We will break down our understanding of missional into three categories: what, why, how.

WHAT? WHAT IS MISSIONAL?  The word “missional” is not found anywhere in Scripture, so it’s important for us to define it according to Scripture.

o      Mathew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

§       After telling his disciples that authority has been given to him by God, Jesus calls his disciples into action, instructing them to make more disciples, or followers of Jesus.

o      Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

§       Jesus gives further instructions to his disciples after he has been resurrected. In this verse, it is important to notice where Jesus calls his apostles to be his witness. He first mentions the city of Jerusalem which is where we find Jesus and his disciples at this point in Acts. Jesus instructs them to also take the Gospel to Judea and Samaria, both of which are large regions comprised of cities, almost like states today.

§       What this means for us is that missions starts where we’re at now, wherever that might be.  A traditional view of missions is taking trips overseas or across state lines but we see in this verse that we must begin sharing our faith with those within our daily context, like neighbors, coworkers etc.

WHY?  WHY BE MISSIONAL? THE HEART OF MISSIONS.

·       In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), it is made abundantly clear that we are given a calling directly from our great God and Savior, Jesus. At what point are we in sin for not answering this calling? Meaning, if we are not in the regular, habitual process of going and disciple making, are we in sin?

o      The short answer is maybe. The process of going and disciple making (or not) is not a black and white sin like gossip or sexual immorality, for example. But, like all sin, the behavior is secondary only to the condition of our hearts. Therefore, it is necessary to examine our hearts in light of our mission. 

A Scriptural Cardiology Exam 

·       Cultivating a heart for missions requires prayerful examination in three key areas.

1.     First, we must understand that it is God that ultimately does the saving.

o      1 Corinthians 3:5-9

§       Paul says that while he planted and Apollos (Acts 18:24-26) watered (an analogy for sharing the Gospel) only God “gives the growth” (ESV). Farmers can plant and water and plant and water but without growth the work is fruitless labor. This means that while we are called to use our gifts for the advancement of the Gospel, ultimately it is God that softens hearts to his grace in Jesus.

§       It is also important to notice that while it is God that does the saving, it does not mean that we can kick back and not intentionally pursue those around us. As believers, we have been equipped to do the work of God and follow the example of intentional pursuit set for us by Jesus and his followers.  

2.     Secondly, we must know how Jesus characterizes his followers.

o      Mark 5:13-16

§       In this passage, Jesus calls his followers to be the salt and light of the earth. As followers of Jesus, this isn’t optional and it isn’t something we can turn on or off. Jesus doesn’t say that being the salt and the light is only for some followers at certain times. Being salt and light is a reflection of our hearts and the Holy Spirit living within us.

3.     Third, we must genuinely care for the people we’re intentionally pursuing and see them the way God does.

o      1 Timothy 2:3-4

§       God desires all men to be saved, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Do we desire that for all people, even those who we don’t click with or even those who have hurt us?

o      1 Peter 5:7

§       Peter calls us to cast our anxieties onto God because “he cares for (us)” (ESV). Notice that Peter doesn’t say that God simply likes us or deals with us but that, as our Heavenly Father, he cares for us.

o      Jesus as our atonement for sin

§       God made it possible for his people to be restored into a right relationship with him by giving over his only son to die for the sins of all people. This is the extent of God’s of sacrifice so that we might come to know him personally and to demonstrate his desire for all men to be saved.

o      1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

In Paul’s first letter to the church of Thessalonica, he reflects back on the time that he, Silas, and Timothy spent with the people there. Paul equates their relationship to that of a nursing mother, gently caring for her children (v. 7) and of a father exhorting and encouraging his own (v.11-12). He also says that the Thessalonians had become “very dear to (them)” and was, therefore, delighted to not only share the Gospel but themselves and their lives as well. 

HOW? HOW DO WE PRACTICE BEING MISSIONAL pt.1?   Being missional hinges upon our being intentional. In doing so, we create opportunities to further relationships with those we’re pursuing. We must follow the examples seen in Scripture to intentionally pursue those around us in the hopes that they would put their faith in Jesus.

o      Acts 19:9-10 – Here we see Paul in Ephesus speaking “boldly” (ESV) first in the synagogue, reasoning and persuading the Jews there. After three months, Paul withdrew from the synagogue in response to their maligning and “speaking evil” (ESV) of them. Paul then takes his disciples to the hall of Tyrannus in Ephesus where, for two years, he “(reasoned) daily” (ESV) or had “discussions” (NIV). To discuss, share ideas, listen, persuade, and converse for over two years requires very intentional pursuit of a city and its people. As a result of God calling Paul to Ephesus and using Paul’s intentionality, opportunity is created. A church is established in Ephesus and continues throughout the course of time in New Testament Scripture.

§       Acts 18-19 – Paul establishes a church in Ephesus after over two years of preaching the Gospel (AD 53-55)  à Ephesians – Paul writes to the church at Ephesus (AD 60) à 1 Timothy – Paul writes to Timothy who becomes the overseer/pastor of the church in Ephesus (AD 63-65) à Revelation – Jesus speaks of the church at Ephesus (AD 95/96)

o      John 4:1-42 The Samaritan Woman - In this chapter Jesus is heading to Galilee from Judea. Along his way, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well in Sychar, a town in Samaria.

§       The shortest distance from Judea to Galilee was through a region called Samaria. The Samaritans that inhabited that region were greatly despised by both Jews and non-Jews.

§       While passing through Samaria was the shortest distance between Judea and Galilee, it was not the only way to get from one to the next. In an effort to avoid defilement, some strict Jews were known to travel around Samaria. Doing so meant that the journey would take longer and was more treacherous because travelers had to cross the Jordan River.

§       John 4:4 says that “(Jesus) had to” pass through Samaria. While this may mean that it was because it was the shorter route, the original language used indicates that Jesus’ itinerary was subject to the sovereign and providential plan of God. The Greek word that was translated into “he had” is seen throughout the book of John and accurately indicates that there was divine necessity or requirement in doing so.

Through God calling Jesus to purposefully or intentionally pass through Samaria, he encounters a woman at a well. After conversing and Jesus revealing things about her no one knew, she came to know him to be the Messiah. As a result of their intentional encounter and conversations, many Samaritans came to believe in Jesus based on the woman’s testimony and Jesus staying with them for several days (v. 39-42).