Sunday, June 15, 2008

Proper 6 - June 15, 2008



Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260-547-4248

http://www.zionfriedheim.org/

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838
June 15, 2008
Proper 6
Matthew 10:1-10
Come & Go

Jesus calls twelve disciples and sends them out to preach and to heal. After teaching, preaching, and healing in various villages and cities, Jesus is impressed by the condition of the people — harassed, helpless, and lost. Their condition moves Him to have compassion on them. To meet the need, He appoints the twelve and sends them only to the Jews to preach and heal. As they received the gospel free of charge, they are to give the gospel free of charge. Let us pray to the Lord…

God, our maker and redeemer, You have made us a new company of priests to bear witness to the gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known Your promises to all the world.”

Introduction:
To be a true Christian is to come and go. Both are necessary.

If Christianity is all “come,” it becomes other worldly, irrelevant, and an end in itself. Religion then turns to religiosity and worship becomes mere ritual.

If Christianity is all “go,” it becomes “do-good- ism,” - nothing short of a social action program - that will eventually run out of steam. Christianity then can be a curse if it is all “go,” because we are urged to witness and serve without proper motivation and resources.

The “come and go” must ever be kept in proper balance. The church must go and come. The church must both gather and scatter.

Outline: A true Christian is one who —

1. Comes to Christ — vv. 1-4.

A. Called — v. 1a. “He called his twelve disciples to himself…” The Lord Himself called these twelve. He set them apart for a specific work. They were drawn to Him as He set them apart for His purposes. Likewise, the Lord has called you to Himself.

He called you in your Baptism when the Holy Spirit working in, by and through His Word called you to a faith relationship with Him. As He has called you He has endowed you with gifts and talents to be used for Him. His purpose is for you to be His ambassador in this world.

B. Authorized — v. 1b. “…and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” The Savior authorized these twelve as well. They were authorized by the Savior to act as His representatives – to speak for Him. He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, to heal all kinds of sickness and disease. They were authorized by the Savior to prepare the people for His coming.

The Savior has authorized you – to use the talents, abilities and gifts the Savior has given to you to share with others what Christ has done for you in your life. As these twelve were authorized to prepare the people for Christ’s coming so He has authorized you to live your life for Christ. By living for Christ you are letting your light shine before men. As they see your works and actions they will give glory to your father in heaven. [1]

Transition: The disciples were called and given authority as they came to Christ. They were also commissioned to go out for Christ.

2. Goes for Christ — vv. 5-7.

A. Where to go — Vv. 5-6. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” The disciples were sent to a specific group of people. They were sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Likewise, the Lord has specific people in mind for you to reach out to. These people might include family members, co-workers, neighbors, and friends. In a sense the list is endless and yet, to this point these are people in your life that in a very real sense the Lord has placed you there. These people in your life are there for you to share with them Jesus Christ and Him crucified. You have been placed into their life for you to be a witness of the Savior’s mercy and grace.

B. What to do — v. 7. “As you go, preach this message: ‘the kingdom of heaven is near.’ What they were to say was a simple and yet a direct message: “The kingdom of God is at hand.”

Likewise, for you in whatever station of life you find yourself to be – simply share Christ. How do you do this? Consider again the 2nd Article of the Apostles’ Creed. [2]

Who – I believe that Jesus Christ, true God begotten of the Father from eternity and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary is my Lord.

What - Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil.

How - Not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.

Why - That I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Jesus as He is risen from the dead lives and reigns to all eternity.

Conclusion: To be a true Christian is to come and go. The movement of the Christian is both in and out, coming and going. As you have received the gospel free of charge, give the gospel free of charge to those the Lord has placed in your life.



+ Soli Deo Gloria +
[1] Matthew 5:16
[2] Lutheran Service Book pp. 322-323

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