Sent in Missions | Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon from Luke 8:26-39 tells the story of Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee to reach one demon-possessed man in Gentile territory, demonstrating that those saved by Christ’s power are sent for Christ’s purpose. The pastor uses Hudson Taylor’s missionary example to emphasize that the Great Commission is not optional but a command to obey. The message highlights three key points: Jesus’s mission confronts the power of darkness, His mission restores the broken for His glory, and His mission sends the redeemed to proclaim His mercy. The urgency of evangelism is emphasized through sobering statistics about people dying without the Gospel daily, challenging believers to overcome comfort and complacency to fulfill their calling as missionaries wherever God has placed them.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside any distractions or preconceived notions and be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading. Lord, we pray that You would speak to each person here according to their specific needs and circumstances. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts that are willing to respond in obedience to whatever You reveal to us today. We surrender this time to You and ask for Your blessing upon our discussion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could travel anywhere in the world to share something important with someone, where would you go and what would you want to share?
Key Verses
Luke 8:26-39
Luke 8:39
Ephesians 2:4
Revelation 20:10
Questions
What does it mean that ‘if you are saved by the power of Jesus, then you are sent for the purpose of Jesus’? How does this apply to your daily life?
Hudson Taylor prayed, ‘Dear God, I will go anywhere, do anything, bear any burden, to share Christ with those who do not know you.’ How does this prayer challenge you personally?
Why do you think Jesus crossed the sea to reach just one demon-possessed man? What does this teach us about God’s heart for individuals?
The sermon mentions that ‘the greatest enemy of urgency is our comfort and complacency.’ In what ways might comfort and complacency be hindering your witness for Christ?
How does the transformation of the demon-possessed man encourage you regarding people in your life who seem far from God?
Jesus told the restored man to ‘go back to your home and tell all that God has done for you.’ What has God done in your life that you could share with others?
The pastor mentioned that we often justify why our zeal has diminished over the years. What excuses do you find yourself making for not sharing the Gospel?
How can we as a group encourage one another to be more intentional about our mission to point people to Jesus?
Life Application
This week, identify one person in your sphere of influence who doesn’t know Jesus and commit to praying for them daily. Look for one practical way to show Christ’s love to them through your actions, and ask God for an opportunity to share what He has done in your life. Remember, you don’t need to be a theological expert – simply share your story of how Jesus has transformed your life, just as the restored man did in his hometown.
Key Takeaways
Those who are saved by the power of Christ are sent for the purpose of Christ – there is no separation between salvation and mission
Jesus’s mission confronts darkness, restores the broken, and sends the redeemed to proclaim His mercy
The urgency of the Gospel should motivate us to overcome comfort and complacency in sharing Christ with others
No one is too far gone for God’s restorative power – the Gospel can transform any life regardless of how broken it may seem
Our primary purpose in every role and relationship is to point people to Jesus Christ
- Jesus crossed a sea for one man—He may send you across the street for one soul.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the powerful reminder that You crossed seas and overcame every obstacle to reach us when we were lost and broken. Help us to have that same heart for the lost around us. Give us courage to step out of our comfort zones and share the hope we have found in You. We pray for the people You have placed in our lives who don’t know You yet – work in their hearts and give us opportunities to be Your witnesses. Transform us from comfortable Christians into passionate missionaries right where You have placed us. May we never forget that we are saved to be sent. Use us for Your glory and the advancement of Your kingdom. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.