Relax and Go
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Intro: Rappelling can be scary. You have to relax & go over the edge. Evangelism is scary, too. It has been made difficult by changes in society. I’m here to talk you over the edge.
Big Idea: Jesus provides sufficient grace to overcome obstacles to mission.
Context: John’s Gospel is about Jesus, the eternal Son of God sent to save sinners as the Lamb of God. Jesus was sent by the Father to accomplish this great task. Jesus died as the Sacrificial Lamb in our place, and has been raised again.
I. Jesus makes us all missionaries to a wayward world.
- One key word in this gospel is “sent”. The Father sent or commissioned His Son (Jn 3).
- Jesus came to save sinners, like you and me. He died, suffering the penalty of sin.
- This is called the Missio Dei- the Mission of God- His eternal plan, shaping all Jesus did.
- Jesus tells the disciples, as the Father sent Him, He is sending them.
- The different word => different role: He’s the Savior, & we’re messengers/missionaries.
- This commission is still in effect; God still intends to save people.
- The church has a mission- to call people to faith in Christ. Should shape all we do.
- Church: on mission, or only concerned about itself? Planting churches, reaching out?
- Church members are missionaries- penetrating the culture thru relationships.
- You: a missionary, understand the desires & ideas of non-Christians.
- Communicate God’s plan of salvation so they can understand. Ill. environmentalist
Transition: God is essentially telling you to go over the cliff to reach people who need Jesus.
II. The fear of man keeps us from going out. Ill. Didn’t rappel 1st time.
- Creation Mandate (Genesis 1) => Babel. Missionary Israel => Secluded Israel
- The disciples are afraid they will be killed for following Jesus- the fear of man.
- We are afraid people will reject us. Relationships & people’s opinions mean too much.
- Society is increasingly hostile to Jesus & the gospel. Ill. Recent books
- We are afraid people will harm us. They can damage reputations & careers (tenure).
- American culture has less common ground with non-Christians. Ill. American Atheists
- We fear man > God. We stay in our safe holy huddles on the cliff. Culture loves that.
- After Pentecost the Church stayed in Jerusalem (megachurch) until God sent persecution.
Transition: Because we fear people, we disobey God and deny our mission from Him.
III. Jesus grants peace to enter a hostile world.
- Twice Jesus said “Peace to you.” Mission is scary & risky- it cost Him His life!
- We need to remember that we are in a conflict zone. Who will we seek peace with?
- Avoiding mission is a peace treaty w/the world & false religions (James 4). Ill. Osteen
- Peace: He who can destroy us body & soul in hell won’t because Jesus took our place.
- To stay on mission is to enjoy peace with God- even in the midst of conflict.
Transition: Jesus purchased our peace with God; providing a “safe haven” for mission.
IV. Jesus gives the Spirit to empower weak people.
- We are afraid because the ‘world’ is more powerful than us. But God is more powerful.
- Jesus gives all who trust Him the Holy Spirit to empower them. Have you received Him?
- Pursue mission relying on the Spirit’s strength, not force of will. Ill. Charlie’s free fall
- Pursue mission relying on the Spirit’s wisdom, not our great ideas.
Conclusion: Some of you know the joy of going over the cliff and partaking in mission. It is a joy that all Christians are to know, regularly. Jesus commissioned us as missionaries to our families, communities & work places. Are you seeking the grace to be faithful, or has the fear of man driven you into a safe ‘holy huddle’? This is on-going mission. But Jesus has purchased grace more than sufficient for you to keep moving forward. Will you follow such a great Savior?
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