Living Sent | Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon from Luke 10:1-12 focuses on Jesus sending out 72 disciples and teaches that if you are saved, then you are sent. The pastor emphasizes that true discipleship involves active participation in God’s kingdom work, not passive church attendance. Jesus’ model shows a progression from connection to growth to multiplication, preparing disciples for ministry after His ascension. The message highlights three key aspects of being sent: we are sent to labor (getting our hands dirty in ministry work), sent with courage (like lambs among wolves but with the Great Shepherd’s presence), and sent in faithfulness (obeying God regardless of outcomes). The pastor challenges the congregation to move beyond paying a ‘church tax’ and expecting professionals to do the work, instead embracing their calling to actively participate in advancing God’s kingdom through raising money and leaders to go out from the local church.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today grateful for Your Word and the truth it reveals about our calling as Your disciples. As we gather together to discuss this message, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest about where we are in our walk with You and give us courage to step into the work You have prepared for us. Lord, may Your Spirit guide our conversation and show each of us how we can live more faithfully as sent disciples. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one job or task you’ve had to do that required you to get your hands dirty, and how did you feel about it?
Key Verses
Luke 10:1-12
Mark 1:17
Ephesians 2:8-10
Psalm 23:4
Matthew 28:18-20
Questions
How does the progression from 1 (Jesus) to 12 (disciples) to 72 (others) in Luke’s Gospel challenge your understanding of how ministry should multiply?
What’s the difference between paying a ‘church tax’ and giving sacrificially as an act of worship and kingdom participation?
Jesus sent the disciples out ‘like lambs among wolves.’ How does this imagery change your perspective on what it means to follow Christ courageously?
The pastor defined faithfulness as willingness to participate in God’s work regardless of cost or outcome. What might that look like practically in your life right now?
How do you respond when your efforts to share the gospel or serve others are rejected or unwelcomed?
What does it mean that ‘the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few’ in the context of your community and relationships?
How can we balance the truth that we’re saved by grace alone with the reality that we’re created for good works?
In what ways might you be living as a ‘convenient follower’ of Jesus rather than a true disciple who is fully sent?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific way you can actively participate in kingdom work beyond attending church services. This could be having a gospel conversation with a neighbor, serving someone in need, or taking a step to multiply disciples. Commit to taking this step with courage, trusting that Jesus is with you regardless of the outcome.
Key Takeaways
If you are saved, then you are sent – there is no passive discipleship in following Jesus
We are sent to labor, getting our hands dirty in kingdom work rather than expecting professionals to do everything
We are sent with courage, like lambs among wolves, but with the assurance that the Great Shepherd is always with us
We are sent in faithfulness, which means participating in God’s work regardless of cost or outcome
The kingdom advances through raising money and leaders to go out from the local church, requiring active participation from all believers
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection on what it means to live as sent disciples. We confess that too often we have been content to sit on the sidelines rather than actively participate in Your kingdom work. Give us courage to step out in faith, knowing that You are with us always. Help us to be faithful laborers in Your harvest, trusting You with the outcomes while we focus on obedience. May we live this week and beyond as those who are truly sent, multiplying disciples and advancing Your kingdom wherever You place us. We commit our lives afresh to You and ask for Your strength to live sent. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.