Biblical Basis for Missions

Lesson Title: Biblical Basis for Missions: Exploring Scriptural Foundations for Global Missions and Evangelism

Purpose:

To understand the scriptural foundations for global missions and evangelism, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations.

Objectives:

To explore biblical passages that mandate and model missions and evangelism, highlighting Jesus as the King and the Holy Spirit as the Commander in Chief.

Concepts, Terms, and Keywords Defined:

1. Missions: The act of going out to spread the Christian faith and message to others, particularly those who have not heard it before.
2. Evangelism: The preaching or promulgation of the gospel.
3. Great Commission: Jesus Christ’s command to his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world.
4. Kingdom of God: The spiritual realm over which God reigns as king, or the fulfillment on Earth of God’s will.
5. Discipleship: The process of making someone become like Christ in character and action.
6. Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity who empowers believers for mission and ministry.
7. Gospel: The teaching or revelation of Christ, often referring to the first four books of the New Testament.
8. Incarnation: The embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ.

Lesson Content:

Scriptural Foundations:

1. The Great Commission:
   • Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV): “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘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 of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
2. Role of the Holy Spirit:
   • Acts 1:8 (NIV): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
3. Christ’s Example:
   • Luke 4:18-19 (NIV): “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
4. Universal Reach of the Gospel:
   • John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
   • Romans 10:14-15 (NIV): “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
5. Apostolic Mission:
   • Acts 13:2-3 (NIV): “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

Practical Applications:

1. Personal Evangelism: Encouraging believers to share their faith in everyday contexts, guided by the Holy Spirit.
2. Church Missions Programs: Developing and supporting church missions programs that reach out to local and global communities.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Training for cross-cultural missions to respect and understand different cultures while sharing the gospel.
4. Prayer and Fasting: Emphasizing the importance of prayer and fasting in seeking guidance and empowerment from the Holy Spirit.
5. Community Service: Engaging in acts of service as a form of evangelism, showing Christ’s love through actions.

Exam Questions with Explained Answers:

1. What is the Great Commission and where is it found in the Bible?
   • Answer: The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world. It is found in Matthew 28:18-20.
2. How does Acts 1:8 describe the role of the Holy Spirit in missions?
   • Answer: Acts 1:8 describes that believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be witnesses for Christ to the ends of the earth.
3. Explain the significance of John 3:16 in the context of global missions.
   • Answer: John 3:16 highlights God’s love for the entire world and his desire for everyone to have eternal life through belief in Jesus, underscoring the universal scope of the gospel message.
4. How did Jesus exemplify the mission work in Luke 4:18-19?
   • Answer: In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus exemplified mission work by proclaiming good news to the poor, freeing prisoners, giving sight to the blind, and setting the oppressed free, demonstrating a holistic approach to ministry.
5. Discuss the apostolic mission described in Acts 13:2-3.
   • Answer: In Acts 13:2-3, the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul (Paul) to be set apart for specific mission work, emphasizing the importance of prayer, fasting, and the laying on of hands in commissioning missionaries.
6. What does Romans 10:14-15 suggest about the necessity of preaching in missions?
   • Answer: Romans 10:14-15 suggests that preaching is essential for people to hear the gospel, believe, and call on Jesus for salvation, highlighting the beauty and importance of those who bring the good news.
7. Why is cultural sensitivity important in missions, and how can it be practiced?
   • Answer: Cultural sensitivity is important to respect and effectively communicate within different cultural contexts. It can be practiced by learning about and adapting to local customs, languages, and perspectives.
8. What role does prayer and fasting play in mission work according to Acts 13:2-3?
   • Answer: Prayer and fasting are crucial for seeking God’s direction, empowerment, and commissioning for mission work, as demonstrated by the early church’s practices in Acts 13:2-3.
9. Describe a practical way to engage in community service as a form of evangelism.
   • Answer: Engaging in community service, such as helping the homeless, visiting the sick, or providing educational support, shows Christ’s love in action and opens doors for sharing the gospel.
10. What is the relationship between personal evangelism and the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
    • Answer: Personal evangelism relies on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to know when, where, and how to share the gospel effectively, ensuring that it is done with wisdom, sensitivity, and power.

Research Citations (MLA Format):

1. Green, Michael. Evangelism in the Early Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003. eBook.
2. Stott, John. The Message of Acts: To the Ends of the Earth. InterVarsity Press, 1994. eBook.
3. Wright, Christopher J.H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. InterVarsity Press, 2006. eBook.
4. Piper, John. Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions. Baker Academic, 2010. eBook.
5. Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Orbis Books, 2011. eBook.

This comprehensive lesson integrates scriptural foundations with practical applications, ensuring a deep understanding of the biblical basis for missions and evangelism.