Lesson 5 Review: Excuses to Avoid Mission

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me’ ” (Isaiah 6:8, NKJV).

Everyone called to mission may not be as compliant as Abraham. For Jonah, he had his reasons for going the opposite way after God had instructed him to go on mission to Nineveh. If we let the devil, he can give us excuses to avoid mission, but we should be careful not to avoid mission.

What is one of the reasons why Jonah was unwilling to go to Nineveh?

Fear. The Assyrians were a formidable foe, and Nineveh served as the capital of the kingdom. Nineveh was a magnificent city, and the Assyrians were ruthless.

What caution should we take from Jonah’s fear?

We may disapprove of Jonah’s actions but we can easily fall into this trap. We should pray for God to strengthen us to resist fear and see the need for souls to be saved.

What indication does Jonah 1:1-12 reveal?

There were many “gods” and God, they believed that the sea was a chaotic realm of demons and they believed that sacrifice was needed to appease their wrath. Jonah, though a Hebrew had a worldview that was influenced by the tradition of his times.

What lessons did Jonah learn from his flight to Nineveh according to Tuesday’s lesson?

God is sovereign, we cannot possibly run away from Him. He owns everything. “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness” (Psalm, 24:1, NKJV).

What misunderstandings about God does Tuesday’s lesson point out that we may have and what should our understanding be?

One common misunderstanding is that God’s desire for us is to focus on our own salvation. Though we are instructed to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27, NKJV), our focus should be on how to bring God’s blessings and hope to those in need. Another is believing that success in God’s mission depends on us. We can plant seeds of truth, but only God can convert the heart.

What lessons can we draw from Jonah's preaching to the Ninevites?

Jonah was reluctant and had to go through a lot to preach this message to the Ninevites who were moved to repentance. Similarly, God’s mission is to be carried out on the shoulders of those who are willing to sacrifice, even if reluctantly. We should not habour prejudices that keep us away from spreading the word. Even in our inadequacies, God can still work powerfully through us in bringing people to repentance as was the case with Jonah and Nineveh.

What are the requirements for going on God’s mission?

Humility that will enable us to face prejudices; Time and emotional energy for investing in the lives of others; Changing how we feel about and use our money.

How are worldviews formed?

Worldviews are often formed and changed based on life experiences and how they are interpreted and explained, rather than on demand or the hearing of something new or different.

What was the new experience God gave Jonah to recognize his own distorted worldview?

God made a plant to miraculously grow over Jonah’s head which made Jonah grateful, not for God, but for the plant. Jonah saw it as a blessing that came from his good works. The plant dies and Jonah becomes so angry and insecure in his self-worth, that his thoughts grow suicidal. This experience was followed by God’s voice of gentle correction, helping Jonah see how foolish it was for him to value a plant more than the many thousands of men, women, and children in Nineveh, as well as their animals.

What is essentially our role in God’s mission?

We are merely to be a conduit for God, who alone can convict and convert hearts. God seeks only willing and humble messengers who will follow His direction.

How are we to answer God’s call?

We are to answer God’s call by submitting to His leadership, listening to hear His voice, and then choosing to obey whatever He tells us.

What other thing does the story of Jonah reveal?

The story of Jonah reveals God’s love for people who live where His love is not felt and His voice is not heard. Just as God had pity on the people of Nineveh, He has pity on the millions populating the cities today, God wants everyone to be saved. He said, “ ‘And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left-and much livestock?’ ” (Jonah 4:11, NKJV).

In Conclusion,

Excuses of those who fail to do the work of God do not relieve them from responsibility. I pray that, by God’s grace, we avoid giving excuses to avoid God’s mission in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 4 Review: Sharing God’s Mission

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35, NKJV).

Abraham became personally involved in God’s mission when He showed hospitality to three men and interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. He revealed hospitality, love, and prayer-qualities that can greatly aid in mission, as well.

How does Abraham show that God had called him for mission?

He took the initiative to first run to meet the guests even before they came to him. He fulfilled this mission by showing hospitality towards these strangers, who seemed to have just appeared on the horizon. Abraham's influence also extended beyond his household, he led many people to knowledge of God. Abraham understood that his going to the Promised Land was not for vacation but to be a blessing to those around him and, through his seed, to the world.

What is the second quality of Abraham drawn from Genesis 18?

The second quality of Abraham drawn from Genesis 18 was his love for people, even those he did not personally know. Abraham hoped to save all the people in these cities through his love.

What key elements can we learn from Abraham’s second quality for ourselves?

We should love everyone irrespective of who they are to us, Abraham did so. Abraham knew that human beings could still repent and come to God, so he based his request to save Sodom and Gomorrah on God’s love for sinners, knowing that when there is life, there is hope for salvation.

What is the type of dialogue between Abraham and God?

The dialogue between Abraham and God is a type, a representation, of intercessory prayer.

What are the realities in Abraham’s prayer for Sodom and Gomorrah?

Abraham had learned to love the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, thus he prayed for them. Abraham exercised humility and perseverance in his prayers.

What do Abraham’s intercessory prayers teach us?

Our mission cannot be successful without prayer, intercessory prayer. After meeting someone, after giving a sermon or a Bible study, we must pray for the people we have been in contact with. God is heedful of these prayers in touching the hearts of the people we have contacted.

What was the result of Abraham’s hospitality, love, and prayer?

Lot, his wife, and two daughters left Sodom and Gomorrah. However, only Lot and his two daughters were saved.

What are the parallels between Genesis 18 and Genesis 19?

Abraham and Lot were each sitting at an entrance or gate (Gen. 18:1, Gen. 19:1); Abraham and Lot each invited strangers to rest in their abode (Gen. 18:3, 4; Gen. 19:2); Abraham and Lot each prepared food for their visitors (Gen. 18:4-8, Gen. 19:3).

What lesson can we learn from the small number of residents of Sodom that were saved?

Not everyone will be saved by our mission. Our task is to invite everyone, show love, and pray for everyone, but ultimately it all comes down to each individual’s choice.

What other main quality did Abraham possess in his relationship with God?

His submission to God’s will.

Where do we see Abraham’s submission to God?

His calling: Abraham submitted to God’s will when he was called out of his “ ‘father’s household to the land I will show you’ ”.

Choice of the land: Abraham submitted to God’s will when a quarrel erupted between the servants of Lot and his servants.

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: Abraham, full of love was ready to save these cities, he submitted to the will of God and accepted God’s judgments of these cities.

What should Abraham’s submission to God mean to us?

The Lord was able to use Abraham because of his submission to God in all circumstances. It must be the same with us today.

In Conclusion,

Abraham was, indeed personally involved in God’s mission. His total submission paved way for God to use him. I pray that we all submit to God’s will in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 3 Review: God’s Call to Mission

Introduction

Memory Text: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NKJV).

God can move us out of our comfort zone to accomplish His purpose. He scattered the people during the time the tower of Babel was being built, he called Abram out of his country, the disciples left their people to preach the message all over the earth. God can take us out of our comfort zone to become witnesses for Him. However, even if we do not leave our country, God still wants us to reach out to the people around us. Jesus laid down the principle of evangelism: they would start locally, Jerusalem and Judea, then go to Samaria and, ultimately, to the ends of the earth.

What does the story about the tower of Babel teach us about evangelism?

God intends for us to move beyond our comfort zone, beyond just our ilk, ethnic or social group for mission. The people of Babel did not trust God’s plan, we are to trust in God. The people were trying to make name for themselves, which turned out futile. We are to trust God and His promises rather than chasing futile things.

What does God’s instruction to Abram teach us about God’s mission?

God’s mission is to bring us in unity again with Him. He made the promise in Genesis 3:15 and through Genesis 17:19, Numbers 24:17, Isaiah 9:6, Daniel 9:24-27, Matthew 1:21 we see the promise fulfilling. We also see how through Abraham this promise is fulfilled. If God has a plan for you, you may have to leave your extended family and your people and go to a place that He is opening for you to serve Him, in order that you can be a blessing to others. This was how God’s plan for Abram was fulfilled. We should also have faith in God knowing that He is God, even as Abram did.

What other lessons can we learn about Abram’s call and his stay in Egypt?

Things didn’t really go well for Abram when he entered the place God showed him, they were Canaanites there already, but God gave him encouragement, ‘ “To your descendants I will give this land.” ’ Abram whose name was changed to Abraham encountered famine, He had to go to Egypt but to ensure his safety he had to conceal the fact that Sarai was his wife, but in all these, God was with Abraham. Even though He lied, God was patient with him, He did not abandon him. The lesson here is that God is loving, patient, always there for us. Despite our errors, if we cling to the Lord in faith and submission, as did Abraham, not only can our errors, sins, and faults be forgiven, but the Lord can still use us for His mission.

What was the nature of the early church before its great persecution?

The early church was mainly in Jerusalem (or within the Jewish territory and among the Jewish people). Even after the church began to move beyond Jerusalem, the believers were still preaching to Jewish people in other cities. They still had narrow views of what the mission of the church was to be. Peter too, a leading figure of the early church, was averse to taking the gospel message to the Gentiles, even after Paul had begun to do so. However, God moved Peter out of his comfort zone and changed his heart to learn about the gospel mission and what Jesus’ death on the cross was meant to accomplish for the whole world.

What does the nature of the early church teach us?

God’s intention for us is to preach this message to everyone irrespective of ethnicity, tribe or social status. This is the intention of Jesus’ death.

What are the principles stated in the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8?

First, “ ‘you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem’ ” (Acts 1:8). As already seen in the previous lesson, this refers to our own home, our church, our neighborhood, and our community. We need to be witnesses in the area God has initially placed us.

Next, “ ‘in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ ” (Acts 1:8, NIV). This tells us that our mission crosses cultural boundaries, beginning from where we are to other far areas. Our mission is to the ends of the earth.

In Conclusion,

God’s call to mission may require us to leave our comfort zone, but we are assured that He will always be there with us if we cling to Him. I pray that we learn to trust and have faith in God in every circumstance in Jesus’ name. 

Lesson 2 Review: God’s Mission to Us: Part 2

 

Introduction

The theme, that of God as a God of mission, is the connecting thread of human history, it demonstrates God’s purpose for humanity and it runs throughout scripture. Furthermore, it consolidates divine restoration of God’s image in His fallen children (compare with Col. 3:9, 10; 1 John 3:2). God’s mission is to enable us to have a real and lasting relationship with Him, it is to restore the broken relationship caused by sin. The mission of God also functions as the background through which we should see and understand God’s Word to us. Reading the Bible, we see a God who is intentionally reaching out to us, hence we find the basic elements of God’s mission in the Scriptures.

How can we understand that mission finds its origin in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Everything Christ did was either for or from His Heavenly Father (see John 4:34, John 5:30, John 12:45). Jesus received the mission from the Father even before the creation of the world (compare with Eph. 1:4, 1 Pet. 1:20). The Son created the world (John 1:3), and at “the fullness of the time” (Gal. 4:4, NKJV), God demonstrated His love by sending the Son here (John 3:16, 17). The Son came, died on the cross, and conquered death. Then, sent from the Father, the Spirit came here (John 14:26, John 16: 7), convicts the world (John 16:8-11), and today continues the mission of the Father and the Son by empowering and by sending God’s people out for mission (John 14:26; John 16:13, 14).

How should the understanding that mission finds its origin in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shape our mission?

‘We learn from this that the mission is not ours. It belongs to the triune God. As such, it will not fail.’

What are the three aspects of the basic components in Matthew 28:16-20?

(1)    Jesus commands His disciples to go to Galilee to be with Him (Matt. 28:16, 17);

(2)    Jesus comes to them, declaring His authority and sovereignty (Matt. 28:18);

(3)    Jesus then commissions His disciples to a specific task-namely, make disciples-(Matt. 28:19, 20); and finally,

(4)    Jesus promises to be with His disciples until the end (Matt. 28:20).

What is the primary focus of the Great Commission?

Disciple-making is the primary focus of the Great Commission.

What can we draw from Matthew 28:16-20?

Jesus’ power, authority and sovereignty come from His victory attained at His resurrection. Hence, Jesus commands us to make disciples. This commission ends with Jesus’ promise of continuous presence with His followers. The message to be conveyed is intended for the whole world, with no geographical, social or ethnic limitations.

What are the realities of the everlasting gospel?

The gospel is the good news of grace offered to all through Jesus Christ who came to our world, lived a sinless life, died as a substitutionary sacrifice to bear the penalty of our sins, was resurrected, lives in Heaven, was exalted and today intercedes for us in the Heavenly Sanctuary. Jesus will soon fulfill the greatest promise of returning in majesty and glory, and ultimately, after the millennium to establish God’s kingdom on earth (John 14:1-4, Acts 1:11, Rev. 21:1-4). These are all realities of the eternal gospel.

The proclamation of the judgment [Rev. 14:6, 7] is an announcement of Christ’s second coming called the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching of this gospel is shown to be an essential part of the gospel message.

What are the parallels between the everlasting gospel [Rev. 14: 6, 7] and God’s mission to us?

The fact that this gospel is eternal is remarkable. There is only one gospel that can save us. It will remain the same until the mission of God is accomplished. Those who believe and live it in obedience will be rewarded. The commission is to make honest good fully-devoted loving disciples. Disciples who are focused on all biblical elements of discipleship (Luke 9:23; John 13:34, 35; 2 Cor. 5:17) with an ultimate purpose: being prepared and preparing others for the second coming of the Master, Jesus Christ.

Who are the instruments for the fulfillment of God’s mission?

Those who faithfully represented God’s character and, in obedience, followed His purposes. Those who have accepted God’s invitation to be partakers of His grace.

What was God’s original purpose for His people in the Old Testament?

God’s purpose for His people was that through them the surrounding nations would know God’s mission. This was on the basis of faith and obedience. The strategy was that of attracting the surrounding nations to Israel.

What was God’s mission strategy in the New Testament?

The strategy for letting people know about God’s mission involves God’s people going out to the world to let them know, instead of the world coming to God’s people.

What is the mission of the church?

The mission of the church is to save perishing sinners; this is why the church exists.

What is the connecting point between the everlasting gospel [Rev. 14:6, 7] and Matthew 28:19,20?

The connecting point is the “where” of the mission. They read: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matt. 28:19, NKJV), “those who dwell on the earth-to_every nation, tribe, tongue, and people_” (Rev. 14:6, NKJV; emphasis added).

What is the influence of the gospel?

The influence of the gospel is to unite the saved in one great brotherhood. Accepting the one model, Jesus Christ, national prejudices and jealousies will be broken down.

What are the three geographical areas Jesus had in mind when He said “ ‘You will be my witnesses’ ” (Acts 1:8, NRSV)?

Area 1: “ ‘You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem.’ ”. Our Jerusalem is our home. At the time the disciples were in Jerusalem, hence, we begin witnessing at home, with family, with neighbors, with friends.

Area 2: He then continues: “ ‘in all Judea and Samaria.’ ”. This includes those who are in some ways close but distant from us. This could be people who speak the same language that we speak or have the same culture, we are to further witness to them.

Area 3: Beyond this Christ says: “ ‘and to the end of the earth’ ” (NKJV). God’s mission calls us to reach individuals from all places, nations, people groups, languages, and ethnicities. This is our ultimate place of mission.

In Conclusion,

God’s mission for us will be well accomplished when we preach the gospel to every individual irrespective of place, culture, language or ethnicity. The church’s mission is to preach the gospel, and indeed God is with us. I pray that we take God’s purpose for us as it should be in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 1 Review: God’s Mission to Us: Part 1

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Then the Lord God called Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ ” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV).

The mission began with God Himself, when He brought the universe into existence and later created humanity, not with Abram’s call (Gen. 12:1-4) or with the Exodus (Exod. 12:31-42). It did not even begin with Jesus Christ on the earth (Matt. 1:18-25) or with Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 13:4-14:26). We see God in scripture intentionally reaching out and desiring to be with His children. The mission continues with God’s relationship with Adam and Eve, it continues even after sin enters, and even now when God seeks to reestablish His relationship with humanity. Therefore, the foundation of any mission endeavor must be centered on a relationship with the Creator and the proper understanding of His missionary nature and character. But before we understand the mission of God, it is essential to better understand the God of mission.

What was God’s purpose for us?

God created a perfect world, He created us in His image and His purpose was that we live in perfect connection with Him, a relationship centered in His most precious attribute: love. But for love to be real God also gave us another precious gift: free will-the freedom to choose which way to follow.

What caused the mission of salvation, which had been designed “before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4) to be implemented?

The mission of salvation which had been designed “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), had to be implemented after Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the fruit which they were commanded not to eat.

What were God’s first words to Adam?

“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV).

Why did God ask the question, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV)?

Adam and Eve needed to see what was going on. They needed to understand the dreadful consequences of their sin. Satan also needed to be defeated. For that God began to present His mission: the plan of redemption (see Gen. 3:14, 15, NKJV)-the only hope of “reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19, NKJV).

What two issues does God address in His question to Adam?

Our fallen state and His missionary nature.

What was the purpose of God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants?

The purpose of God’s promise is to be with His people. See Monday’s lesson.

What was one of the main purposes of the earthly sanctuary?

To dwell among the children of Israel and a purposeful system that would point to the ultimate instrument of His mission: Jesus Christ. “The sacrificial offerings, and the priesthood of the Jewish system, were instituted to represent the death and mediatorial work of Christ.

What dimension does God desire to be with us take in the New Testament?

God had dwelt with His people within the sanctuary, and now He dwelt with them in the physical person of Jesus of Nazareth thus presenting in concrete ways God’s desire is to be with us.

How does God move forward with His mission of redemption in the New Testament?

God moved forward with His mission and then through Jesus Christ was present in the flesh among His children. The “one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, NIV), fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and, in accordance with the divine plan became one with us, God in human flesh thus God continued to accomplish His purpose.

How do we see the continuity of God’s desire to be with us in Jesus of Nazareth?

Jesus’ life and ministry were God’s ultimate revelation. Jesus’ ministry was the continuation of God’s desire to be with us. In the last week of Jesus’ life, the events that took place during those days connected the expectations from the past with hope for the future. Christ’s death was part of the reconciliation process, through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and received “ ‘all authority … in heaven and on earth’ ” (Matt. 28:18, NKJV). With this authority of Jesus, He then commissioned His followers to make disciples around the world, with an awesome promise: “ ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ ” (Matt. 28:20, NKJV; emphasis supplied) thus continuing His desire to be with us.

When would the work of redemption be complete?

The work of redemption will be complete when God makes all things new, the tabernacle of God shall be with men, “and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev. 21:3, NKJV).

In Conclusion,

God’s Mission to Us is to redeem us to Himself. This mission will be complete when there is a new heaven and a new earth and we reign with God eternally. May this be our portion to be with God eternally in Jesus’ name.

4th Quarter of Sabbath School Study Guide Introduction

The Theme for the Sabbath School Study Guide for the Fourth Quarter of 2023 is “God’s Mission, My Mission”. We, Christians do not want to be like the people in the village from the parable published by Adventist Magazines who only spent time talking about a dreadful swamp without doing anything to help those who were in trouble, nor did they do anything to try to stop more people from being lost in the swamp. This quarter’s lesson will focus our attention on going out there to actually do something to help those who are lost. Every Thursday’s lesson this quarter will challenge us to get out and, actually, do something. This quarter’s lesson is one that when we look back on, we will remember it as the time when the Holy Spirit took our humble efforts and worked mission miracles for the honor and glory of His name.

Here is an outline for the weekly topics for this quarter:

WEEK	LESSON’S TOPIC	PERIOD
1	God’s Mission to Us: Part 1	September 3-October 6
2	God’s Mission to Us: Part 2	October 7-13
3	God’s Call to Mission	October 14-20
4	Sharing God’s Mission	October 21-27
5	Excuses to Avoid Mission	October 28-November 3
6	Motivation and Preparation for Mission	November 4-10
7	Mission to My Neighbor	November 11-17
8	Mission to the Needy	November 18-24
9	Mission to the Powerful	November 25-December 1
10	Mission to the Unreached: Part 1	December 2-8
11	Mission to the Unreached: Part 2	December 9-15
12	Esther and Mordecai	December 16-22
13	The End of God’s Mission	December 23-29