September 3, 2023 | Deuteronomy 6 | Jerry Patton
Hello FBC family! My name is Jerry Patton, and I’m a pastoral resident here at FBC Centralia. Most of the teaching I do is to our students on Wednesday nights and in the evenings – like next Sunday’s start of our series of Sunday evening classes. I’ll be teaching on the first half of the book of Matthew, but we’ll also have a church history course taught by Mike Hahn and a women’s group walking through Philippians. As we are talking evangelism and the making of disciples, these courses are a great way for you to be discipled.
If you are a kid aged 4 through 2nd grade, you are dismissed to head to children’s church. If you are a parent and want your child to join the other kids for their lesson but aren’t sure where to send your kid to, just have them follow all those other kids that are heading out now.
Today we are coming to the end of what I hope has been a transformative series on evangelism. We've walked through the general landscape of evangelism, understanding the essence of sharing the Good News, and last week, we delved into the source of our motivation for evangelism. Today, we’re going to discuss the WHERE of evangelism. Sure, we could call it a day by simply saying we evangelize 'wherever God places us’, but scripture paints a more detailed picture of some specific spaces God calls us to—mainly, our homes and our workplaces.
Last week, Brother Chris shared the story of the Ethiopian eunuch, and he pointed us to the divine work that went into that encounter – how God prepared Philip for the encounter he was about to have, and how God prepared the Ethiopian for the encounter he was about to have. The Ethiopian already travelled with a scroll that had God’s words on it, but after that encounter he left with a brand-new faith in Christ Jesus. That is a big story, and looking at it we can easily see the supernatural at work there. But here’s the thing – God is working in all of our lives to prepare us to have the same time type of transformative conversations. Is it likely to be an Ethiopian eunuch on a specific road? Maybe, but probably not. More likely, the conversations and opportunities God is preparing in our lives will seem a whole lot more mundane. But be very careful to never see the mundane as evidence that God isn’t doing big things. Like the work God did for that encounter Philip had, he is working and orchestrating and preparing our steps and our lives and our encounters for His purpose.
Most of us are going to spend most of our time either at home or at work. But before we dive into that, I know that might not be the case for everyone. Some might be in a season of life where the house is quieter, perhaps you're retired or living alone. Don't check out on me; this message still holds value for you. God has you in your unique circles for a reason.
And let's not forget our young people. Kids, students. Don’t think this message isn't for you because you aren’t in the 9-to-5 work world. Think of school as your workplace. When I talk about 'work,' I want you to hear 'school.' God has placed you there for such a time as this.
And one other thing I want to be very careful of mentioning before we start working through God’s words. Here is something I think holds true for just about every one of us, but I’ll make it an ‘I’ statement – because it is most definitely true about me. I’ve fallen short in my responsibility to disciple and evangelize, particularly in my home. And again, while I say ‘I’, I’d imagine this applies to almost every one of us. The point of this sermon isn’t to make you feel ‘bad’ about those times, or to just point at how you are an imperfect person. That’s not the point at all. To frame this up some, as we talk evangelism, remember this: God’s grace saves us, not our works. Now, He saves us for works, and evangelizing is a key part of that work He saved us for, but He also knows we are not perfect at it. He knew that before He saved us, and yet He still chose to work and die for His people. Knowing you have fallen short doesn’t mean your salvation is in question – and it doesn’t mean that you need to get out there now to start ‘earning’ your salvation. But – if you’ve fall short, like I have, it does mean you need to repent and adjust – to turn to God, and to grow. Given that I think this is most of us, my hope is our conversation today can encourage you in doing that.
Today, our scriptural foundation is 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. If you are using the black pew-back Bibles, we’ll be on page 1,025. While we'll focus mainly on verse 20, we’re going to read from verse 16 to understand the 'therefore what?' that follows. We'll also bring it all together with verse 21 at the end.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
[BLANK SLIDE]
Prayer
This reconciliation we’ve received through Christ – it compels us to make disciples, first in our homes and then extending into our workplaces and every other part of our lives. And said a bit more succinctly, here’s the big idea I’d like us to stay pointed at today: Christ's grace fuels our urgency to evangelize at home and in the workplace.
The Why of Evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)
We’ve spent the last couple of weeks unpacking the why and the how of evangelism. But before we explore today's message, let’s re-anchor ourselves in the reason we share the Gospel, in the reason we are called to evangelism – and verse 20 here does that so well. Listen to it again:
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
We are ambassadors for Christ. Pause on that for a moment, consider what it means. First, it lays us out as ambassadors, and that is a particular type of position. We can’t appointment ourselves as ambassadors, so someone must have appointed us to this role. And verse 20 makes it clear it is that appoints us: “since God is making his appeal through us.” You’re chosen and entrusted with this responsibility. Paul makes it clear: God is making His appeal through us. Friends, that's a divine delegation if I ever saw one.
My friends, being an ambassador is a high calling. An ambassador represents a kingdom, its values, and its king. Think about that. We're not just representing ourselves; we're representing the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. How does that shape the way you interact with the world?
Let’s not mistake this; God doesn't need us to accomplish His purposes, but He chooses to include us in His grand story of redemption. Isn't that humbling? Acts 1:8 (CSB) tells us:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
But how can we be effective ambassadors? Well, the key is to be attuned to the Spirit's guidance. That could mean taking a moment to pray with someone, sharing a word of encouragement, or even standing up for what’s right when faced with injustice. Like it says in Galatians 6:10:
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
But then my favorite part of this verse: We plead on Christ’s behalf. Notice the word – plead. Other translations might say ‘implore’. Here’s a definition from stepbible.org:
to pray; ask, beg, plead
Every word in that definition carries emotion. Feel that emotion as you read that ‘we PLEAD on Christ’s behalf.’
Now, being an ambassador for Christ isn’t just about spouting some Christianese and calling it a day. It’s a life-altering, perspective-shifting role. This leads us back to the earlier part of the passage. Verse 17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!" So, as new creations in Christ, we’re not just spruced up versions of our old selves. No, the old has passed away, and the new has come. How can we not share this transformation with others?
You know, we've all experienced changes in our lives. Maybe it's a new job, a move to a different town, or even the addition of a new family member. But here's the thing: No transformation is as radical as becoming a new creation in Christ. The Gospel doesn't just change you; it changes your why, your reason for living. So the question arises: how does this new identity in Christ shape the way you evangelize?
Imagine for a moment being given a precious gift—a treasure beyond measure. Wouldn’t you be eager to share the news? Friends, we've been handed the ultimate gift—reconciliation with God. We were at odds with Him, separated by the chasm of sin, yet we've been reconciled.
Paul mentions this in verse 19: "In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them." You hear that? God took the initiative. It wasn’t anything we did but all that He did. When you understand that you've been reconciled to God, when you grasp that God no longer counts your trespasses against you, how can you keep that to yourself?
Now, what does this mean for us in our day-to-day lives?
· Do you feel the urgency in Paul’s words when he says we "plead" on Christ’s behalf? Do you carry that urgency with you in your conversations?
· Does the Gospel message feel like old news to you, or are you continually captivated by the transformative power of Christ in your life?
This ministry of reconciliation is not just a tagline. It’s our divine commission. And as we’ll continue to explore, it’s a commission that extends beyond the church walls, into our homes, into our workplaces, and into every part of our life.
Do you sense the gravity of this role? Are you ready to plead on Christ’s behalf? Are you eager to make that appeal to a world desperately in need of Christ's reconciling love? Think on these things. This is our call, not just as believers but as new creations in Christ, as ambassadors bearing the message of reconciliation.
Discipleship at Home (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
So let’s pivot a bit now. We’ve talked about the ‘why’ of evangelism, and what we see anchored there in the New Testament. But see – that call to evangelize doesn’t start in the New Testament, and we see seeds of it in the Old Testament. Turn with me to Deuteronomy 6, verses 4-9. If you are in the black pew-back Bibles, it is on page 157. I’ll pause a moment while we all turn there in our Bibles.
Let’s read verses 4-9:
4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
There is a lot of really cool stuff in these verses, and we don’t have time this morning to explore it all – but there are some things I want us to see because I think they inform the what of what we are called to do in our homes.
Verse four opens with these two words: Listen, Israel. Who is God through Moses talking to here? He is talking to Israel. God is setting up here what He says is to be a KINGDOM responsibility. Not something only the priests are responsible for. Not something only the family heads are responsible for. What God is setting out here, He is setting out as a KINGDOM responsibility, placed on every single member of that kingdom. Listen, Israel. And what does God command as that Kingdom responsibility here? First, He tells them that He is one. The Lord our God, the Lord is one.This was an incredibly important verse to the Israelites, and was one of the things that set them so far apart from the world around them – a world that believed there were numerous God’s. But the Israelites – they had the one, real God.
And then this verse many of us are familiar with:
“Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength.”
All your heart, soul, and strength. That means your affections, your will, your physical abilities — all devoted to God. Sit in a moment in the weight of that word, ‘all’.
And now the key part for this morning, we then read about how that love of God should spill into our daily lives. Verse 7:
Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
You catch what God is saying here? The Lord’s commands are not just for Sunday mornings; they are for Monday mornings, Tuesday evenings, Friday night football games, and all the other moments of our weeks, of our lives.
And we're not just called to keep God's commands. We are called to live them, to teach them, especially within the confines of our homes. Our homes should be the very first mission fields we step into.
Now, for the parents here today, there is a charge in here for you. You are called to be the primary spiritual leaders of your children. Your first mission field – it is your home. Parents, how are you discipling your children in the ways of the Lord?
But kids – and by kids I mean both kids and what we call ‘students’ – so anyone that is still in school. You have a role in setting the spiritual temperature of your home. Can you be a source of encouragement? Can you be a living example of Christ’s love to your family? Are you listening, talking, sharing your faith at home?
So, let’s get practical for a minute:
• Family dinners can be more than just mealtime; they can be a space for spiritual nourishment. Why not start a conversation about what God is teaching each of you?
• Bedtime isn't just for rest; it's also a moment to rest in God. Parents, consider making prayer a part of your child's bedtime routine.
• Long drives or walks offer more than scenery; they provide an opportunity for deep conversation. Could we perhaps dedicate a portion of that time to discuss what God is doing in our lives?
You see, the home is not just a dwelling place; it's a discipleship center. And the beauty of it is that discipleship doesn't have to be another item on your to-do list. It can be naturally integrated into the daily rhythms of your life.
As I was working through the material for this sermon and thinking on it, I wanted to be sure I was doing what I was asking you all to do – so I started thinking about what I could add to the flow of my family’s life to add in additional opportunities to disciple my kids well. Here’s one I found: every morning we spend about 10 minutes at the end of the driveway waiting for the bus. We rotate through football, soccer, and frisbee – and the kids play while we wait. When I see the bus turn down the road past us, I call the kids over and they get in line for the bus. We’ve long had a routine where I ask each kid what they are doing after school – and make sure they know what they are supposed to be doing. I realized this would be a perfect place to add in some additional discipleship time, so we added a prayer. I open the prayer, and whichever kid is getting on the bus first closes the prayer. This helps me model for them prayer as a part of life, I can model how to pray in my prayers to them, and then build a practice of prayer for them as they practice praying. This doesn’t take a lot of time and it didn’t add any additional time commitment to our days. We just capture a few of those moments already there – and focused them on God.
So, what are some ways you can make your home a greenhouse for spiritual growth? Are you actively talking about God's Word and its implications for your lives? Are your daily actions reflecting the oneness of God, a single-minded devotion to Him?
Point 3: Discipleship at Work (and everywhere)
All right, let’s bring it home—well, away from home. We're venturing out into the workplace now. Or for our students here, think of this as your school setting, because this applies to you all, too. The call to discipleship doesn’t stop at your front door. It travels with you, in your briefcase, in your backpack, and yes, in your very demeanor when you clock in at work or enter your school.
Christ spoke into the workplace a lot. And notice He spoke with words. Being a Christian at work isn’t just about not lying or stealing—though, let's be clear, you definitely shouldn’t be doing those things. But being a disciple at work goes far beyond just ethics and behavior. It's about your interactions with coworkers, your attitude toward your tasks, and even the quality of your work. In essence, it's about reflecting Christ in all that you do.
Why does this matter? Because Colossians 3:23 reminds us of this:
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.
In your job, your school—wherever you're placed—you serve an audience of One. Now, how does that reality shape your work ethic?
And to preempt anyone that might be thinking “You can’t talk about God at work!” or “God doesn’t belong in the workplace” or anything like that, I’d suggest Christ my disagree with you. How can I be sure of that? Well, Christ very often reached into the workplace to call out people.
Matthew 4:18-22:
18 As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Mathew 9:9:
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me,” and he got up and followed him.
And these the only two examples – Christ did this a lot. He spoke into workplaces He wasn’t even a part of working at to call people at. I’d suggest He made it easier on us by putting us there intentionally and letting us have relationships with the people in that workplace.
Let's dive into some practical applications:
· First, strive for excellence. If you believe that your work is ultimately for the Lord, shouldn’t it be the best that you can offer? And folks, this isn't about earning God's favor; it's about reflecting His excellence in what we do.
· Second, practice kindness and fairness. Remember the Golden Rule we learned as kids? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That still applies, and it speaks volumes to those around you.
· Lastly, don’t shy away from sharing your faith when the opportunity presents itself. You don’t have to stand on your desk and preach, but you can offer to pray for a struggling colleague or share wisdom that's rooted in Scripture when it's appropriate.
So, here’s my challenge for you: What’s your workplace evangelism story going to be? Are you going to be the one who brings light into your workspace, or will you miss the chance because you’re too focused on tasks and to-dos?
Think about it: When people look at you, do they see someone clocking in and clocking out, or do they see someone so transformed by the love of Christ that it's evident in how you work, speak, and interact? I'll leave that question with you.
My prayer is that today’s message challenges us all to be active disciples of Christ, not just within the four walls of our home, but also in the varying settings that make up our everyday lives. Let's not be part-time Christians; let's be full-time disciples. What do you say, Church? Amen?
We can't afford to be "Sunday Christians," wearing our faith like a garment we take off when it's inconvenient. As it says in Romans 12:2:
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Conclusion
We've come full circle today. We started with understanding the 'Why' behind evangelism—our calling as ministers of reconciliation, rooted in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. That grace-filled reconciliation we've received should not only transform us but should flow through us to touch the lives of those in our homes and workplaces.
But listen, if you're here today and you haven't personally experienced this grace and reconciliation that we've been talking about, then that's the first step for you. Remember the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." If you haven't placed your trust in Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for your sins, I invite you to have that conversation today.
For those who have experienced the life-changing power of the gospel, your next step is clear: It's time to be a disciple in your home and at your workplace. Today, I challenge each of us to take the teachings of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Colossians 3:23 to heart. Where can you better lead your family in the ways of the Lord? How can your work be a reflection of your faith in Christ?
So, here's my invitation for response: If you're committed to making disciples at home, maybe it's time for family Bible studies or prayer times. And if you're committed to reflecting Christ at your workplace, maybe it's time to take a step of faith in sharing your testimony or praying for a colleague.
Church, let’s not just be hearers of the Word. Let’s be doers also. Let's engage with these teachings in our daily life, and let the love of God transform not only us but the spaces and people around us. Can I get an amen?
I’m going to close us out in prayer, but after that, please don’t rush out. Let’s take some time to talk, to pray, and to consider how we're responding to God's call to discipleship at home and at work.
Let us pray.