THE GREAT COMMISSION I. TEXTUAL THOUGHTS 1. Matthew 28:18-20- Commanded
to make disciples in all nations. 2. Mark 16:15-16- To preach
the gospel to everyone. 3. Luke 24:46-48- To begin at
Jerusalem. 4. Acts 1:8- To be witnesses
throughout the world. 5. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12-
Paul's example in preaching the gospel. II. MAIN THEME Preaching the gospel is a
great purpose and passion of the church.
The gospel went forth from Jerusalem
into all the world, and that same responsibility is given to the church
today. Nothing is more important than
preaching the gospel to the lost so that those
who believe and obey can have eternal life. 1. The great commission was
given by Jesus just before His ascension. a. His last
words on earth are of special significance, Mark 16:19. b. The great
commission is found in three gospels, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-48, and Acts
1:8. c. It is given
to all future disciples, Matthew 28:19-20. 2. The purpose of the great
commission is to make disciples of Jesus. a. Disciples
are made by preaching about Jesus, Acts 2:14-36. b. As Jesus
made disciples, John 4:1-39. c. As Paul
made disciples of Jesus, Acts 17:22-34. 3. The power is in the message
and not in the messenger. a. The gospel
is God's power to salvation, Romans 1:16, 1 Cor 1:18-21. b. The death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus are the primary facts of the gospel, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4,
Romans 6: 3-7, 17. c. The gospel
demonstrates the faith of Jesus so that we can have faith like His, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 5:8-9. 4. Our motive in preaching the
gospel is love for the lost. a. Our love
should be like God's love, John 3:16, Romans 5:8. b. Love
constrains us to preach the gospel, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. c. The
judgment of Christ causes us to preach, 2 Corinthians 5:9-11. d. We must
speak sincerely, 2 Corinthians 2:14-17. III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 1. We must remember that we
have divine help in preaching the gospel, Matthew 28:20, Mark 1:17, 16-20. 2. Remember to make Jesus the
focus of our message, John 12:32, Acts 4:10-12. 3. We need to preach Jesus
where He is not known, 2 Cor 2:14-17, 10:13-16. 4. We must give of ourselves
in our teaching, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20. 5. Remember to preach,
baptize, and teach, Matthew 28:18-20. IV.
MEMORY VERSES: MATTHEW 28:18-20. |