The Lord's Plan Produces Great Results (Matthew 28:19-20)
Introduction: 1. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus gave the Great Commission to His apostles. a. (vs.19) He told them what to do so people would know how to be saved. b. (vs.20) He told them what to do so their converts would know how to live after they were saved. 2. These principles are illustrated in a powerful way in Acts 2:41-47. 3. In Jerusalem, when the apostles did what Jesus had told them to do,: a. about 3,000 people complied with the Lord's plan to be saved b. these people continued following the Lord's plan after they were saved. 4. Let us be assured that "the Lord's plan produces great results."
Discussion:
I. (vs.41) ABOUT 3,000 PEOPLE IN JERUSALEM COMPLIED WITH THE LORD'S PLAN TO BE SAVED
A. Those who gladly received Peter's message were baptized. 1. Peter had preached a great Gospel sermon. 2. (vs.37) The people in the audience asked Peter and the other apostles what they needed to do. 3. Peter responded to their question in vs.38. B. Where did these instructions originate? 1. These instructions did not originate with Peter. 2. These instructions came from the Lord (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16). C. We learn from these people in Jerusalem how to comply with the Lord's plan to be saved.
II. (vs.42-46) THE NEW CONVERTS IN JERUSALEM COMPLIED WITH THE LORD'S PLAN AFTER THEY WERE SAVED
A. As we examine the activities of these people in Jerusalem, we see that a beautiful spirit of unity existed in that congregation. 1. We learn this from several statements. a. (vs.42) "They continued steadfastly" in 4 important activities. b. (vs.44) "All that believed were together." c. (vs.46a) They continued "daily with one accord in the temple." 2. How did these people know that they were to be united? a. (Matthew 28:20) Jesus instructed the apostles to teach their converts all things that He had commanded them. b. Jesus taught the apostles about unity as He prayed in John 17:11, 20-23. B. As we examine the activities of these people in Jerusalem, we also see that a beautiful spirit of love existed in that congregation. 1. We learn this from several statements. a. (vs.45) They sacrificed to provide for the needy. b. (vs.46b) They enjoyed being with one another as they ate meals together. 2. How did these people know that they were to love each other? a. (Matthew 28:20) Jesus instructed the apostles to teach their converts all things that He had commanded them. b. Jesus taught the apostles about love in John 13:34-35; 15:12-13, 17.
III. (vs.47) COMPLYING WITH THE LORD'S PLAN PRODUCED GREAT RESULTS IN JERUSALEM
A. (vs.47a) The Christians in Jerusalem had "favor with all the people." B. (vs.47b) The congregation in Jerusalem grew daily.
Conclusion:
1. Let us study the Scriptures carefully and diligently so we can know the Lord's plan. 2. May the Lord help us appreciate the importance of complying with His plan. 3. To be more specific, may the Lord help us: a. to do our part in teaching others the Gospel so they can be saved b. as His followers, to be united and to love one another. 4. If we will devote ourselves to these principles, the Lord will bless us with great results.
