DR. ISAIAH ROBINSON, JR.
Scriptural text: ACTS 1:6-8;2 CORINTHIANS 8:3-9
KEY VERSE: You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV).
INTRODUCTION: Christian mission and stewardship are essential and connected parts of what God expects from the church. In the Bible, mission is the task God gave the church to share the good news of salvation, and help others to grow in faith, and live in a way that reflects Jesus’ clear command, known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), set the foundation for mission and explains the church’s purpose in the world. This is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. This record of Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. This command is not optional- it gives the church its reason for existing, supports God’s saving plan, and applies to every believer today. While mission establishes the church’s purpose, stewardship provides the essential means by which that mission is sustained and accomplished. Basically, Christian stewardship refers to the responsibility God has entrusted to believers to manage all He has placed in their care, serving as a defining aspect of humanity’s relationship with Him. Since salvation is His gracious gift to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ, believers must manage it faithfully and responsibly. Therefore, the faithful and intentional stewardship of one’s time, spiritual gifts, talents, and material possessions constitutes a vital expression of obedience to Christ’s mandate to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and reaching them to observe all He commanded.
THE CALL TO MISSION (THE OUTPOURING) ACTS 1;6-8)
These verses record Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. He had fulfilled the assignment given to Him by God, Father in heaven (John 17:1,5); Ephesians (1:20). After commanding them to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the disciples immediately associated this event with the coming of the promised kingdom. They concluded that Israel’s national restoration was near (verse6). As His delegated witnesses were charged with going out into the world, proclaimimg the Gospel to make disciples, baptizing those who accepted its message as a visible sign of their inclusion in the church, and teaching them to obey all He come embodiment of grace. was threatened. This mission mandate remains every believer’s non-negotiable task today. It provides purpose and direction, calling believers to fulfill it without distraction or hesitation and without allowing social, ethnic, or cultural boundaries to hinder their obedience. The mission begins at home and extends outward to every sphere of influence that God entrusts to them.
THE CALL TO STEWARDSHIP (2 CORINTHIANS 8:3-9).
Paul commended the Macedonian Christians for their grateful generosity, hoping that it would spark a fire in the bosom of Christians in Corinth. The Corinth church pledged to contribute financially to the effort to provide relief for those in dire need, and Paul intended to hold them to their. Often, however, when people attempt good work, unfriendly forces will be ready to spoil such a noble cause. The church needs individuals who will help alleviate the suffering in the world.
THE OFFERING (2 CORINTHIANS 8:9).
Jesus’ willingness to take on human flesh that Jesus was the embodiment of grace. Paul mentions in verse 9 that Jesus became poor so the Corinthians could become rich, not in earthly possessions but in spiritual matters. Jesus gave up all that heaven embodies for the sake of a sinful world. This is permanent wealth that lasts beyond this life and world. The church’s mandate to make disciples and be His witnesses in the world challenges the church to avoid discriminatory evangelism, internally and externally. Christ’s selfless giving to save all humanity set an example to follow.