Christ's Parting Charge

TEXTMatt. 28:18-20

INTRODUCTION:

A.      THE GREAT COMMISSION - SOME OF HIS LAST WORDS.

B.      THE GREAT EFFECT - WORLDWIDE, THROUGH THE AGES!

C.      3 PARTS - A GREAT CLAIM, COMMISSION AND ASSURANCE.

I.      THE GREAT CLAIM - "ALL AUTHORITY."

A.      JESUS DIDN'T CLAIM ALL AUTHORITY BEFORE THE RESURRECTION

          ( John 5:1914:24 ).

B.      "HATH BEEN GIVEN" - NOT USURPED( Rom. 1:4;  Eph. 1:19-20 ) When?

C.      "IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH"( Eph. 1:19-23;  Col. 3:17 ).

          1.       In the temporal and spiritual realm.

          2.       Is there anyone not under his authority?( John 12:48 ).

          3.       What happens when we "go beyond?"( 2 John 9 ).

II.     THE GREAT COMMISSION - "GO ... MAKE DISCIPLES."

A.      HOW DO WE MAKE DISCIPLES?( Acts 11:26 ).

          1.       Baptizing them( Acts 2:38 ).

          2.       Teaching them( John 6:44-45;  Rom. 1:16-17 ).

B.      TEACHING HAS A 2-FOLD THRUST:

          1.       Evangelism( Rom. 10:13-17 ).  Have I been sent?( 2 Cor. 5:11, 14-15 ).

          2.       Edification( John 8:31-32 ).  "Teaching them to observe."

                   a.       21 NT books written to Christians specifically.

                   b.       2 Tim. 2:2;  Eph. 4:11-16.  "All things."

III.    THE GREAT ASSURANCE - "I AM WITH YOU."

A.      JESUS HAS PREPARED US FOR TRIAL.

          1.       We are warned( John 15:20;  2 Tim. 3:2 ).

          2.       But we are equipped( Eph. 6:16;  Rom. 10:17;  Matt. 10:28-31 ).

B.      WE HAVE HIS PROMISE( Phil. 4:4-5 ).

C.      NOTHING CAN DEFEAT US( Rom. 8:37;  2 Cor. 2:144:13-14 ).

CONCLUSION:

A.      WOULD YOU HAVE THE BLESSED ASSURANCE PROMISED BY JESUS?

B.      YOU MUST BE A DISCIPLE.