Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series:
Spiritual Warfare
October 10,
2004
THE
BELIEVER IN THE WORLD
Part
I
Introduction: This relationship involves the believer, who is not of this world system, but who has been placed by Jesus Christ strategically in and among the world of men who are a dominant part of this system.
Believers are gifts that the Father has given the Son out of the world (compare John 17:6 with John 17:2, 9, 11, 12, 24.) Christ has purposely chosen the weak and foolish things of the world that, through His grace and power, we might make a greater impact upon men (I Corinthians 1:27-28).
• We are sent to the world (John 17:18, 20:21). We have a mission. The Father sent the Son into the world on a mission. This mission is seen in Galatians 4:1 and John 3:17.
Jesus’ mission was to procure salvation, which He did through His death on the cross (John 19:30).
Our mission is to proclaim this salvation. This mission was first made known to Christ’s disciples (Acts 1:8) and the mandate continues to us today. The Lord has chosen to include believers in fulfilling His mission!
• We are sown in the world (Matthew 13:37, 38). We are sown for a two-fold purpose:
To evangelize (Mark 16:15, Philippians 2:16, John 16:7-11) - the Gospel is preached; the Word of Life is held forth. This is accomplished through believers. Working conjointly with believers is the Holy Spirit who, through the preaching of the Gospel, seeks to bring people under conviction of sin.
For discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20). Discipleship includes not only winning people to Jesus Christ, but also teaching them to follow Him.
Beloved, are we seeking to be involved in the Great Commission with the Holy Spirit as our leader? If not, why not begin today? God bless.
Love in Jesus,