NOTE: This sermon is part 1 and 2 of a 2 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.
PREVIEWS:
Part 1: Recognizing the Condition of the Harvest
Series: Gathering The Harvest: The Church’s Mission
Stuart Briscoe
Matthew 9:35-38
Anyone observing Jesus at work could see He was on a mission—like a farmer gathering the harvest. Because His disciples did not share His vision, He had to teach them their role. He is still instructing His church about the harvest, harvesting, and the need for harvesters.
I. What Jesus Meant by “The Harvest.”
A. His observation of human behavior—“harassed and helpless.” v. 36
1. Prone to chronic anxiety—“harassed.”
2. Vulnerable to powerful forces—“helpless.”
B. His evaluation of human condition.
1. “Like sheep…” v. 36
a. A bias towards “going astray.” Isaiah 53:6a
b. An insistence on “going our own way.” Isaiah 53:6b
2. “…without a shepherd.” v. 36; See Psalm 23
If the Lord is NOT my shepherd, I experience:
a. Unsatisfied desires—I shall lack something. v. 1
b. Unsettling turmoil—I long for “quiet waters.” v. 2
c. Unreplenished strength—I neglect my inner life. v. 3a
d. Undirected lifestyle—I do what I want to do. v. 3b
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Part 2: Responding to the Need for Harvesters
Series: Gathering The Harvest: The Church’s Mission
Stuart Briscoe
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus shared His vision of human need with His disciples, and He expected them to be involved in meeting the need. He said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Who are these workers, why is there a shortage, and what can be done about it?
I. Who Were These Workers? Matthew 10:1 5
A. They were ordinary people.
1. Simon Peter—impetuous and impossible.
2. Andrew—enquiring and engaged.
3. James and John—intense and intolerant.
4. Thomas—phlegmatic and pragmatic.
5. Matthew—disliked and distrusted.
6. Simon the Zealot—passionate and powerful.
B. They were ordinary people who had been called.
1. They had responded to a personal invitation from Christ.
2. They were now enrolled in His cause.
C. They were ordinary called people with authority.
1. The authority invested in the Lord Jesus—over all evil.
2. The authority now delegated to them for service.
PREVIEWS:
Part 1: Recognizing the Condition of the Harvest
Series: Gathering The Harvest: The Church’s Mission
Stuart Briscoe
Matthew 9:35-38
Anyone observing Jesus at work could see He was on a mission—like a farmer gathering the harvest. Because His disciples did not share His vision, He had to teach them their role. He is still instructing His church about the harvest, harvesting, and the need for harvesters.
I. What Jesus Meant by “The Harvest.”
A. His observation of human behavior—“harassed and helpless.” v. 36
1. Prone to chronic anxiety—“harassed.”
2. Vulnerable to powerful forces—“helpless.”
B. His evaluation of human condition.
1. “Like sheep…” v. 36
a. A bias towards “going astray.” Isaiah 53:6a
b. An insistence on “going our own way.” Isaiah 53:6b
2. “…without a shepherd.” v. 36; See Psalm 23
If the Lord is NOT my shepherd, I experience:
a. Unsatisfied desires—I shall lack something. v. 1
b. Unsettling turmoil—I long for “quiet waters.” v. 2
c. Unreplenished strength—I neglect my inner life. v. 3a
d. Undirected lifestyle—I do what I want to do. v. 3b
--------------------
Part 2: Responding to the Need for Harvesters
Series: Gathering The Harvest: The Church’s Mission
Stuart Briscoe
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus shared His vision of human need with His disciples, and He expected them to be involved in meeting the need. He said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Who are these workers, why is there a shortage, and what can be done about it?
I. Who Were These Workers? Matthew 10:1 5
A. They were ordinary people.
1. Simon Peter—impetuous and impossible.
2. Andrew—enquiring and engaged.
3. James and John—intense and intolerant.
4. Thomas—phlegmatic and pragmatic.
5. Matthew—disliked and distrusted.
6. Simon the Zealot—passionate and powerful.
B. They were ordinary people who had been called.
1. They had responded to a personal invitation from Christ.
2. They were now enrolled in His cause.
C. They were ordinary called people with authority.
1. The authority invested in the Lord Jesus—over all evil.
2. The authority now delegated to them for service.
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