Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner’s home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. “Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?” he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector’s emotions were deeply stirred. “I have no right to keep that to myself,” he exclaimed. “It’s yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.”
We, too, are in possession of an immensely valuable treasure which the world cannot afford to keep hidden – it must be taken to the world to let the people hear it. The terms of the Great Commission make us “Men on a Mission,” a mission we must accomplish according to its urgent need.
Title: “Men on a Mission”
Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-4
Main Point: King David made a marvelous commitment when he hid the word of God in his heart that he might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). However, David did not mean that God’s message was hidden in his heart to such an extent that it would never be shared. It was a personal admission of conviction and commitment to God’s call, a conviction and commitment that needs to be made in the life of every person on earth. Thus before Jesus ascended back to the Father He commissioned His apostles to take the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:18-20). This is a responsibility directly dictated to the apostles as they were the ones to whom Jesus spoke. However, this is likewise a responsibility that applies to us al – making us men on a mission.
Discussion Points:
§ It Will Require Determination in the Message – 1 Corinthians 2:2 – “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” It would be easy to use the platform of Bible teaching to spread personal opinion, ride hobby horses, or pervert the gospel message in an attempt at eloquence. Paul’s determination was to preach Christ crucified. It is the gospel message that will save souls (Romans 1:16). It is a message to which we need to be determined to stick.
§ It Will Require Declaration of the Message – 1 Corinthians 2:1 – “And, I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom declaring unto the testimony of God.” In order for Paul to accomplish his mission among the Corinthians he had to step outside of his comfort zone and confront people with the gospel. While we might feel 100% comfortable in such a role we must ask ourselves ho comfortable Jesus was going to the cross!
§ It Will Require Demonstration of the Message – 1 Corinthians 2:3-4 – “And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power…” As an apostle Paul had the miraculous ability to back up his words with signs and wonders to confirm his message. We teach a self-confirming message, but must still be demonstrated in our lives to have the greatest impact.
Are we truly committed as men on a mission? Our eternal destinies and the eternal destinies of all the world depend on our willingness to comply.
-Andy Brewer
