Today we reviewed a little about the Great Commission, the importance of understanding the end from the beginning. The point of starting with obeying the Commands of Jesus is due to the fact that we to TEACH all that he has commanded us… (Matthew 28:19-20).
Teaching is an important moment in the life of discipleship, something must transpire from one person to another. We are also supposed to teach ALL that he has commanded, meaning, let’s not pick and choose our favorite verses of pet topics. The whole of Scripture is important for instruction, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Then we are to teach all that he has commanded YOU. The point is that we cannot teach that which God has not taught us. While we are not perfect, we are to teach the things that God has shown us, and taught us along this life.
The question of the day is, “Why are we to obey the commands of Christ?” So, what is the point or what is the benefit of our obedience? Here are ten benefits of obeying the commands of Christ.
- John 15:14 – to be Jesus’ friend
- John 15:10 – to enjoy God’s love
- 1 John 3:22 – to see your prayers answered
- John 14:15 – to prove your love for God
- 1 John 2:3 – to experience security of salvation
- John 14:21 – to know Jesus more deeply
- John 14:23 – to have close fellowship with God
- 1 John 5:2 – to genuinely love others
- 1 John 5:3 – to avoid many of the burdens of life
- John 13:34-35 – to be known as a disciple of Jesus Christ
Remember that we are to take this good news into all the world, but being a witness for Jesus does not mean we have to be a missionary in Africa to do it. From Acts 1:8, we understand that there are four levels of witness for the disciple of Jesus. This is our scope.
- Jerusalem: that place we might call home, reaching those in our immediate area, those around us at home, the store, work, school, neighborhood, social club, recreation center. These are the places of our natural circles of influence.
- Judea: that place in our region takes us away from our comfort zones. It is nearby, perhaps serving people similar to us, but outside of our circles of influence.
- Samaria: this place is full of people who are not like us, socially, racially, economically, culturally. Jews had no dealings with Samaritans, to we might conclude that we might go to those whom we have nothing in common, or people we don’t even like.
- The ends of the earth: this place can literally take us to the other side of the world, whether it is for a week, a summer project, a year stint, or a lifetime.
Our Purpose: The Great Commission
- The Scope: all the nations, Matthew 28:19
- The Recipients: more than 500 disciples at one time – Matthew 28:16
- The Fuel: They Worshiped Him – Matthew 28:16
- The Duration: The End of the Age – Matthew 28:20
The recipients of the Great Commission are much more than just a few has been fishermen, or even the CHURCH as an institution, the Great Commission is given to each of us, individually. WE are the church, and the church is alive and active as we interact in community. We do not carry out the Great Commission alone… we even receive power from the Holy Spirit to do the work he has called us to do.
We continue with the Post Resurrection Appearances of Jesus…
[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]