can be daunting, but this commission is bookended by "I have all authority" and "I'm with you always." Remember that the Lord has complete authority over all things: every disease or illness, the natural and the supernatural world, over every angel or demon, over life, and over the weapon of the Devil, death (Cf. Phil. 2:9-11). Don’t worry, t is not by your strength and power, but by the strength and power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in you! The One who upholds and sustains the entire universe by His power will always be with you (Cf. Heb. 1:3; Col 1:16-17).
Conclusion
Maty we be a church that makes ourselves available to the Lord that obeys, submits, and trusts in His authority and power. May we understand and live out the purpose for which we have been called and set aside, to be disciples of Jesus who make disciples of all nations for God’s glory. Let us eagerly anticipate the amazing future and journey that the Lord has prepared for us and may we aspire to be a community that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.
Reflection and Response
The purpose and mission that the Lord has given to us as a church is to be his disciples who make his disciples. We are to be a disciple-making church. And God is calling every single one of us to be part of this mission.
· Are you living your life as a disciple of Jesus? If not, do you feel the Lord is calling you to be his disciple?
· Do you find the commission to make disciples daunting? Do you have doubts about being empowered by the Holy Spirit who dwells in you?
· Are you making yourself available to God? For example, are you busy with yourself from Monday through Thursday, partying on Friday and Saturday, and you give what’s left of you on a Sunday (or maybe, not even that)?