The First Commission
Sharable notes for the May 26, 2024 message. You can post these notes on your social platform!
Scriptures used: Matthew 28:19-20; Genesis 1:28; 2:10-12, 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
When we start to look at the full story of the Bible, starting not with the fall, but with creation, and ending not with redemption but with restoration, we begin to understand that the Gospel is not just a fire escape plan. The gospel is a sweeping epic that we’re still in the middle of and have the privilege to participate in.
“The first phrase, “be fruitful and multiply,” means to develop the social world: build families, churches, schools, cities, governments, laws. The second phrase, “subdue the earth,” means to harness the natural world: plant crops, build bridges, design computers, and compose music. This passage is sometimes called the Cultural Mandate because it tells us that our original purpose was to create cultures, build civilizations—nothing less.” Nancy Pearcey
When we begin to understand that our work is a privileged commission from God we will wake up every morning eager to work with God on the restoration of the world. We will become fully alive.
When we begin to see our career as our calling we will begin to see our work as worship.
Every day you get up start your day with the Lord, asking Him, “God, how do you want to work together today?
Reflect or meet with someone to discuss:
How have you typically viewed your work in this life? Have you viewed it as separate from what God wants you do for him as a follower of Christ, or have you viewed it as part of your call? Why is that?
How can you begin to see your work as worship towards God?
Have you ever felt a call to full time pastoral or missionary ministry? If so, is there a step you feel you need to take to follow that?
If that's not your call, how do you now, or how can you begin, to work with God where you are?
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