Anchor Verses:

Galatians 5:13, Acts 20:35, James 2:14-17, Isaiah 43:16-21

Focus Statement:

True discipleship means living as the hands and feet of Jesus, empowered by His Spirit to serve others, bearing fruit that reflects His love, and stepping into the purpose He has called us to—moving from inward growth to outward mission.

Introduction: 

  • The Jews expected Jesus to overthrow Rome and establish an earthly kingdom.
  • Instead, Jesus brought His heavenly Kingdom to earth.
  • He made us a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9).
  • We are:
    • Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
    • His hands and feet in the world.
    • Called to live on mission.
  • When the Spirit empowers us:
    • The fruit of the Spirit becomes overflow, not effort.

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Who’s Ready to Work?

  • What Jesus didn’t say:

    • “Guys, just chill out. I’m going to die, resurrect, and come back later. Just live your life. Be nice sometimes, but don’t take it too seriously.”

    • FALSE – Jesus never taught passive faith.

  • Matthew 11:28-30:

    • Language of work: “Take my yoke…”

    • A yoke is for working animals—teamwork with Jesus.

  • Matthew 28:19:
    • “Go and make disciples.”
    • Not: “Go and make converts.”

  • Disciple = Greek μαθητής (mathétés) = Learner/Apprentice.

    • Always learning, always growing to be like Jesus.

    • Apprenticeship implies progress and maturity.

  • Challenge:

    • Stop leaving Bible tracts; start living the message.

    • Example: Red Lobster $100 Bible Tract:

      • Deceptive, unkind—left more of a negative witness than a positive one.

      • Behavior speaks louder than the message.

      • Be the Gospel, not just talk about it.

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Stay Connected to the Source

  • We are called to pour out God’s Spirit into the world.
    • Problem: You can’t pour out what you don’t have.
    • Attempting to manufacture Spirit-led service:
    • His love produces fruit.
      • We seek people who live it, not those who just talk about it.
    • Pharisee vs. Roman Soldier:
      • Pharisees: Look good outwardly, but full of hypocrisy.
        • Matthew 23:27-28 – Whitewashed tombs.
      • Roman Soldier: Humble faith, recognized Jesus’ authority.
        • Matthew 8:5-12 – Jesus amazed at his faith.
    • James 3:17:
      • Wisdom is seen in good fruits, not just good thoughts.

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Failure to Launch

  • Are you using personal growth as:

    • A launch pad for mission?

    • Or a parking lot for comfort?

  • Jesus called you to purpose.

    • Every person desires purpose.

      • You may not fully know Jesus yet.

      • Not condemnation, but encouragement to step in.

      • If you don’t feel called to missions, evangelism, or service:

      • Matthew 11:30:

        • Jesus’ yoke is easy and light.

        • Not a lie: His mission is done through His power, not yours.

        • You are not alone—you are empowered.

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Sermon Questions

  • What does it look like in your daily life to “be the hands and feet of Jesus”? Are there areas where you’re tempted to just “talk the talk” rather than live it out?

  • Are you staying connected to the Source—God’s Spirit—so that you can genuinely serve others? How can you intentionally create space for God to fill you so that your service overflows from His presence?

  • Have you ever found yourself stuck in “preparation mode” in your faith? What steps can you take to shift from personal growth as a parking lot to a launch pad for living on mission?

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