Embracing the Commission, Empowered by Truth

• Authentic Living is Christ-Centered: Living authentically means aligning your life with the commands and truth of Jesus Christ, who is “the way, the truth, and the life.” It involves actively demonstrating your faith through your actions, not just your words, so others can see God’s work.
• The Great Commission is Universal and Personal: The command to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:16-20) was given in Galilee, a symbolic location representing a “full circle” of Christ’s ministry, a “frontier” for all nations, and “the fringe” where God works through common people. This indicates that the commission applies to all believers, regardless of their background or perceived status.
• God Empowers His Ambassadors: Jesus possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth” and has given this authority and power to believers through the Holy Spirit to be His ambassadors. This divine power enables internal transformation and equips us to boldly share the gospel, overcoming feelings of inadequacy or fear.
• Discipleship is an Ongoing Lifestyle: The core of the Great Commission is to “make disciples” as you are going through life, not just inviting people to a specific location. This involves an active evangelism lifestyle that aims for transformed lives and lifelong commitment to Christ, beyond a single conversion event.
• Christ’s Presence is Constant: Despite fears or “small persecutions,” believers are assured of Christ’s constant presence (“I am with you always, even to the end of the age”). This promise encourages stepping out in faith, trusting that God will provide the words and power needed to witness effectively, doing His best work when we rely on the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

Icebreaker

If you could go back in time to witness any historical event, what would it be and why?

Introduction

Scripture References: Matthew 5:14-16 , John 14:6 , Matthew 28:16-20

Summary: This study series, “Living Authentically,” emphasizes pursuing truth in a world of delusion. Living authentically is defined by doing what Jesus commanded, as He is the way, the truth, and the life. The core passage for this study is Matthew 28:16-20, known as “The Great Commission”, which outlines a significant command from Christ for all believers.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the scripture “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16) connect with the idea of living authentically?
2. Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). What does this statement imply about the nature of truth?
3. Why is “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:16-20) considered one of the most famous and important passages in scripture?

Application Questions:

1. In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, better live out the command to “let your light so shine before men”?
2. How can understanding Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life” guide our daily decisions and interactions?
3. What practical steps can we take this week to begin applying the truth of The Great Commission to our lives?

The Place

Scripture References: Matthew 28:16-17 , 1 Corinthians 15:6 , Matthew 4:12, 17 , Matthew 4:15-16 , James 2:5 , Exodus 19:18, 20

Summary: The Great Commission was given on a mountain in Galilee. This location is significant because it’s believed by some scholars to be where Christ was seen by over five hundred people at once, suggesting the commission was not just for the eleven disciples but for a larger group of believers, including us. Galilee represents a “full circle” as it was where Jesus began and ended his earthly ministry, marking the start of the disciples’ (and our) ministry. It is a place of restoration and renewal for all followers of Jesus, and where our personal journey of discipleship began even though we weren’t there. It also signifies “the frontier,” being a region bordered by Gentile territory, indicating the universal nature of the gospel, a message for all people, not just the Jewish nation. Furthermore, Galilee represents “the fringe,” as it was a region of common people, filled with fishermen, farmers, and families, showing that God works through the familiar and faithful rather than the famous. It is a place where hurting and downtrodden people are saved, and Jesus sees and loves those on the fringe. Finally, it represents “the fulfillment,” contrasting with Mount Sinai where Moses received the law with smoke and fire, as Christ gave a new command for the salvation of the whole world in humility and meekness, fulfilling a greater mission.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the belief that more than just the eleven disciples were present at the Great Commission change your understanding of its scope?
2. How does the idea of Galilee as “the full circle” (where Christ’s ministry began and ended, and ours began) impact your understanding of your own role in God’s plan?
3. What does it mean that God works through “the familiar and the faithful, not the famous”, as exemplified by Galilee being “the fringe”?
4. The text contrasts Christ giving His command in humility on an unknown mountain with Moses receiving the law on Mount Sinai with fire and smoke. What is the significance of this contrast in understanding Christ’s mission and purpose?

Application Questions:

1. How can we, as “common people” or those on “the fringe”, embrace our role in spreading the gospel?
2. Considering Galilee as “the frontier”, how can we actively embrace the universal nature of the gospel in our own communities and beyond?
3. How can the humility of Christ in giving the Great Commission inspire us to serve and share our faith with humility?

The Power

Scripture References: Matthew 28:18 , John 7:46 , Matthew 7:28-29 , Luke 4:32 , Acts 1:8 , 2 Corinthians 5:20 , 2 Corinthians 5:17 , Isaiah 6:5

Summary: Jesus spoke with ultimate authority, having “All authority…in heaven and on earth”. This authority empowered His teaching, His casting out of demons, and His ability to forgive sins, demonstrating His authorship of truth. Christ has also given believers authority and power through the Holy Spirit to be His ambassadors. Through Christ, God’s approach shifted from pleading through law and prophets to pleading through the Church with grace, from focusing on Israel to all nations, and from external conformity to internal transformation. This transformative power means that in Christ, one is a “new creation”, and even seemingly “minor sins” require Christ’s major power due to God’s holiness.

Discussion Questions:

1. What examples from the provided text illustrate Jesus’s immense power and authority?
2. How has God’s way of pleading with humanity changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament, as described in the summary?
3. The text mentions “testimony envy” and the idea that all sin is major in the light of God’s holiness. How does this perspective impact your view of personal transformation?

Application Questions:

1. Given that Christ has given us authority and power, how can we more confidently bear witness in His name?
2. How can understanding the “internal transformation” that Christ offers motivate us to share the gospel with others?
3. In what ways can we recognize and rely on Christ’s power to overcome any perceived “minor sins” or feelings of inadequacy in our own lives?

The Plan

Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20 , Acts 1:8

Summary: The core command of the Great Commission is “make disciples,” not merely “go”. The Greek word for “go” implies “as you are going or while you are going”, meaning that making disciples should be an ongoing part of our lives. The text contrasts a “come and hear” approach to evangelism with Christ’s “going and telling” plan, advocating for an evangelism lifestyle that creates converts and transformed lives, rather than just cheerleaders or hobbyists. Discipleship is a lifelong commitment, distinct from conversion which is a once-in-a-lifetime decision, and Christ commands us to make disciples, not just converts.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the crucial difference between the command “go” and “make disciples” in the Great Commission, as explained in the text?
2. How does the “come and hear” approach compare to Christ’s “going and telling” plan, and what are the different outcomes of each?
3. Why is it important to distinguish between “discipleship” and “conversion” when considering Christ’s command?

Application Questions:

1. How can we shift our mindset from a “come and hear” mentality to a “go and tell” lifestyle in our daily lives?
2. What practical steps can we take to be constantly looking for ways to make disciples “as we are going”?
3. In what specific areas of our lives can we commit to discipling one another and not just converting one another?

The Presence

Scripture References: Matthew 28:20 , Ephesians 6:18-20

Summary: A crucial, often misunderstood, part of the Great Commission is Christ’s promise, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”. Despite this assurance, fear often prevents believers from sharing the gospel, even due to “small persecutions” like social isolation. The text encourages trusting in Christ’s authority and power, especially when feeling unprepared to share the gospel, as words will appear when we step out in faith. It highlights that Christ does His best work when we get out of His way and don’t interfere with the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Even the Apostle Paul prayed for boldness, reminding us of the need to pray for opportunity, boldness, authority, and power in witnessing.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Christ’s promise “I am with you always” address potential fears or anxieties about sharing the gospel?
2. What are some examples of “small persecutions” that might make people hesitant to share their faith today?
3. The text suggests that Christ does His best work when we “get out of the way.” What does this mean in the context of evangelism?

Application Questions:

1. When you feel prompted to share your faith but don’t know what to say, how can you apply the advice to “simply start talking and see if it happens”?
2. What steps can you take this week to actively trust in Christ’s presence, authority, and power when opportunities to witness arise?
3. What specific prayers can we offer for ourselves and for our church this week, following Paul’s example, regarding witnessing?

Day 1: The Call to Shine

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:14-16
• Key Focus: Recognizing our identity as “light of the world” and the importance of living visibly for God.
• Reflection: We began our year with this passage, and it serves as our life passage. Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world, like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Our purpose is not to hide our light, but to let it shine so others may see our good works and glorify God. Living authentically means actively demonstrating our faith through our actions, not just our words. This visibility is essential for others to witness God’s work through us.
• Application Question: In what specific areas of your life are you currently hiding your light, and what is one step you can take today to let it shine more brightly?
• Prayer Prompt: Pray for courage and opportunities to live visibly for Christ this week, so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Day 2: The Truth Revealed

• Scripture Reference: John 14:6
• Key Focus: Understanding Jesus as the ultimate truth and the foundation for authentic living.
• Reflection: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This statement establishes Jesus as the sole source of truth. Therefore, what He says is truth. To live authentically is to align our lives with His truth, rather than the delusions of the world. Our mission team, by presenting the gospel, lived authentically and pursued truth.
• Application Question: How does knowing Jesus is “the truth” impact how you approach decisions and evaluate information in your daily life?
• Prayer Prompt: Ask God to deepen your understanding of Jesus as the truth, guiding your thoughts and actions according to His word.

Day 3: The Significance of Place and Purpose

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:16-17
• Key Focus: Recognizing the universal application of the Great Commission and our personal involvement in it.
• Reflection: The Great Commission was given on a mountain in Galilee, a place chosen by Jesus. This location is symbolic because Galilee was where Jesus began His ministry, bringing His ministry “full circle” and marking the beginning of the disciples’ (and our) ministry on earth. Furthermore, Galilee was a frontier region, bordered by Gentile territory, emphasizing that the Gospel is for all people, not just one nation. It was also a region of common people, on the “fringe,” reminding us that God works through the familiar and faithful, not the famous. The fact that “some doubted” even there suggests more than just the eleven disciples were present, meaning this commission applies to all Christ’s disciples, including you and me.
• Application Question: How does understanding the significance of Galilee (full circle, frontier, fringe) change your perspective on your own role in the Great Commission?
• Prayer Prompt: Pray for a renewed understanding of your place in God’s universal plan, asking for opportunities to reach people both near and far, no matter your perceived status.

Day 4: Commissioned with Power

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:18
• Key Focus: Trusting in Christ’s ultimate authority and the power He gives us to be His ambassadors.
• Reflection: Jesus declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” When Jesus spoke, He spoke with power and authority, astonishing people with His teaching and demonstrating control over all things. The incredible news is that Christ has given us authority and power to bear witness in His name through the Holy Spirit. We are His ambassadors, through whom God now pleads with grace. This power brings transformation, making us new creations in Christ, regardless of our past.
• Application Question: Where in your life do you need to exercise more trust in Christ’s “all authority” and the power He has given you as His ambassador?
• Prayer Prompt: Thank God for the authority and power given to you through Christ. Ask Him to help you overcome any feelings of inadequacy and to step out boldly as His ambassador.

Day 5: The Plan and His Presence

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19-20
• Key Focus: Embracing the lifestyle of making disciples and relying on Christ’s constant presence.
• Reflection: The primary command in the Great Commission is “make disciples,” not just “go.” The instruction is to make disciples “as you are going” through life, constantly looking for opportunities. This creates an “evangelism lifestyle” that leads to transformed lives, rather than just inviting people to church (a “come and hear” mentality). Discipleship is a lifelong commitment, distinct from conversion. Most importantly, Jesus promises, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This promise means we are never left to fulfill the commission alone. Despite this, fear often prevents us from sharing, even fear of “small persecutions.” When we step out in faith, trusting His power, words will appear, and Christ does His best work when we get out of His way. Even Paul prayed for boldness, reminding us that we too need to pray for opportunity, boldness, authority, and power to proclaim the gospel.
• Application Question: What is one practical step you can take this week to actively live out the “as you are going, make disciples” command, relying on Christ’s promised presence?
• Prayer Prompt: Pray for opportunities to make disciples in your daily life and for the boldness to speak God’s truth, trusting that His presence and power will equip you.