Sermon Notes
10 September 2006
Morning Worship
The Great Commission
PART SEVEN
THE PERPETUATION: TEACH
Introduction:
A. We have covered six parts of the Great Commission:
1. The authority behind it: Jesus Christ
2. The obligation: Go
3. The place: All the world and everyone in it
4. The method: Teach
5. The message: Hear, believe, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized
6. The act of obedience: Immersion
b. This lesson deals with “keeping the saved saved.” - We perpetuate the gospel through teaching
19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and
in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
c. There are three categories involved in this part of the Great Commission.
i. Learn and believe the doctrines of the Bible:
a. The Bible is God’s perfect word:
1. We are under the law of Christ
25
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein,
he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be
blessed in his deed.
2. The Bible is inspired
16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
3. Bible authority is essential for all that we do
17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
b. There are three members of the Godhead:
1. God the Father
1
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God
the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
2. God the Son, Jesus Christ
28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood.
3. God the Holy Spirit
30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption.
c. The New Testament church:
1. It is not a denomination
4
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling;
2. It is important
28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood.
23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the
church: and he is the saviour of the body.
3. It is part of God’s eternal purpose
10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places
might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
d. The New Testament church:
1. It is not a denomination
4
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling;
2. It is important
28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood.
23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the
church: and he is the saviour of the body.
3. It is part of God’s eternal purpose
10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places
might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
e. The Bible doctrine of final things:
1. Death
27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
2. Hades: Paradise and Torment
19
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen,
and fared sumptuously every day:
20
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate,
full of sores,
21
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table:
moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels
into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar
off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus,
that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am
tormented in this flame.
25
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy
good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and
thou art tormented.
26
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that
they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us,
that would come from thence.
27
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to
my father's house:
28
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come
into this place of torment.
29
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear
them.
30
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead,
they will repent.
31
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will
they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
3. The second coming of Christ
7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the
Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10
When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all
them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that
day.
f. The resurrection
I
Corinthians 15:
1. The judgment
31
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with
him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one
from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world:
35
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me
drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison,
and ye came unto me.
37
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch
as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done
it unto me.
41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me
no drink:
43
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick,
and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred,
or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not
minister unto thee?
45
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did
it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into
life eternal.
2. Hell
30
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth.
3. Heaven
23
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter
thou into the joy of thy lord.
Ii. Live a faithful Christian life in thought, word and deed
17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things
are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things.
A. There are teachings about family responsibilities
23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the
church: and he is the saviour of the body.
4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
b. The tongue
17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not
as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their
heart:
19
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to
work all uncleanness with greediness.
20
But ye have not so learned Christ;
21
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth
is in Jesus:
22
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is
corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.
25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for
we are members one of another. Zech 8:16
26
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27
Neither give place to the devil.
28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with
his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that
needeth.
29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is
good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption.
31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be
put away from you, with all malice:
32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
1
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater
condemnation.
2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is
a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we
turn about their whole body.
4
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of
fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm,
whithersoever the governor listeth.
5
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold,
how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our
members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of
nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in
the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which
are made after the similitude of God.
10
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these
things ought not so to be.
11
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so
can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
c. Our deeds for others
21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and
receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead
also.
d. Regular worship with the saints
42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and
in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
1
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
2
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation,
he came into Greece,
3
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was
about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
4
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the
Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus;
and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
5
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
6
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and
came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
7
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to
break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and
continued his speech until midnight.
8
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered
together.
9
And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen
into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep,
and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
10
And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not
yourselves; for his life is in him.
11
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and
talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is
faithful that promised;)
24
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some
is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the
truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which
shall devour the adversaries.
28
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who
hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the
covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. Deut
32:35,36
31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.
e. Christian fellowship
12
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief,
in departing from the living God.
13
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be
hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
1
Let brotherly love continue.
2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.
7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his
only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his
Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in
us, and his love is perfected in us.
13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us
of his Spirit.
14
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
15
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him,
and he in God.
16
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love;
and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of
judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear
hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19
We love him, because he first loved us.
20
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that
loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath
not seen?
21
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.
III. Evangelize the lost:
a. We cannot teach them anything but the gospel
16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek.
1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not
to please ourselves.
2
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches
of them that reproached thee fell on me. Psa 69:9
4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace
of Christ unto another gospel:
7
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert
the gospel of Christ.
8
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9
As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel
unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
B. It is for everyone.
34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons:
35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is
accepted with him.
17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water
of life freely.
2
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also
for the sins of the whole world.
Conclusion:
A. This is the only method of perpetuating the gospel
B. We must teach the new convert to live for Jesus – because the Christian
life is the only life worth living!
The Great Commission
PART EIGHT a:
THE CONFIRMATION: APPROVED WITNESSES AND MIRACLES
Introduction:
a. The five accounts of the Great Commission are in:
Acts 1
b. There are seven things that can help us to understand how the Great
Commission was confirmed
note: we will look at four today and the other three next time
c. MAN’S IDEA of miracles today
I. The Promise of the Power (and the Holy Spirit):
A. The foundation prophecy is Joel 2:28-32 - It was to begin on Pentecost
with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. The results included miraculous
gifts for the early Christians
B. The accounts of the life of Christ contain promises that helped to
prepare that generation for the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy
11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me
is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize
you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
8
I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost.
16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but
one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to
unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
33
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said
unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on
him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how
much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask
him?
1
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them
that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the
kingdom of God come with power.
19
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak:
for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
20
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in
you.
38
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall
flow rivers of living water.
39
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not
yet glorified.)
C. Peter quoted Joel in
Acts 2
and affirmed that the earlier events of that
day were proof that the fulfillment was occurring on Pentecost
II. The Need for This Power:
A. They did not have the complete word of God yet, but they needed some way
to prove that their preaching was truly inspired of God. The miracles backed
up their words and convinced people of the need to obey Jesus Christ
B. These gifts permitted them to overthrow the knowledge and wisdom of this
world
I Corinthians 1
C. They were able to demonstrate that the gospel is the only way
16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek.
6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me.
III. The Purposes Behind the Miraculous Gifts of the Spirit- There were two
clear purposes:
a. The first was to reveal God’s word
9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered
into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love
him.
Isa 64:4
10
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in
him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is
of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with
spiritual.
14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they
are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.
15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no
man.
16
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we
have the mind of Christ.
Isa
40:14
16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he
may abide with you for ever;
This refers to the process of making the will of God known
b. The second was to confirm God’s word
17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast
out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall
not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven,
and sat on the right hand of God.
20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them,
and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
3
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first
began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard
him;
4
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
This refers to the
process of proving that the message was (and still is) true
iv. Types of Miraculous Gifts:
a. Sign - This is a mark, indication, or token
11
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested
forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
b. Wonders - These are things that cause the beholder to marvel
19
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath;
blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Joel 2:30
22
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God
among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the
midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
And fear came upon every soul:
and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
c. Power - This refers to ability or might
5
And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few
sick folk, and healed them.
39
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle
in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
d. Gift - This comes from two Greek words, dorea;
38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
20
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
and charisma,
11
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to
the end ye may be established;
6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
There are several specific gifts listed in
1 Corinthians 12
Conclusion:
A. this lesson will conclude next time with a look at some examples of
miracles being worked in the book of acts
B. we will also look at what the bible says about the duration of miracles
