Tags

, , , , ,

See the source image

Sometimes I must be challenged. Jesus does it all the time. This quote from Oswald Chambers hit me right between the eyes. I am responsible to GOD for other people coming to His Son Jesus. There is no plan B. GOD is counting on me.

Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible spiritually to God for other people?

~Oswald Chambers

God’s goal for me to accept responsibility. Jesus has sent us out to the world to disciple them in the way of God. It is my responsibility to instruct them. The good news is that Jesus is with us.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 28:16–20). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Here are the key ideas:

    • God is depending on us to do his will.
    • God’s goal is for us to be responsible and to instruct others.
    • Jesus has challenged us.
    • The good news is that Jesus is with us.

The Greek verb translated go is not a command but a present participle (going). The only command in the entire Great Commission is “make disciples” (“teach all nations”). Jesus said, “While you are going, make disciples of all the nations.” No matter where we are, we should be witnesses for Jesus the Messiah and seek to win others to Him. That is it. Love God. Love our neighbors. Make disciples for Jesus.

The term “disciples” was the most popular name for the early believers. Being a disciple meant more than being a convert or a church member. Apprentice might be an equivalent term. A disciple attached himself to a teacher, identified with him, learned from him, and lived with him. He learned, not simply by listening, but also by doing. Our Master Jesus called twelve disciples and taught them so that they might be able to teach others.

A disciple, then, is one who has believed on Jesus the Messiah and expressed this faith by being baptized. He remains in the fellowship of the believers that he might be taught the truths of the faith. He is then able to go out and win others and teach them. This was the pattern of the New Testament church.

In many respects, we have departed from this pattern. In most churches, the congregation pays the pastor to preach, win the lost, and build up the saved—while the church members function as cheerleaders (if they are enthusiastic) or spectators.

    • The “converts” are won, baptized, and given the right hand of fellowship, then they join the other spectators.
    • How much faster our churches would grow, and how much stronger and happier our church members would be, if each one was discipling another believer.
    • The only way a local church can “be fruitful and multiply” (instead of growing by “additions”) is with a systematic discipleship program.
    • This is the responsibility of every believer, and not just a small group who have been “called to go.”

Jesus had opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures. They knew what He wanted them to teach to their own converts. It is not enough to win people to the Savior; we must also teach them the Word of God. This is also a part of the Great Commission.

Sources:

English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 28:16–20). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 107–108). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.