Category G: Mission

Making Disciples

This is the Great Commission. It's not optional.

1. Go and Make Disciples

"Then Jesus came up and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

— Matthew 28:18–20 (NET)

This is your mission. Not "go and make converts." Make disciples.

A convert believes. A disciple follows.

How to make disciples:

1. Go (don't wait for them to come to you)
2. Make disciples (not just evangelistic contacts)
3. Baptize them (public identification with Christ)
4. Teach them to obey all Jesus commanded (obedience, not just knowledge)

Application: Who are you discipling? If no one, start this week. (See Part 11 for how.)

2. Start at Home

"Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you."

— Mark 5:19 (NET)

Your first mission field is your home.

If you're a parent: Disciple your children (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). If you're married: Disciple your spouse (Ephesians 5:25–26 — husbands, love and sanctify your wives). If you're single: Disciple your siblings, parents, friends.

Don't neglect your household to "do ministry." Your household IS your ministry.

"But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

— 1 Timothy 5:8 (NET)

Application: Are you discipling your household? If not, start today.

3. Let Your Light Shine

"You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven."

— Matthew 5:14–16 (NET)

You're not called to hide. You're called to shine.

How?

• Good works that make people ask, "Why are you like this?"
• Verbal witness when they ask (1 Peter 3:15)
• Holy living that stands out in a dark world

Application: Are you shining, or hiding? Be visible. Let people see Christ in you.

4. Be Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

"I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

— Matthew 10:16 (NET)

You're in a hostile environment. The world will oppose you.

Be wise: Don't be naive. Don't be reckless. Think strategically. Be innocent: Don't use worldly tactics. Don't lie, manipulate, or compromise. Stay pure.

Application: When engaging the culture, be shrewd but not sinful. Think carefully. Speak wisely. Don't cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).