FBC Daily Devotions

THE GREAT COMMISSION
Perhaps it has become so familiar to you that you could quote (or at least paraphrase) those words: “Therefore, go and make disciples…” It is a commission given to the church as a whole working together to fulfill Jesus’ words. You have a place in fulfilling that commission to make disciples. You may not realize it, but your very presence in the church Family is in part to contribute toward reaching out to make disciples in your own way. As we enter this new series for the month of November, I pray that your role in the process of discipleship will become clearly evident, and that your zeal to reach out would find a place in your life. –Pastor Mike

Home Group Questions
Week of November 3, 2008

REACHING OUT: THE GREAT COMMISSION

Opening: How have you seen God work this week?

1. Read Matthew 28:16-20.
2. According to this passage, the Great Commission involves “going”, “making”, “baptizing”, and “teaching”. But the main (and only) command in the original Greek is to “make disciples”. The thrust of the command is more literally, “Therefore, having gone, make disciples of all the nations…” The implication is that we must go before we can make. Where are the “go to” places in your life? Depending on those places, helping make followers of Christ will look different. Discuss what discipleship looks like in various places of one another’s lives (e.g. in the home, at work, at the gym, at church, etc.).
3. When it comes to making disciples, there are two aspects of discipleship: conversion and growth or evangelism and maturity. Evangelism is a process of interacting with an unbelieving world such that people are drawn to Christ and desire to place their faith in Him. Growth involves helping those people go beyond initial salvation and into a growing relationship with God (i.e. a growing love and dependence on Him). In the process of making disciples, where do you feel your strengths lie (evangelism>>>growing)? In what ways are you using those strengths currently?
4. Read 2 Cor. 2:14-15. What is God doing through us according to this passage? When you think of a fragrance or aroma, what positive things come to mind? What are ways the aroma of Christ is spread in people’s lives? What do you observe about our aroma to those who are “being saved” and those who are “perishing”? What does this say about how the gospel is viewed by those who are in the process of being saved and those who are perishing?
5. Read 2 Cor. 5:16-21. How would you summarize this passage in your own words?
6. As ambassadors of Christ, are there those in your life that you could make an appeal for reconciliation to God? As you go into prayer, be sure to pray for courage and wisdom to be Christ’s ambassador for those people.

In addition, consider the following questions:

• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?

Look over your notes from the past week. What one or two things did God impress upon you this week?

Read Philippians 1:15-21.

A few weeks ago at the Fall Conference, Dr. Terveen shared some thoughts on this passage. He spoke of Paul’s attitude despite the poor motives of others. He rejoiced that regardless, the gospel was being preached, and that made it more than possible to see past their bad motives. There is a lesson to be learned in Paul’s attitude when it comes to conflict. If we can see any amount of good in a situation, even in conflict, it is good to dwell on those things and rejoice in the process. Nothing makes a conflict more discouraging than having a hopeless attitude. Considering the good in a conflict (no matter how little there may seem to be) is a helpful way to stay constructive and hopeful. Read again Paul’s jubilant words in vv. 19-21.

To Consider
How can one see past the difficulty and negativity of a conflict to see the silver lining? Is this something we can choose to do? If you are going through a conflict, take some time to think about how God is present in the situation. Dwell in that hope rather than living in the critical world of conflict.

Read Philippians 4:2-3.

Two women who apparently struggled to get along… two people who worked side by side with Paul. The NIV says they “contended at my side for the cause of the gospel.” The Greek word for “contend” comes from a word meaning “to engage in a contest” or “contend for a prize.” How sad it is when the contention is not against a common enemy in Satan, but in a fellow brother or sister in Christ! These were two women who worked toward a common goal in the gospel. They were the on the same team, but acted like they were engaged in a contest against one another.

To Consider
Conflict is more easily resolved when we recognize we are on the same team in Christ. We both (hopefully) want what is best in the sight of God. The next time you enter a conflict, consider that you are working on the same team. Your opponent is not your co-worker; your opponent is out there (Satan) trying to divert attention away from Him and the progress of the gospel.

How have you seen this truth work in a conflict in your life? Is Satan getting the best of a conflict in your life? How can you affirm your teammate that you aren’t trying to work against him or her? (Note: This applies to marriages as well.)

Read Matthew 5:23-26.

In consideration of yesterday’s devotional, it is good and right to confess to God our guilt and our part of a simmering conflict. But while that is a necessary part of our relationship with God, it is clear from this passage that our relationship with God is connected to our relationship with others. If we know someone is holding something against us, God wants us to address that issue with the other person even before we go to the altar of worship. Let’s face it, it does seem a little hypocritical to worship God when we know we have offended one of His beloved and are ignoring it.

To Consider
When you have owned up to your part of a conflict, it is not enough to confess it to God alone. God desires that we make amends quickly. In humility, apologize for your part. Avoid the temptation to say, “but, you…”

Is there someone you know that needs your humble apology? Just do it! While it may be difficult, it is necessary to ease the conflict and begin on the right path toward resolution.