Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 6:8
Introduction:
1. Today we shift our focus from the inner transformation discussed in our previous series to the outward facing responsibility to reach the lost with the gospel.
2. These discussions will focus on several fundamental principles necessary to carry out the great commission, beginning today with the imperative laid upon each of us.
Discussion:
I. The Gravity of Humanity’s Condition
A. When asking people to spend time, energy, and resources on something, it is imperative to give the rationale for the task assigned.
B. The Lord left no mystery around the necessity of taking the gospel to our neighbors.
1. He demonstrated and commanded it (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).
2. He warned of eternal punishment to the lost (Romans 1:18-32; 2 Corinthians 5:10-21; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10), and those who should aid them (Matthew 25:14-30; John 15:1-2, 8; Ezekiel 3:16-21).
II. The Singular Solution
A. As seen above, humanity’s lost condition is dire; thankfully, the grace of God has appeared and brought salvation to lost humanity (Titus 2:11-14).
B. Contrary to popular belief, this solution to our sin problem is singular (John 6:44-45; 14:6; Acts 4:11-12; 10:42-43; Romans 1:16-17; 10:13-17; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:4-5).
III. Whom Shall He Send?
A. In Isaiah’s day, the people of God faced destruction for their sins (1:2-17).
B. The call was for them to “reason” with God (1:18-20) if they would be spared.
C. In seeing a vision of the Lord’s glory in the temple, Isaiah recognized his hopeless condition and that of his peers (Isaiah 6:1-5), but the Lord cleansed him (Isaiah 6:6-7).
D. Then he heard a voice asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8a).
Conclusion:
1. The same question is put to us today; will we answer as Isaiah did saying, “Here am I send me?” (Isaiah 6:8b), or will we be as Jonah and run from our charge (Jonah 1:1-6)?
2. Our future discussions will seek to better equip us all for the task He has given us by helping us conquer some of our weaknesses leading to reservations in this work.
Further Food for Thought
1. What would you say is the greatest impediment to your evangelistic efforts?
2. What can we do collectively to help overcome these impediments?
3. How willing are you to step out of your comfort zone to fulfill this work of the Lord?