Sermon on 16 February 2025 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
Matthew 28:18-20 is part of the Great Commission - a divine mandate for all followers grounded not in human authority but in the divine authority of Christ. Making disciples is at the heart of the Great Commission.
Message
There are two parts to the Great Commission. The first part says to go and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15). The second is the last instruction from our Lord Jesus, to make disciples (Matthew 28:18).
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. - Matthew 28:18-20
Baptism is a crucial aspect of the Great Commission. It is a symbolic demonstration of death, burial and resurrection. Far from being a mere religious ritual, it is your first act of obedience to the Lord. Teaching others to obey is the command of the Great Commission.
Inspiring
Be transformed and show obedience to the Will of God. Discipleship is not just about conversion but also about transformation and obedience (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14; John 15:10-11). This process of disciple multiplication is a process that never ends (John 15:5). This process of making disciples will bring very real opposition from the enemy (John 16:33).
Helping
Understand and know, discerning the Will of God (Psalm 143:10).
Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. - Psalm 143:10
God’s will is taught through reading God’s word and a life of obedience (Ephesians 5:17; Proverbs 3:5-6). Are you willing to obey His will in the smallest details of your life (Colossians 1:9)? Understanding the Will of God involves applying biblical principles to your life. The more we study and apply God’s word, the more we understand God’s will.
Empowering
Practice loving kindness and righteousness in the Will of God. He delights in us doing this.
But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. - Jeremiah 9:24
Live rightly for God and strive for moral excellence (2 Peter 1:5-11). Maintain a proper relationship with God (John 15:4-5). Embrace holiness by rejecting sinful desires and turning towards Christ (Ephesians 4:22).
Closing
We bear the responsibility of reproducing followers of Christ. We are called not only to be followers of Christ but also to reproduce followers for Christ. Reproducing followers of Christ is about nurturing individuals to become disciples of Christ.
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