BE A KINGDOM MISSIONARY
GOD’S WORD, GOD’S WORLD, GOD’S WORK
FOCUS SCRIPTURE: After these things, the Lord appointed other 70 also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, the harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:1-2
OBJECTIVES
Believe - more deeply that the Harvest is truly great
Feel - more passionately about the work that God has left for us to complete
Do - To readily share the gospel of Jesus Christ in every city and every place
GOD’S WORD
INTRODUCTION
What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word ‘missionary’? Perhaps some of you thought of taking a mission’s trip to Africa. Some of you thought of an individual that has packed up, left home for good, and moved to a foreign country to serve. While others may think of a select group of people from your local church that support someone else in another country. Although not limited, these are a few typical thoughts as it relates to being a missionary. We will learn throughout this lesson that those are correct but surely not an exhaustive list of what a missionary’s role and responsibility are.
News flash! We are all missionaries on kingdom assignment to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere! The mission field is extensive.
As we embark on this new series of what it means to “Be a Kingdom Missionary”, you are encouraged to have an open mind and heart to fully embrace God’s view of missionary work. We will find throughout God’s word, the instructions he left on record for all of us. God’s word never changes, and it includes instructions on how every believer should respond to the mandate to be a kingdom missionary!
Biblical Foundation for Missionary Work
We can quickly look to God’s word for a detailed understanding on the foundation and practical application of being a missionary in God’s kingdom.
Matthew 28:19-20 states, “19Go 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. This is best known as the Great Commission, the instructions for all believers to Go and Do. It is an authoritative command left on record by Jesus, not a suggestion. The authority in which Jesus spoke gives him the power to send whomever He wills to do what He needs them to do.
Under this authority, Jesus demonstrates how HIS work would continue to the world through his disciples. Although imperfect disciples were the audience to which he spoke, Jesus still sent them with an expectation of the work being accomplished.
• He sent the impulsive and headstrong Peter
• He sent Phillip who still behaved as if he didn’t fully understand who he was
• He sent Thomas who needed to place his hands in the nail prints in order to believe
Yet Jesus sent them by HIS power to do the work. He was not depending on their own personal power of some sorts to complete the work, but only HIS power. Therefore, they didn’t have to be perfect to get the job done. Likewise, this biblical foundation stands true for us. We too must go. Our limitations and shortfalls have been considered prior to the call to GO! Future disciples that would be made through this teaching would continue to reproduce until the end of age.
Importance of a Kingdom Missionary
A Kingdom missionary is someone who actively participates in spreading the message of God’s kingdom through evangelism, service, and discipleship. It is important that we all grasp the fact that this work is vital and that it is not limited to a select few people to do. It is important because it directly results in:
• Fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Being ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) - We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
• Expanding God's kingdom on earth (Acts 1:8) - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
What does it mean to be a Kingdom missionary in today’s context?
Characteristics of a Kingdom Missionary
Now that the foundation of being a kingdom missionary is established, let us take a deeper dive into what this individual should embody. No one wants to encounter someone spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ with behaviors and character traits that are far from what Christ represents. Missional work is hand AND heart work. Our hearts must be postured in a way that others receive us. Don’t be a busy body that merely talks about God but demonstrate his traits as you share.
A Kingdom Missionary will possess the following characteristics:
1. Faith and Dependence on God: Trust in God's provision and guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. Love and Compassion: Demonstrating Christ’s love to others (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
3. Boldness and Courage: Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 6:19-20)
4. Humility and Servanthood: Following Christ’s example (Philippians 2:3-8)
Which characteristics are considered a strength for you?
Which characteristics can you improve?
We see these characteristics in biblical examples such as:
• Jesus Christ: The ultimate missionary (Luke 4:18-19)
• Paul: His missionary journeys and letters (Acts 13-28)
• Philip: Evangelism to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
• Peter: Ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 10)
• Priscilla: Teaching and discipling alongside her husband Aquila (Acts 18:24-26)
• Phoebe: A deacon and supporter of Paul's ministry (Romans 16:1-2)
• Lydia: Hospitality and support for Paul’s ministry in Philippi (Acts 16:14-15)
Note the different categories in which we see missions work being completed. Some are in preaching and teaching roles. Some are in support roles, and others are in service roles. Mission work can cover a vast area of responsibility in ensuring the spreading of the gospel is complete.
Additionally, we see that many of these biblical examples had to face various challenges when completing the work.
1. Persecution and opposition (2 Timothy 3:12)
2. Cultural and language barriers (Acts 17:16-34)
3. Personal fears and inadequacies (Jeremiah 1:6-8)
Life Application
We have examined the what and the why of missional work. Our next step is to discover the ‘how’. How do we get there? What practical steps can you take as a believer in shifting your mindset to do the work? It is evident that such a great task should not be lightly and half-heartedly approached.
1. Pray: Seeking God’s direction and strength (Colossians 4:2-4)
2. Study and Prepare: Knowing the Word and be ready to share (2 Timothy 2:15)
3. Build Relationships: Connect with others to share the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
4. Service and Action: Demonstrate the gospel through deeds (James 2:14-17)
5. Partnerships: Collaborate with other believers and organizations (Philippians 1:3-5)
With careful consideration, we can effectively become a kingdom missionary with clear direction. We will confidently be able to fulfill the call with assurance that we are doing the work in the area that God calls us to.
Conclusion
We have all been mandated to be kingdom missionaries. Our duties and responsibilities may vary as well as where we are placed in the mission field. Some are called locally, globally, and even to the digital space.
• Local Mission: Sharing the gospel in your community (Mark 5:19)
• Global Mission: Reaching out to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
• Digital Mission: Using technology to spread the gospel (Romans 10:14-15)
Regardless of the proximity, we must possess the necessary qualities to carry out the work. Remember that you have God’s presence and promise as a result of completing this work. He tells us that he will give us power and that He will never leave us. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. This removes excuses of not being sufficient for the assignment. Your labor will not be in vain.
Now GO! Be the most effective missionary for the sake of the KINGDOM!
BE A KINGDOM MISSIONARY
GOD’S WORD, GOD’S WORLD, GOD’S WORK
FOCUS SCRIPTURE: After these things, the Lord appointed other 70 also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, the harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:1-2
OBJECTIVES
Believe - more deeply that the Harvest is truly great
Feel - more passionately about the work that God has left for us to complete
Do - To readily share the gospel of Jesus Christ in every city and every place
GOD’S WORLD
GOD’S DIVERSE WORLD
Matthew 24:14 | And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
God’s world is vast. The Bible tells us that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). One thing we learn is there is so much diversity throughout the world. With diversity comes unique environments, cultures, religions, and traditions. As Christians, it’s important we learn the basics concerning different cultures, creeds, and religions. We don’t have to be subject matter experts, but we should be conscious of certain things, the basics.
We have been called to go throughout this world and spread the “good news.” Matthew 24:14 is clear. The message of the “good news” came from God’s Kingdom.
Do you remember when you had to go outside and tell your siblings what mom or dad said? The message of “come inside” or “cut that tv off” came from on high!
We must understand, we are delivering a message from on high. You have a message of hope and love in your belly. God desires we share His message to all.
Do you know how to share the message of God’s love to someone? Try it! Practice!
Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Do you notice the similarities between Acts 1:8 and Matthew 24:14? God wants us to witness within and beyond the borders.
There is an area called the 10/40 Window. Does anyone know what the 10/40 Window is about?
The 10/40 Window is a rectangular geographic area stretching from NorthWest Africa through the Middle East to Asia, covering 68 countries. This area is 10 degrees to 40 degrees N latitude.
This area is in extreme dire need of missionaries and positive Christian influence. This area makes up 1/3 of the Earth's land but 2/3’s of the world population. Only 3% of the world’s missionaries serve in this area. The “3%” are trying to reach 2/3’s of the world’s population of unreached people.
In this area we find the THUMB. Tribal, Hindu, Unreligious, Muslims, and Buddhist all reside in this 10/40 window that must be reached. How do we reach almost 3 billion people? What is the game plan? What role do you play in the Great Commission? This is why Christ let us know that the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). Christ’s words are so prophetic when we look at this situation. Many people see this window of people like a headache, but God sees a harvest!
What do you see?
Are you waiting on a pulpit or stage to have Kingdom impact?
No Access
Imagine having no access to Christ. Many areas in the 10/40 Window have limited access and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Imagine not having a church family to fellowship with. This is why it is important we do our part in supporting the Missions Ministry. We can support by praying, going, and/or financially contributing. Who introduced you to Christ? When did you first learn about God? Where would you be if you never learned about God’s saving grace and mercy? God requires we do the same for those that are lost.
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:44-49, John 20:19-23, Acts 1:8)
The first 5 books of the New Testament have something in common. What do these verses have in common?
Matthew 28:19-20 | Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
You are a Kingdom Ambassador for Christ! What does that mean to you?
As you research missionary work, you’ll find there are teams all over the world. So, you are never alone. It doesn’t require being an expert on the subject matter. Missionary work simply requires saved people, who are led of the Spirit and the love of God, to go out and connect with those who do not know Christ. You’re introducing them to your Jehovah Jirah, your El Shaddi. You introduce them to Christ through the Word and personal actions.
Embrace Your Role
Everyone has a role to play on the field. Focus on the role and gifts that God has given you. Not everyone is required to be like the Apostle Paul and the great things he was able to accomplish in those amazing missionary journeys. He preached to people, he was stoned (almost to death), and he spoke before political leaders. The Apostle Paul was a Roman but became a huge advocate for Gentiles. He was willing to go beyond the borders. Some of our roles might be distributing items, counseling, cooking, building shelters, providing medical assistance or teaching/supporting homegrown missionaries who can go places you cannot reach. They can speak a language you cannot speak.
What role do you believe God will use you in?
How can you have an impact being a Kingdom Ambassador?
BE A KINGDOM MISSIONARY
GOD’S WORD, GOD’S WORLD, GOD’S WORK
FOCUS SCRIPTURE: After these things, the Lord appointed other 70 also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, the harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:1-2
OBJECTIVES
Believe - more deeply that the Harvest is truly great
Feel - more passionately about the work that God has left for us to complete
Do - To readily share the gospel of Jesus Christ in every city and every place
GOD’S WORK
Introduction
Over the last few weeks, we have explored what it means to be a Kingdom Missionary. We investigated the Word of God and learned where God specifically instructed us ALL To Go Out! and spread His Gospel to a dying world that desperately needs it. We saw many examples of missional work being carried out throughout the pages of Scripture and the cost of obedience (the cost of disobedience is much greater). We have learned about the 10-40 Window and T.H.U.M.B. (Tribal, Hindu, Unreligious, Muslim, Buddhism). Many of these people have never heard the name of Jesus, the hard-to-reach places that most missionaries neglect.
Today, we get to the fun part: discussing God's work! As Christians, we must remain convinced that what we do for Christ will ultimately stand. We are at the point in our lesson where talk becomes cheap, and we must put our feet to faith.
How will you get your hands dirty for Christ?
Focus Scripture: Luke 10:1-2 (KJV)
After these things, the Lord appointed other 70 also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, the harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
In our focus scripture, Jesus passionately explains that a great many souls were ready to be gathered into the fold but not nearly enough laborers to go out and complete the work. So Jesus encouraged His listeners to cry out and pray to the Lord of the harvest that he would send out more to gather them in. Imagine from a natural perspective that you were a farmer and had an exceptional year that yielded acres and acres of ripe, “Grade A” crops. That would have to be an amazing feeling. Now imagine being the same farmer with little help gathering the harvest. Imagine the anguish as some crops begin to spoil and go bad because they were not harvested in time. As seen in John 6:12 when Jesus states, “When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." (John 6:12, KJV) In this passage, Jesus was alluding to more than the leftover bread and fish. Jesus’ desire is that all come to repentance and salvation through Him.
What can we do?
Everyone may not be able to physically travel to foreign lands, whether it be for physical, financial or other hindrances that make taking the journey unfeasible. However, we all have a role to play in reaching the unreached with the Good News. Being a Kingdom Missionary consists of 5 primary roles: Praying to the Lord of the harvest, Sending laborers, Welcoming the nations, Going where the church is not, and Mobilizing the body of Christ.
Praying to the Lord of the harvest: The Apostle Paul emphasized the power of prayer, especially when it came to missionary work. Paul endured many hardships while performing the work. However, prayer carried him through and helped him establish many churches and accomplish every task God placed in his charge. Here are some of the passages that demonstrate the power of those fervent prayers. Rom 15:30-1, 2 Cor 1:8-11, Eph 6:18- 20, Phil 1:19, Col 4:34, 2 Thes 3:1-2.
Sending Laborers: It costs to go! Everyone with the heart and willingness to go does not necessarily have the resources to go; even if they do, it takes steady resources to sustain the work. We must send them well by praying for them and sending resources so they can focus on spreading the message of Jesus Christ everywhere that he leads them. This is much easier to accomplish when your basic needs are not constantly unmet. Matt 6:21 reminds us that where our treasure is, there will our hearts also be. Where is your treasure? Here are just a few passages that emphasize the importance of sending: 3 John 5:8, Phil 4:15-19, 2 Cor 9:6-12.
Welcoming the Nations: God is sending the Nations right here to us. Many come to America seeking a better life. Many come to gain wealth and resources that they can take back home. We have many international college students and professionals who are here to perfect their skills. We also have many refugees among us who have been permanently displaced, far from their native lands, and who now call America home. We as believers just make it a priority to give them Jesus while the opportunity presents itself
Going where the Church is not: Believe it or not it has been about 2000 years since the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and yet there are still many places that not only have no churches, they have never even heard the name of Jesus. How can you call on Someone you have never heard of? We are blessed and spoiled beyond measure here in America. There seems to be a church or several churches on every city block. Whether or not you choose to hear and receive the Word of God is not dictated by availability.
In many places this is not so and that is why there is a dire need for willing, trained vessels to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus never ignored the lost or the underdog, so neither can we. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt 24:14 KJV) There is much work to do and though we all cannot go, someone has to.
Mobilizing the Body of Christ: After learning and gaining a better understanding of the fact that we serve a global God that has a heart for the entire world, the next step is to share, empower and energize others so that they may gain that same understanding and become a Kingdom Missionary.
Mobilizers invite others to join them as they pray, send well, welcome the nations and go where the church is not. Mobilizers understand that the “laborers are few” and are doing their part to recruit more laborers to help gather in the harvest. This vital step of reproducing laborers cannot be neglected. When more hands and feet join together to do the work, we move that much closer to accomplishing the mission assigned to us by Jesus Christ.
Application
So, what does this mean for us today? How can we use what we have learned over the last few weeks to be Kingdom Missionaries and glorify God by reaching the unreached?
1. Praying to the Lord of the harvest – Prayer is always in order! Wielding the power of prayer opens doors that no man can close and closes doors that no man can open. Take time to pray for the missionaries who are on the ground, risking their lives for the sake of the Gospel. Pray that the Word of God will penetrate the hearts of the unreached when they encounter it.
2. Sending laborers – A little can go a very long way. Consider investing some of the gain God has graciously given you towards missions. Your giving helps to build churches, provide translations of God’s Word in the languages of lost souls who desperately need it, and provide resources for the missionaries on the ground to continue the work among countless other uses.
3. Welcoming the Nations – There are members of unreached groups right here in our own backyard. Many students travel from abroad to gain an education and the necessary skills and resources to take back home to help their communities. While they are here, take some time to get to know them and share your faith with them. Give them the Good News, which is the greatest resource they could ever take back home. Who better to reach the lost than members of their communities that God's Word has transformed?
4. Going where the Church is not- God may be calling you to go out physically and spread the Gospel in places that have yet to be saturated with the Good News. Someone has to go out among them and be the light. Someone has to live out the Gospel in front of them and help establish churches where none or very few currently exist.
5. Mobilizing the Body of Christ- Discipleship! The best way to sustain any process is to train others to do it effectively. Now that your hearts and minds have been opened to the truth and the vast needs that are required to gather the harvest, and now that you are thinking about the Gospel from a global perspective, enlighten someone else. Everyone who claims Christ as Lord does not have the same awareness of the dire need that you now possess. All hands are needed to ensure the Gospel reaches every pocket of the earth.
Conclusion
As we conclude the instructional portion of this month’s lesson on Be a Kingdom Missionary, we leave you with this passage from the Book of Isaiah. “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8, KJV) After learning what a missionary is and what they do and understanding that God has commanded and commissioned every Christ follower to GO! Now that you know about the 10-40 window, the billions of unreached people living throughout that area, and the massive effort it will take to reach them with the soul-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, will your heart's cry match that of Isaiah? Can the Master send YOU? During this lesson, you discovered that not everyone can go physically. Still, we can all play a part and Be a Kingdom Missionary.
