The underlying truth of Missions.
We will begin our study of missions in the beginning of the bible.
Genesis 12:1-3 (KJV)
1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Here we have God calling a man named Abram, and promising Abram to make him a great nation. God also promised that from Abram or the nation that would come from Abram a blessing to all families of the earth. We know, from the rest of scripture, that the nation God is talking about is Israel. We also know, from the rest of scripture that this blessing to all families is found in Jesus Christ and the salvation offered to all through his blood. If this is the case then Jesus must be for all the peoples of the world.
John 1:6-9 (KJV)
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Jesus Christ is this light that John is talking about, notice words “that all men through him might believe” and “lighteth every man”.
John 1:29 (KJV)
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
This sacrificial lamb would reach far beyond those John was preaching to, far beyond the Jewish people and even far beyond the Middle East. The sacrifice would be sufficient for the sin of the world.
John 3:17 (KJV)
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 4:42 (KJV)
42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
John 12:47 (KJV)
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Here is the underlying truth of missions. Salvation in Jesus Christ is for “all families of the earth” or all peoples of the world. This brings us to the question.
What is the mission?
The mission is get this message, the gospel, to all of the world.
Mark 16:15 (KJV)
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
How is the mission accomplished?
1. Missionaries are sent.
Romans 10:13-15 (KJV)
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
It is interesting that we do not find the word mission or missionary in the bible. Webster defines mission as: A sending or being sent, usually the latter; a being sent or delegated by authority, with certain powers for transacting business; comission; as sent on a foreign mission. All though the words mission or missionary are not found in the bible, we do find a word that resembles the word missionary. What is it? Apostle, defined by Strong: a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. Some will mistakenly interchange apostle and disciple. A disciple is a follower not one sent. Not every disciple is an apostle but, every apostle began as a disciple. To know the missionary’s work is to simply study the work of the apostles. The first apostles or missionaries were sent out by Christ.
John 20:21 (KJV)
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
The first apostles held a special office in that they were personally called and sent out by Jesus Christ. There were only twelve.
Revelation 21:14 (KJV)
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Now we come to church sent apostles or missionaries.
Acts 13:1-4 (KJV)
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Barnabas was not one of the twelve but he was an apostle no less, in fact the bible calls him an apostle, an apostle of the church.
Acts 14:14 (KJV)
14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
Back to Acts 13, I believe we find a model of how missionaries are to be sent out.
a) They was all ready doing the work.
b) Denied self to hear from God.
c) God spoke through the HG.
d) The church sought God.
e) The church agreed.
f) The church sent.
g) The missionaries report back to the church.
Acts 14:26-27 (KJV)
26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
The next three parts of the mission or the missionaries work are summed up in the great commission.
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Do you see the other parts of the missionaries work? Evangelism, Church planting and discipleship.
2. Evangelism.
Our last lesson was on this topic so we will not cover this here, but to say, the missionaries work begins with winning others to Jesus Christ.
3. Church planting.
Where do we see church planting in the great commission? How about “baptizing them”. Notice what happened on the day of Pentecost?
Acts 2:41-42 (KJV)
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Here we have three thousand souls saved and then they were baptized. After this, then what happened? The rest of the text tells us how they organized themselves into a local church. Baptism is to be administered by a local NT church or by those sent out to organize a local NT church.
4. Discipleship
Verse 20 of the great comission tells us to “Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”.
All things means a lot of things in fact, 66 books of things, over 31,000 verses. Discipleship is not going to happen by attending only Sunday Morning services. We will speak more on discipleship on the next lesson. After discipleship some will be sent to start the whole thing over again somewhere else. This is how the work of God is to multiply.
A Missions Minded Church.
Now that we have a better understanding of what missions is, we can answer the question of what a missions minded church is.
1) We will send.
As we went over earlier, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”
2) We will pray
2 Corinthians 1:11 (KJV)
11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Colossians 4:3 (KJV)
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
1 Thessalonians 5:25 (KJV)
25 Brethren, pray for us.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 (KJV)
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
3) We will financial support
Philippians 4:15-18 (KJV)
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
4) We will read aloud the letters from the missionaries
Proverbs 25:25 (KJV)
25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Ephesians 6:21-22 (KJV)
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Colossians 4:16 (KJV)
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
5) We will refresh the missionary
1 Corinthians 16:18 (KJV)
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
2 Corinthians 7:13 (KJV)
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
2 Timothy 1:16 (KJV)
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
6) We will be involved in the missionary work with the missionary.
Philippians 1:3-6 (KJV)
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 4:3 (KJV)
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philemon 24 (KJV)
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
jasonlapat@yahoo.com
As an Independent Baptist Missionary wife, I just want to say how much I like and agree with what you have written.
ReplyDeleteSheri Edwards
http://beyondmywall-markandsheri2brazil.blogspot.com/