Sent for Jesus' Fame
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and contemplating our future. We set goals, make resolutions, and ponder what our lives should be about. But for those of us who follow Christ, there's a profound truth that should shape our perspective and guide our steps: We are sent.
This concept of being "sent" isn't just a nice idea or an optional add-on to our faith. It's at the very core of our identity as believers. Jesus himself declared, "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you" (John 20:21). These words reveal a profound connection between Christ's mission and our own.
To truly understand what it means to live as those sent by Jesus, we must first grasp the nature of His own sending. Jesus was sent into the world, leaving the glory of heaven to take on human flesh. The Gospel of John beautifully captures this reality: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
This incarnational approach sets the standard for our own mission. We're not called to remain distant from the world, safely ensconced in our Christian bubbles. Instead, we're meant to engage with the world around us, bringing the light of Christ into every corner of society.
Jesus was also sent under authority and with authority. He came in obedience to the Father's will, yet wielded divine power to accomplish His mission. This dual aspect of authority is mirrored in our own sending. We go forth under Christ's authority, submitted to His lordship, yet empowered by His Spirit to be His representatives in the world.
Perhaps most importantly, Jesus was sent to glorify the Father and bring salvation to sinners. His prayer in John 17 reveals this twofold purpose: "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you" (John 17:1).
So how do we live out this reality of being sent? Here are some key principles to consider:
This sent life has profound implications for every area of our existence:
Living sent doesn't mean we ignore the practical realities of life in this world. Rather, it means we approach every aspect of life with an eternal perspective, always looking for ways to point people to Jesus.
It's worth noting that this calling isn't just for professional ministers or overseas missionaries. Every believer is sent. The research shows that the vast majority of people (86%) who start attending church do so because of an invitation from a friend. This highlights the incredible impact we can have simply by living out our faith authentically and inviting others into our spiritual journey.
As we embrace this sent identity, we may face challenges. The world may not always welcome our message. We might encounter rejection or even hostility. But we can take heart, knowing that Jesus faced the same. He was rejected by His own people, yet He persevered in His mission out of love for the Father and for us.
Moreover, we're not sent alone. Jesus promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). The same Spirit that empowered Christ's ministry now dwells within us, enabling us to live out our calling.
As we step into this new year, let's not merely focus on personal resolutions or temporary goals. Instead, let's embrace our identity as those sent by Christ. Let's live with intentionality, seeing every moment as an opportunity to make Jesus known. Whether we're at home, at work, in our neighborhoods, or even on social media, we have the incredible privilege of representing our Savior.
Living sent isn't always easy, but it's infinitely rewarding. It gives purpose to our days and eternal significance to our actions. It allows us to participate in God's grand redemptive plan for the world.
So, as you contemplate the year ahead, ask yourself: How can I more fully embrace my sent identity? Where is God calling me to be more intentional in representing Him? Who in my life needs to encounter the love and truth of Jesus?
May we all step out in faith, living as those sent by Christ, eagerly anticipating how God will use us to impact lives for His kingdom in the days to come.
(View the full sermon below)
This concept of being "sent" isn't just a nice idea or an optional add-on to our faith. It's at the very core of our identity as believers. Jesus himself declared, "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you" (John 20:21). These words reveal a profound connection between Christ's mission and our own.
To truly understand what it means to live as those sent by Jesus, we must first grasp the nature of His own sending. Jesus was sent into the world, leaving the glory of heaven to take on human flesh. The Gospel of John beautifully captures this reality: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
This incarnational approach sets the standard for our own mission. We're not called to remain distant from the world, safely ensconced in our Christian bubbles. Instead, we're meant to engage with the world around us, bringing the light of Christ into every corner of society.
Jesus was also sent under authority and with authority. He came in obedience to the Father's will, yet wielded divine power to accomplish His mission. This dual aspect of authority is mirrored in our own sending. We go forth under Christ's authority, submitted to His lordship, yet empowered by His Spirit to be His representatives in the world.
Perhaps most importantly, Jesus was sent to glorify the Father and bring salvation to sinners. His prayer in John 17 reveals this twofold purpose: "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you" (John 17:1).
So how do we live out this reality of being sent? Here are some key principles to consider:
- Live for Jesus' fame: Our primary goal should be to make Christ known and glorified. This means aligning our priorities with His eternal mission, not just pursuing temporary earthly success.
- Submit to His authority and go with His authority: We don't need to wait for special permission or dramatic signs to share our faith. Christ has already commissioned us. Every conversation, every encounter is an opportunity to represent Him.
- Go into the world so the world can know Jesus through us: Like Christ who put on flesh, we are to "put on" Jesus in such a way that when people interact with us, they encounter something of Him. This is incarnational ministry in action.
- Recognize that our mission encompasses both word and deed: It's not enough to merely speak about Jesus; our lives should reflect His character and love in tangible ways.
This sent life has profound implications for every area of our existence:
- As parents, we're called not just to raise good citizens, but to nurture children who know and love God.
- In our marriages, we're to reflect the gospel through sacrificial love and submission.
- At work, we're to be excellent employees not just for personal gain, but to glorify God and open doors for witness.
- In our communities, we're to be salt and light, actively engaged in making a positive difference.
Living sent doesn't mean we ignore the practical realities of life in this world. Rather, it means we approach every aspect of life with an eternal perspective, always looking for ways to point people to Jesus.
It's worth noting that this calling isn't just for professional ministers or overseas missionaries. Every believer is sent. The research shows that the vast majority of people (86%) who start attending church do so because of an invitation from a friend. This highlights the incredible impact we can have simply by living out our faith authentically and inviting others into our spiritual journey.
As we embrace this sent identity, we may face challenges. The world may not always welcome our message. We might encounter rejection or even hostility. But we can take heart, knowing that Jesus faced the same. He was rejected by His own people, yet He persevered in His mission out of love for the Father and for us.
Moreover, we're not sent alone. Jesus promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). The same Spirit that empowered Christ's ministry now dwells within us, enabling us to live out our calling.
As we step into this new year, let's not merely focus on personal resolutions or temporary goals. Instead, let's embrace our identity as those sent by Christ. Let's live with intentionality, seeing every moment as an opportunity to make Jesus known. Whether we're at home, at work, in our neighborhoods, or even on social media, we have the incredible privilege of representing our Savior.
Living sent isn't always easy, but it's infinitely rewarding. It gives purpose to our days and eternal significance to our actions. It allows us to participate in God's grand redemptive plan for the world.
So, as you contemplate the year ahead, ask yourself: How can I more fully embrace my sent identity? Where is God calling me to be more intentional in representing Him? Who in my life needs to encounter the love and truth of Jesus?
May we all step out in faith, living as those sent by Christ, eagerly anticipating how God will use us to impact lives for His kingdom in the days to come.
(View the full sermon below)