Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19 A Missionary Church In the World Not of the World (Be Like Christ) It’s a God Thing

A Missionary Church  First Mark: Joy – Revelation 7:17; 21:4 Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

Revelation 7:17 (NASB) 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 21:4 (NASB) 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

A Missionary Church  First Mark: Joy – Revelation 7:17; 21:4  Second Mark: Holiness (Sanctification) – 1 John 3:2 Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

1 John 3:2 (NASB) 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

A Missionary Church  First Mark: Joy – Revelation 7:17; 21:4  Second Mark: Holiness (Sanctification) – 1 John 3:2  Third Mark: Truth (Scripture) – 1 Cor. 13:12 Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

1 Corinthians 13:12 (NASB) 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

A Missionary Church  First Mark: Joy – Revelation 7:17; 21:4  Second Mark: Holiness (Sanctification) – 1 John 3:2  Third Mark: Truth (Scripture) – 1 Cor. 13:12  If these scriptures are true, why should we not go to heaven immediately?  Fourth Mark: Mission – the other marks look inward while the Fourth Mark looks outward! The world is the object of our God-given mission! Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

In the World  Where is this mission to be conducted?  Mission means to send forth or dispatch.  To whom is the Church sent?  Answer: “into the world”  This means all of us as believers! Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

In the World  The corporate Church sends, but many Christians have personally withdrawn from the culture.  Many of us seem afraid of our culture.  The result of that fear is withdrawal!  We have developed our own subculture!  Was Jesus afraid of the culture of His time?  How did Jesus react to that culture? Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

In the World  What does it mean to be “in the world” as a Christian?  It does not mean to be like the world; the Church is to be different.  It does not mean that we are to abandon Christian fellowship or our basic Christian orientation.  It does mean that we are to know non-Christians, befriend them, love them, and enter into their lives in such a way that we infect them with the Gospel. Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

In the World  What does that look like?  Getting to know our neighbors  Striking up conversations with strangers  Being intentional about our faith at work  Being involved in community affairs for the purpose of doing good and sharing the Gospel  Showing genuine interest in people and getting involved in their lives Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

Not of the World (Be Like Christ)  We are to be “as Christ” “in the world.”  This talks about the nature and character of those who are to carry out this mission.  We are to be in our mission as Jesus was.  Jesus is the pattern! Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

Not of the World (Be Like Christ)  What is the pattern?  We are to have Joy as Jesus had Joy.  We are to be holy (sanctified) as Jesus was holy (sanctified).  We are to carry the message of Truth and be wholeheartedly committed to the Truth as Jesus was committed to the Truth.  We are to be like Jesus in our unity.  We are to love as Jesus loves – unconditionally – and with all our being. Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

It’s a God Thing  How will people be drawn to God?  By God Himself – of course!  But we are often the instruments God uses to reveal Himself in the Spirit.  Acts 2:42, reveals the early Church’s involvement in these matters. Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19

Acts 2:42, (NASB) 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching (truth) and to fellowship (unity), to the breaking of bread and to prayer (true worship that leads to holiness or sanctification). 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need(deep and unique love).

Acts 2:42, (NASB) 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple (unity), and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart (joy), 47 praising God and having favor with all the people (joy and mission). And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved(mission).

Application What evidence can you give that you are “in the world”? What evidence can PBC give that we are “in the world”? Are you living “in the world” and yet “not of the world”? What are you doing to be “not of the world”? Go, Go, Go John 17:17-19