Faithful Stewards - 3.Making Disciples - Completing The Great Commission - Zac Poonen
Truth & Grace - With Malayalam Translation (31st PCNAK Conference, USA, 2013)
Summary
The speaker cautions against misinterpreting scripture by taking verses out of their original context, emphasizing that one must read entire passages or letters for accurate understanding. He stresses the necessity of balancing truth (doctrine) with grace (practical love), citing Jesus's life as the model. Finally, he discusses the Great Commission, noting that Jesus commanded it twice, implying a comprehensive, global scope for evangelism that requires all believers to be witnesses.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Am I innocent of your blood?Believers sometimes misuse the phrase about being innocent of people's blood, as if one's responsibility ends immediately after a sermon.Acts 20:20
Declaring the whole purpose of GodPaul could say he was free from their blood because he did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel and purpose of God.
The balance of truth and graceJust as a human body needs both skeleton bones (truth) and flesh (grace), spiritual life requires both the fullness of truth and the love of grace without leaning entirely to one side.
The two goings in the Great CommissionBefore ascending, Jesus commanded His followers to go twice, pointing to the balanced work of evangelism and discipleship.
Signs following the preaching of the gospelWhen believers go out to preach the gospel to unreached areas, signs like healing and deliverance from demons accompany the ministry.
Making disciples of all nationsThe second part of the commission goes beyond initial salvation and baptism to making disciples by teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded.
Teaching obedience, not just informationTrue teaching involves instructing people to observe and practice every single thing Jesus commanded, rather than just presenting facts on a board.
Seeking to please God rather than manA true minister examines his heart after every sermon to ensure he was speaking to please God rather than trying to impress people or protect human opinions.
You cannot serve two mastersJesus taught that no one can love two masters, meaning we cannot love God while loving money or putting earthly relationships above Him.
Building on the rock by hearing and doingThose who hear the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and do them are like a wise man building on a rock, whereas those who do not obey face a great fall.
