Until the Whole World Hears

The Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20

Accountability: Let’s hold ourselves accountable!

1. Last time we talked about the qualities of Christian love. We learned that none of our gifts or ministries really mean that much if we exercise them without Christian love. How did you do this week with that? Were ministry opportunities primed in advance with an attitude of love, and a loving spirit as you interacted with others around you?

2. Did you encounter anyone this week whose attitude, loving or unloving, made an impact in your receptivity to their spiritual gifts? What did you learn from this experience?

3. How did you do on the specific qualities of Christian love that you chose to focus on for the week?

Refresh: Let’s take a fresh look at our focal scripture again!

Matthew 28:19-20

Exploration: Questions to guide our group discussion.

1. This week Pastor Keith challenged us with the great commission. He noted that one of the most important actions in the great commission is the “going.” One nuance of this passage is that we should evangelize…”as we are going.” Let’s discuss the two aspects of this idea of going…first, going on purpose; and second, sharing our faith as we are normally living out our lives. Which one is right? Is one better than the other? Why?

2. The word disciple simply means follower. This term has long been used to describe a person who is a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and was used by the early church in their references to one another. The process of becoming a disciple has its beginning at conversion, but is a process that stretches into the indefinite future. In the Greek, the idea in Matthew 28:19 is that we became disciples in the past, and we are still becoming disciples into the future. In other words, the process of teaching a person to follow Christ is not a once and done thing, but rather, a process that takes time. In the Matthew 28 text, there are three imperative “sub” commands that must be obeyed in making disciples. Looking at the text, can you identify these three imperatives? (Hint: G_, T_, B___)

3. Let’s take a closer look at the gospel according to the scriptures. Let’s take three looks at the gospel message. As we look at these scriptures, two gospel ideas will emerge, and so will baptism as an act of obedience following salvation. Let’s try to capture and articulate these two gospel ideas.

   1. The gospel preaching of John the Baptist: Before Jesus came, John the Baptist preached a message to prepare the world for the Christ. Mark 1:4-8. Acts 19:4 Sum. Repent of sin and believe on the one who will come.
   2. The gospel preaching of Jesus: When Jesus came, what was the gospel that he preached? Mark 1:14-15, Luke 13:3-5, John 3:16, John 3:36, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 8:11-15, John 1:12-13 Sum. Repent of sin and believe (faith) in the one who has come.
   3. The gospel according to the Apostles: After the crucifixion and resurrection, what was their message? Acts 3:19, Acts 8:35-38, Acts 16:30-31, Acts 17:30, Romans 10:9. Sum. Repent of sin and believe on the one who came.

Study: Additional scriptures for deeper Bible study.

1. John 14:6 No one comes to the father except through Jesus.
2. Acts 4:11-12 No other name…
3. 2 Timothy 4:5 Do the work of an evangelist.
4. 2 Peter 3:9 God isn’t slack.

Application: How can I apply this to my life this week?

1. Let’s start by looking in. Now that we have explored the idea of becoming a disciple, as well as the Biblical gospel, am I believing the Biblical gospel or an alternative version of it…such as a good works gospel, or a church membership gospel, a good person gospel?

2. Let’s look out! Who can you share with our group that is in your circle of influence that you would commit to pray for, and perhaps look for an inroad to share Jesus? First names only please.

3. What other insights did you gain from this study that you would like to share as an encouragement with the group?