Mathew 28:16-28; 2 Tim. 2:1-13

Recurrent Thought

Our task is to disciple converts into mature believers with capacity to disciple others

The Great Commission is a directive Jesus gave to the apostles and by extension to the whole church. It is the final command of the risen Christ to His church. These words were spoken after the resurrection and just before the ascension. The central core to the Great Commission is that the church exists to carry out Christ’s mission in the world.  Matthew 28:19–20 gives us five pillars, or unchanging foundations that support this mission.

Pillar #1: The Authority and Presence of the Christ the Foundation of the Commission (18, 20b)

Jesus said “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” – v.18)

• The Great Commission of the church is grounded in Christ’s absolute authority.
• Jesus declared that Authority, in heaven and earth was his, and on that basis he sent the Church to the nations
• The word “power” (Greek exousia) means full right and authority. This authority is universal and it encompasses heaven and earth.
• Although it is already, but yet many others do not yet bow their knee to him. After the resurrection, Christ now reigns as King (Philippians 2:9–11).
• The Church goes out to the nations because He reigns.
• The Church is the ambassadorial community. An ambassador speaks with confidence because he represents a king. That’s what we are! We represent King Jesus
• Jesus also guaranteed his Presence for everyone who goes (Mathew 28:20b)
• It is essential to frame our going and character in the right perspective. Fear and hesitation fades away when we remember Christ is in control, not us.

Pillar # 2: Missional Calling

• Missional Calling is for the Church holistically, and for every believer, personally is one major Pillar of the Mission
• Missional calling has two components.
• First, Missional Calling is a command to GO. The call for the Church is to GO. Unfortunately, we make our purpose to STAY. “Go ye therefore” –
• The Great Commission demands intentional movement towards to the nations.
• “Go” is not optional. It assumes action. The church is not called to wait but to move.
• Acts 1:8 expands on this command. It shows that you go outward from your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth. The gospel is always outward-moving.
• But this movement is doing two things at once reaching Your Jerusalem and you go to the frontiers of the earth.
• The gospel was never meant to stay still. Therefore, the Church must always on the Go

The Gospel brings light and it only fulfills its purpose when it shines (Matthew 5:14–16).

• Going may mean crossing the street, not the ocean but it always means obedience.
• The strength of the local church is judged by its capacity to GO and not to STAY
• Second, Missional Calling has a Purpose of Making Disciples. The goal of the Great Commission is not decisions, but disciples.
• We are not counting converts; we are forming followers.
• A newborn must grow; so must a new believer. We must be zealous to see that believers are growing. We should not only ask “Have they believed?” but “Are they growing?”

Pillar # 3: Formation of the Believers Identity by the Message (Gospel)

• A convert is born by receiving Jesus as Lord Savior, which is the foundation of personal transformation. One gets Born Again by acknowledging Jesus finished work on the Cross.

The Gospel in four steps:

• God has a Plan: Eternal relationship with all.
• Problem: Sin separated us from him.
• Solution: Jesus died for us so that we can be rejoined to Christ.
• Decisions: One has to make a decision to follow him
• It is important for the Baptism to be experienced by one who is already connected to Jesus.
• That is why we should emphasis the Gospel. Jesus came died in our place. The Gospel is the power of Christ for Salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16)
• The Ordinance of Baptism is crucial to be experienced by every believer for it declares the reality of what one has undergone in Christ. So every Disciple must be baptized in “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”
• Romans 6:3–4 shows baptism as identification with Christ’s death and resurrection.

Rom 6:4  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 

Rom 6:5  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 

Ryrie notes that ordinances are outward signs of inward grace

• The believer then starts the journey of becoming Christ-like, which is the process of progressive sanctification.
• Notice that Baptism is a public identification with the Triune God
• Baptism is crucial for it demonstrates that the Faith that is real is faith that is visible. Just like a wedding ring does not make a marriage, but it demonstrates and declares one is part of it
• The identification with the Christ declares that “True disciples are not secret believers.

Pillar # 4: Teaching & Learning as the Tool of Discipleship

• Core to disciple making is teaching. Passing knowledge (information) to the new believer is part of the growth process
• The mentor has the responsibility to train the disciple and make
• Part of an identity of a disciple is one who learns, follows, and emulates good lessons.
• A disciple is a learner and follower; thus teaching and learning are critical in the process
• The Identity of the believer is framed in the discipline to follow and learn.
• John 14:15 – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
• The New Testament Church was developed by following the Apostles Teaching. Over the tens of years there is an outline of teaching that became the curriculum of the new believer

          Acts 2:42  And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 

• Teaching is more than dispensing knowledge but living a life in the presence of a new believer that they begin to imitate the Christ in you.
• Every Disciple has to grow to start teaching the same 2 Tim. 2:2

Pillar # 5: Practicing Obedience as the Goal of Discipleship

“Teaching them to observe all things

• The long term goal of teaching is observing and obeying Christs commands and teachings.
• The mission continues through obedience and Christ’s abiding presence.
• The biggest tragedy is when the disciple (teacher) trivializes the need for obedience the disciple neglects the practice of obedience.
•  Practice becomes the key to the formation of the Christ like life in a believer.

         John 8:31 – “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”

• The focus is teaching obedience is transformation, not mere information.
• The formation of Christ becomes a reality by Practicing the Christ-life

Conclusion