Memory Scripture
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, …teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20)
The Bible empowers us to carry God’s Word to the world, Igniting hope and faith everywhere.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 21: We Are Christ’s Ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20)
Tue. 22: Witnesses Must Be Prayerful (Phil. 4:6-7)
Wed. 23: Witnesses Must Love And Serve (Jn. 13:34-35)
Thu. 24: Witnesses Must Persevere (Gal. 6:9)
Fri. 25: Witnesses Share Testimony (Rev. 12:11)
Sat. 26: Wanted, More Christ’s Witnesses (Matt. 9:37-38)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
The Bible is a living message of hope. As we share the gospel, we spread God’s love to a world in need.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCES: ISAIAH 61:1; MATTHEW 28:19-20; JOHN 1:1-5; 3:16; 13:34-35; ACTS 1:8; ROMANS 1:16; 12:2;
1 CORINTHIANS 9:22; 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17
In today’s lesson: The Bible in Mission: Spreading the Gospel, we are reminded of World Tourism Day, which celebrates how tourism connects people from all over the world. Similarly, the gospel brings people together, united by the love of Christ.
Last week, we explored The Bible’s Influence on the Society and Public Life. We, by God’s grace, learnt how it shapes culture, values and leadership. Today, we focus on our roles in spreading the gospel to every corner of the earth.
The Bible’s message isn’t just for us—it is meant to be shared. Let this lesson inspire us to live with purpose and passion, spreading God’s Word and embracing the mission to reach all nations through Jesus’ name.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE BIBLE: THE GIFT OF GOD’S WORD
- THE BIBLE: THE TOOL FOR MISSIONS
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE BIBLE:THEGIFTOFGOIYSWORD (Isa. 61:1; Jn. 1:1-5; 3:16; Rom. 12:2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John. 3:16)
a) Jn 3:16: For God so love the world that he gave His only begotten son… The Bible is a combination of books given by God through the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Tim. 3:16).
b) 1:1-5: Jesus, the Word, is the base on which all of the Scripture centres. The OT and NT testify to this (v. 1; cf. Isa. 9:6)
c) Isa. 61:1: He has sent Me… He was sent for many purposes which He fulfils in the lives of those who receive and believe in Him (Mat. 11:28-29; Lk4:18).
d) 2 Tim. 3:16-17: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. This implies that God used human authors to write what He
inspired, which constitutes the Bible.
e) Rom. 12:2: The Bible presents us access to the transformational knowledge of God. As we study, we become transformed through the illumination unleashed on us. Darkness is dispelled; heaven is enthroned.
f) The Bible is the combination of several books inspired by the Holy Spirit but reveals Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Any gospel that contradicts the Word, or exempts Jesus is NOT the Bible.
THE BIBLE: THE TOOL FOR MISSIONS (Matt. 28:19-20; Jn. 1:8; Rom.1:16; 1 Cor. 9:22)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Rom. 1:16)
a) Matt. 28:19: Go therefore and make disciples… The Greek word for “go” is (poreueste) and conveys the idea of actively going forth to fulfil a mission, globally.
b) v. 19: The Great Commission is a call to action. Being static, individually, or as a church does not glorify God the gospel
is the antidote. The gospel is living and active. Is this true of What you carry? (Acts 6:8-8:1,3; 9:2).
c) v. 20: …to observe all that I have commanded you. This directive emphasises the active role Christians are called to play in sharing their faith and making disciples globally.
d) Acts 1:8: …and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. The Bible highlights the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in spreading the gospel. Is your
message Spirit-driven, or money-motivated? Beware!
e) Rom. 1:16: It is our duty to proclaim the gospel boldly (not arrogantly), as it carries the divine power to change lives (cf. Acts 2:14ff).
f) Jn. 13:34-35: By this… The Bible shows that genuine love among believers is key to witnessing to the world. The gospel is the gospel of love.
g) 1 Cor. 9:22: It is important to adapt our methods to communicate the gospel effectively without adulterating its message. I have become all things to all people, that by all means l might save some.
LESSONS DERIVED
- The gospel is God’s gift to humanity, and sharing it is at the heart of the Christian message. Any contradiction is an
aberration. - The Great Commission calls us to action, with love, wisdom, godliness and the power of God ‘s Word guiding us.
QUESTIONS
- The Bible is God’s gift to man. Discuss.
- What is the role of Christians in spreading the gospel?
