WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT MISSIONS
Lk. 24:36-53
In relation to this text, we want to see
several truths concerning missions.
I. THE PERSON OF
MISSIONS vv. 44-46
A. We preach the same Christ that was preached in
the Old Testament. v. 44
B. Christ was prophesied
to die for our offenses and to rise again for our justification. Vv. 45-46;
C. Christ would
suffer and die according to God’s foreordained plan. II Tim. 1:9
II. GOD’S PURPOSE
IN MISSIONS v. 47
As born again
believers, and as members of one of the Lord’s churches, we are to show sinners:
A. The need to REPENT Acts 3:19; 17:30-31
B. That REMISSION
(forgiveness) of sin is through the blood of Christ Mt. 26:28; Heb. 9:22
C. That eternal life is given to all who will
believe in the name of Christ v. 47; Jn. 20:31
III. GOD’S PLAN
FOR MISSIONS v. 48
A. We are to
interpret and obey the commission as did the early apostles and disciples.
1. In Acts we see
the members of the church at Jerusalem going out with the Gospel.
2. We find Paul
and Barnabas, the first missionaries, being sent out by the Church at Antioch.
Acts 13
B. Each member of the local church was responsible
to witness.
- “And ye are witnesses”(v. 48).
C. The members of this church were to be witnesses
at home and around the world. v. 47; Acts 1:8
IV. GOD’S POWER
FOR MISSIONS Lk. 24:49
1. We must have
the POWER of God.
2. There is the
temptation of relying on our own programs and strategies rather than on the
power of God.
3. We need to
plan and we need a strategy, but we dare not substitute them for God’s
demonstration of power through the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8.
B. We must wait on God in prayer. Acts 2:42, 46-47
1. We need to
pray for the Lord to send forth laborers. Mt. 9:36-38
2. We need to
pray for specific needs.
a. We need to
pray specifically for the needs of our church.
b. We need to
pray specifically our missionaries and their needs.
c. When was the
last time you prayed?
C. The Lord will give a special reward to those who
are faithful in fulfilling the Great Commission. Jn. 4:35-38; Dan. 12:2-3
V. THE PROVISION
FOR MISSIONS
A. It cost money
to propagate (spread) the Gospel.
The Gospel, like
water is free, but it cost money to get it where it can be productive.
B. God can and does supply the need.
1. He makes His
disciples stewards of His provisions. I Cor. 16:2
2. The Lord
promises to meet the needs if we will give freely and cheerfully. II Cor.
8:12-15; 9:6-8
3. Christ is our
example in giving. II Cor. 8:9
C. The Lord will bless those who give to missions. Phil. 4:15-19
D. The Lord will hold us responsible for what He has
given to us. Mt. 25:14-29
God’s plan for missions is that we give and go that the Person of
missions might be proclaimed to a
lost and dying world.