Bible Study - Share (1) - Our Commission - Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 - April 25, 2021

Bible Study – Share (1) – Our Commission – April 25, 2021

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “How to Share CHRIST.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21,

GOD sends us to tell others about JESUS.

In last week’s study we got into a discussion regarding the second coming of JESUS. It is clear that no one knows when that will be except, GOD, our Father. JESUS does not know and neither do the angels.

This week we study why we, as Christians, are commissioned to share the Gospel or Good News of JESUS to those lost in sin with no way to escape except by placing their faith in JESUS.

Let’s explore!!!

First, let’s consider Matthew who was a disciple of JESUS and the writer of the Gospel according to Matthew. Matthew was a Jew and a tax collector turned disciple of JESUS. “Matthew organized his gospel into five sections called discourses: (1) Chapters 5-7; (2) Chapter 10; (3) Chapter 13; (4) Chapter 18; (5) Chapters 24-25. The law (the first and preeminent section of the Old Testament) is organized into five books; many saw JESUS as the new and greater Moses.” ----- In essence, the prominent theme in Matthew is prophecy from the Old Testament which is fulfilled in the New Testament. “Matthew includes nine proof texts: 1:22-23; 2:15; 2:17-18; 2:23; 4:14-16; 12:17-21; 13:35; 27:9-10.” (Note end of lesson.) This was taken from page 100, Bibles Studies for Life, Advanced Bible Study, Spring, 2021. GOD commissioned Moses to deliver the Israelites from physical bondage and as he did GOD revealed to Moses and the Israelites HIS Glory, presence and HIS all-powerful, protective hand. GOD established the rules for worshipping HIM and placing sin under the shed blood of the sacrificial system. JESUS was and is the perfect sinless, acceptable LAMB of GOD WHO paid, in full, for all sin, past, present and future. JESUS established a New Covenant of GOD’S Grace for all who place their faith in HIM as their Savior. Folks, this is Good News for the world and is to be shared with those eternally lost in their sin.

Christians who have experienced forgiveness for their sins and experience GOD’S Grace are commissioned to share this with all who GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, gives opportunity.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Matthew 28:18-20:

¹⁸ Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of^[e] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,^[f] I am with you always,^[g] to the end of the age.”

This is the great commission. JESUS was instructing HIS disciples. HE came near to them because HE wanted them to hear every word HE was saying to them. This is true today. GOD teaches us through the indwelling Holy Spirit when we draw near to GOD/JESUS.

JESUS calls all Christians not to hide the truth of salvation of freedom from those who are doomed to Hell. All Christians are called to share the Good News that JESUS paid, in full, for our sins to all people and all nations. No discrimination.

Why JESUS? GOD has given HIM all authority in heaven and earth.

The word “go” carries the idea of “as you, who know the truth, go through everyday life, sharing the Good News of salvation though faith in JESUS with those with whom you come into contact. It is an ongoing, never ending action. The word “therefore” is a command and not a suggestion because the One speaking has “all authority” to commission you/call you to go. Was this for JESUS’ disciples then or for Spirit-born Christians today? We who know the truth are all called to share the truth.

What is a “disciple?” It is one who learns. All who accept JESUS as their Savior are to be baptized. Baptize means to “immerse.” Baptism is a symbol of burying our old life and being resurrected to our new life in JESUS. Teaching all who become Christians is vital. Teachers are called by GOD and gifted to teach. Keep in mind that JESUS is with you until the “end of the age.” Being a Christian is not a fickle relationship.

HE paid the penalty for our sins, in full, when HE gave HIS sinless life upon the cross by the shedding of HIS blood. HE conquered physical death upon HIS resurrection, which is a foreshadow of the Glorified body all Christians will have when JESUS returns to earth, at the rapture of the church. JESUS received HIS Glorified body when HE was resurrected.

Christians serve a living Savior and just as HE lives eternally, so will all who place their faith in HIM. This is Good News and it is to be shared with all who are without CHRIST and taught to those seeking to know JESUS in a deeper way.

Another of my favorite scriptures is John 12:20-23:

²⁰ Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. ²¹ So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” ²² Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

²³ Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

This was before the crucifixion of JESUS but it was a trigger to let JESUS know that HIS passion was at hand. But the part that thrills me is, “We want to see JESUS.” That should be the desire of all Christians. We want to see JESUS and hear from HIM, HIS teaching on the scriptures that we need to guide us through life.

How is that possible today? As a Christian, it is through the indwelling Holy Spirit. If you do not see evidence of the Holy Spirit working in your life, ask JESUS to reveal anything that is preventing the Holy Spirit from manifesting Himself in your life.

JESUS said, “I am with you always, ^[g] to the end of the age.” What “age” is JESUS talking about? It is the “age” of grace. All Spirit born Christians live under the Grace of GOD because we are covered by the blood of the Lamb, JESUS. All Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace. Yes, we are saved but GOD wants HIS Children to not use this period of grace to practice sin but to confess their sins to maintain the right relationship with GOD. Yes, Spirit-born Christians still sin, which is to be acknowledged, because sin is a barrier and prevents communication with GOD.

The Apostle John wrote about this in 1 John 1:5-10:

⁵ This is the message we have heard from him (JESUS) and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. ⁶ If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. ⁷ If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Unconfessed sin gives Satan a foot hold in our lives, that is why Christians must not hide their sin. There are sins of omission and commission. That is why Christians need to ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and reveal any unconfessed sin that is within our lives. This is one of the purposes of Christians participating in the “LORD’S Supper.” The LORD’S Supper is a time of internal reflection, examination by the Holy Spirit and confessing areas in our lives where we missed the mark, which is sin, and asking GOD to strengthen those areas in our lives. It is a time when we ask JESUS to enter our most secret areas of our being and allow the Holy Spirit to examine us and reveal any areas that need to be repaired between us and HIM or us and others. It is a Holy moment because when we do, it shows that our desire is to serve GOD and to share the Good News as led by the Holy Spirit.

All Christians are called to make disciples. Each one, reach one and teach one and encourage every new believer to be baptized and grow Spiritually by studying GOD’S Word, praying and putting into action what is revealed to them.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:16-19:

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹⁶ From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.^[b] Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective,^[c] yet now we no longer know him in this way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has^[d] come! ¹⁸ Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. ¹⁹ That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

What is reconciliation? A barrier has separated us from another person or in this case GOD. When we place our faith in JESUS and HIS passion, the shedding of HIS Blood removed the sin barrier and opened the gateway between us and GOD. JESUS removed the sin barrier. Even though the sin barrier is removed each person must acknowledge his or her sin and accept the fact that JESUS paid the penalty for his or her sin. Sin is individual and personal. Sin alienates us from GOD but when we place our faith in JESUS, the sin barrier is removed and we are reconciled with GOD through faith in JESUS. Every person acknowledging JESUS as his or her Savior are Spiritually born into the Family of GOD never to be unborn. Thus, every Spirit-born person is a new creation. Their old life has been radically transformed from eternal death to eternal life. All is new because they have been transformed by the power of GOD through faith in JESUS. Our world has been changed such that we see through eyes that have been opened to truth.

We read in 1 John 3:2 - ² Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, ^[b] we will be like him because we will see him as he is.

What is the most powerful arrow in your quiver? It is your testimony of how you were reconciled to GOD through faith in JESUS. Share your life’s Spiritual journey with others. We are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace. Don’t worry if you think your testimony may not sound dramatic as another person’s. One of the most powerful testimony was from an acquaintance who accepted JESUS about the age of 9 years old. He shared his walk with JESUS.

GOD has commissioned every Spirit-born Christian with the marvelous message of reconciliation, CHRIST in you the hope of glory. Romans 6:11 - ¹¹ So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.^[a]

What are the benefits of a person being reconciled with GOD through faith in JESUS? Here are a few:

All of our sins were nailed to the cross of JESUS and washed away by the cleansing shed blood of JESUS and according to GOD’S Word.

We have eternal life.

We have received the Holy Spirit, WHO confirms and seals us until the day of redemption; Teaches, enlightens, empowers, assurers and protects, guides and much more.

You are a new creation because you have been born-again in your Spirit. Since Spirit-born Christians are new creations, we must remove our old clothes or old way of life and put on our new clothes. Our old clothes don’t fit us any longer but many of us want to hang onto our old way of life.

What else can you think about?

Since we now know the truth of salvation, GOD commissions us to be HIS representatives as we read on ------

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21:

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin (JESUS) to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him (JESUS) we (Spirit Born Christians) might become the righteousness of God.

GOD chose us before HE created the world to be HIS Son or Daughter. We are the elect but we all have the freedom of choice. GOD chose each of us but in turn, do we choose HIM by placing our faith in JESUS, the perfect LAMB OF GOD Who gave HIS sinless life just for us?

Notice, JESUS, became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of GOD. When we have been Spiritually born into GOD’S Family, HE sees us as righteous because the shed blood of JESUS cleanses every Spirit-born believer of all sin, past, present and future.

GOD has chosen those who place their faith in JESUS to be HIS Ambassadors. An Ambassador has full authority to represent the government of their country. In this case, Spirit-born Christians represent GOD and HIS Kingdom. Awesome!!! It is a position of great honor. What is your authority and power? It is the full power and authority of GOD for reconciliation. First, we must be reconciled with GOD before we can be reconciled with others.

Share this Good News with others who are shackled by the chains of sin. JESUS paid it all for each of us when HE gave HIS life upon the cross. But we must accept what HE has done for us to be Spiritually born into HIS Family. Do so now because eternity is one heartbeat away.

Let me tell you. Prayer penetrates where no human can go. Is there a person in your life with whom you need to be reconciled? Is there a person who needs to be reconciled with GOD, then commit him or her to pray with the faith of a mustard seed?

Keep in mind that you are an ambassador and GOD has your back.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew includes nine proof texts: 1:22-23; 2:15; 2:17-18; 2:23; 4:14-16; 8:17; 12:17-21; 13:35; 27:9-10:

Matthew 1:22-23:

²² Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

²³ See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,^[h]

which is translated “God is with us.”

[h] – Isaiah 7:14: ¹⁴ Therefore, the Lord himself will give you^[c] a sign: See, the virgin will conceive,^[d] have a son, and name him Immanuel.^[e]

 

Matthew 2:15:

¹⁵ He (Joseph) stayed there until Herod’s death, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called my Son.^[e]

 

Matthew 2:17-18:

¹⁷ Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

¹⁸ A voice was heard in Ramah,

weeping,^[f] and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children;
and she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more.^[g]

 

Matthew 2:23:

 ²³ Then he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

 

Matthew 4:14-16:

¹⁴ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁵ Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles.
¹⁶ The people who live in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those living in the land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned.^[g][h]

Matthew 8:17:

¹⁷ so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

He himself took our weaknesses
and carried our diseases.^[f]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Matthew 12:17-21:

¹⁷ so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

¹⁸ Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
¹⁹ He will not argue or shout,
and no one will hear his voice in the streets.
²⁰ He will not break a bruised reed,
and he will not put out a smoldering wick,
until he has led justice to victory.^[d]
21 The nations will put their hope in his name.^[e]

Matthew 13:35:

 ³⁵ so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:

I will open my mouth in parables;
I will declare things kept secret
from the foundation of the world.^[f][g]

Matthew 27:9-10:

 ⁹ Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: They took^[b] the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him whose price was set by the Israelites, ¹⁰ and they gave^[c] them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.^[d]