Missions exist because worship of the one true God doesn’t.
God is committed to the nations.
Revelation 5:9–10
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
Matthew 28:18–20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”
Question: Do I really believe what I say I believe is really real?
Salvation is only in Jesus.
John 14:1–6
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
We are at war.
Ephesians 6:12–13
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
The foundation of the battle begins with
.
Acts 13:2–3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Ephesians 6:18–20
…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
The need is great.
Matthew 9:36–38
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Conclusion/Application
The mission cannot fail
Goal: God’s fame (renown)
Questions for individual Bible study or group discussion
Have you ever asked the question, should every church try to reach the world? What comes to mind when you think of that question? What is the biblical answer to that question? If God is committed to the nations, should we be as well? What can that look like in our lives to be committed to the nations?
Read Romans 1:14–17. What do you observe from these verses? What can you apply to your own life from these verses?
Salvation and life is only in Jesus. Why is this so important to missions? Read Acts 4:12, John 14:1–6, and John 6:26–35. What do you learn from these verses?
Read Ephesians 6:12–13. Have you ever pictured yourself at war? What is the foundation for our lives to prepare for war? Read Acts 13:2–3, Ephesians 6: 18–20, Colossians 4:3–4, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1.
What kind of confidence can we have knowing that the mission of God won’t fail? Read Matthew 28:18–19. Under whose authority are we working?
The goal of missions is God’s renown: Read Psalm 96:3, Isaiah 12:4, Romans 15:9, Romans 9:17. What does this mean for us?