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61. The Great Commission Know Your Part

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In Your Bible Read This Out Loud: Matthew 24:14

Memorise This Verse: John 4:36 ‘Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together’

Afterwards Talk About This:  Why should anyone hear the gospel twice, before everyone has heard it once.

Something To Do Before Next Time:  In prayer, ask God to show you your part in the Great Commission.

Written Diploma Work:  Write one side on the three broad categories of ministry related to the Great Commission.

Meditate Word By Word On This Verse:  Romans 10:14-15

The bible gives several examples of activities that should characterise a Christian who is truly serving God – some being mentioned 2,3,4 or more times through out the bible. We saw previously that the Great Commission is God’s top priority in the earth at this time as it will facilitate the second return of King Jesus to set up his Kingdom rule on the earth.

Consequently, the bible gives many references that Christians should be looking forward to, and working towards the completion of the Great Commission and the return of Jesus. In fact, in no less than 9 places the bible shows that Christians should be expectantly looking forward to and facilitating the return of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:7 ‘Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed’.

Philippians 3:20 ‘But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there’.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 ‘They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven’.

2 Timothy 4:8 ‘Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing’.

Titus 2:13 ‘While we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ’.

Hebrews 9:28 ‘He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him’.

Hebrews 10:25 ‘But let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching’.

2 Peter 3:12 ‘You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it’s coming’.

Jude 21 ‘Keep yourself in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life’.

Having read the 9 fold witness of the word of God, can you say that the above scriptures accurately describe your Christian experience? are you looking forward to, and working towards the day when Jesus returns to the earth. Have you taken ownership of this vision of taking the gospel to those who have never heard? is it your life’s work that you will pour your time, energy and money into?  Perhaps you are faithfully labouring in your local church but have never invested into the greatest work in the earth at this time of taking the gospel to those who have never heard it.

‘Many a one, I am afraid, is going to be disappointed. You may be that one. You may have won many souls in your town. You may have been most faithful to your church but what have you done for those in heathen darkness? Did you ever think of going yourself? Have you ever given your money that someone else might go? Have you prayed? What part have you in the evangelisation of the world? Have you obeyed orders?’ Oswald J Smith – The Passion for Souls

Consequently, it is of vital importance that each Christian finds out and performs their part in the Great Commission in the above quote, Oswold J Smith rightly identifies three broad areas that people can contribute towards

  1. Those who can go and preach
  2. Those who can pray for those who go and preach
  3. Those who financially contribute to those who go and preach

Whilst there are undoubtedly all types of specific ministries that contribute towards world mission it would appear that they fall into one of these broad categories. The great need is for each one of us to find our role and dispatch it with all our hearts so that we fulfil the great work of the hour.

Someone must send money is necessary. There are those who will have to hold the ropes at home. And if you, my friend, cannot go, then perhaps God wants you to be a sender and to see that another goes in your place. Your part is to earn money and make it possible for someone else to go. And remember, you will share equally in the reward.

Then there are the prayers. It may be that you cannot earn money and that you only have sufficient for your own needs. You may never be able to send another but you can be a pray-er. You can spend a little time in Africa, and India, and China, each day. You can get a list of missionaries and pray for them. That may be your responsibility, and if it is, woe betide you if you shrink from it. You, too, may win a reward by faithfully praying for those who have gone thus you can have a share in their work.

Then, of course, there are the go-ers, and if you are healthy and strong, if you have or can get the necessary training, and if you are prepared, you can go. The urge will come upon you as you pray about your life’s work and you will soon know if God is calling. I challenge you to the greatest work in the world. I appeal to you to go if you can. There is nothing like it. Why, the missionaries are God’s aristocrats. They are the aristocracy of the church. You will be associating with the finest people on earth’ Oswold J Smith – A passion for souls

A House of Prayer for the Poorer Nations

Pray for Laos

5,433,036 people, 61% Buddhist

Church growing despite communist governments intense persecution of believers.


This study contains the personal beliefs and practices of of the author who recommends them to the reader. The author takes no credit for their success where applied and likewise takes no responsibility for any failure or disappointment.

The House of Prayer for the Poorer Nations at the end of each section is based on Operation World 21st Century Edition © Patrick Johnstone, Jason Mandryk. Published by Paternoster. All scriptures are NIV © Hodder & Stoughton.

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