The Mission of God: Part 2 – Incarnation

The Mission of God: Part 2 – Incarnation

Have you ever heard the saying, “people don’t care what you know, until they know how much you care?”  Jesus modeled this axiom by regularly challenging the expectations of the religious elite by eating and interacting with sinners and tax collectors.  And in doing so, Jesus drew these untouchables to Himself; His identification with them was that which touched their hearts and ultimately drew them towards repentance.

The Mission of God is found in God’s doing this for each one of us.  No one deserves the grace of God, and yet in our rebellion He goes out to us, to draw us to Himself. 

The challenge for the Christian and the modern missionary is found in adopting this same conviction to “go out” and identify with the lost, such that we might save some.  Today we examine this principle as found in 1 Corinthians 9, as the Apostle Paul describes his conviction to “become all things to all men” so as to save some!

John 20:21 

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Observations:
1. What does “win” mean? Answer: Save
2. Save from what? Answer: God’s wrath because of sin
3. Who and how? Answer: 3 Categories
     1. Jews (those under the law)
          Condition: Paul isn’t under the law
     2. Gentiles (those without the law)
          Condition: Paul is bound by the law of Christ
     3. The Weak
4. Why Paul? Answer: Proof and Participation

 

Conclusions:
1. Paul gave up his rights and comforts of freedom,
2. because he was motivated by his participation in the gospel of saving sinners from God’s wrath,
3. that he might save some by being a wiling servant to reach all.

 

Application:
Philippians 2:4-8
1. What was Jesus’ motivation to come to earth and die?
     How motivated are you by the gospel to give up your comforts?
2. What did Jesus sacrifice so that you might be saved?
     What are you willing to sacrifice that heaven would gain another soul?
3. How low did Jesus humble Himself as a servant?
     What would need to change in your life for you to be someone’s servant?
4. Where was Jesus sent?
     Where is God sending you?

Luke 5:30-32 

“But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 15:1-3

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”