Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of all Christians acting as missionaries in their daily lives is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This idea emphasizes that every believer, regardless of their specific calling or vocation, is tasked with living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ and actively participates in the Great Commission.
The Great CommissionThe foundation for this missionary mindset is found in the Great Commission, as recorded in
Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This command was given by Jesus to His disciples, but it extends to all believers, urging them to spread the Gospel and teach others to follow Christ.
Holy Conduct as a WitnessThe Apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of holy conduct as a form of witness in
1 Peter 2:12 : "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." Here, Peter highlights that the way Christians live their lives can serve as a powerful testimony to non-believers, drawing them towards the truth of the Gospel.
Ambassadors for ChristPaul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, describes believers as ambassadors for Christ. In
2 Corinthians 5:20 , he writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." This metaphor of ambassadorship underscores the responsibility of Christians to represent Christ in all aspects of their lives, acting as His representatives to the world.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe empowerment for this missionary lifestyle is provided by the Holy Spirit. In
Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips believers with the strength and boldness needed to live out their faith and share the Gospel effectively.
Living as Salt and LightJesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount further illustrates the role of Christians in the world. In
Matthew 5:13-16 , He declares, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This passage calls believers to influence the world positively, preserving what is good and illuminating the truth of God's Word through their actions.
Practical ApplicationThe call for Christians to be missionaries in holy conduct is not limited to formal missionary work but extends to everyday life.
Colossians 3:17 instructs, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." This verse encourages believers to integrate their faith into all aspects of life, ensuring that their actions and words consistently reflect the character of Christ.
ConclusionThe biblical mandate for Christians to live as missionaries in holy conduct is clear and compelling. Through the Great Commission, the example of holy living, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the call to be salt and light, believers are equipped and commanded to share the Gospel and demonstrate the love of Christ in every area of their lives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
On the Church
... from all this: (1) How very respectful we should be in the Church, which is holy
for all the reasons ... least danger to our lives; while the Christians of the ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 11 on the church.htm
Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
... should not be conformed to the world, but should be according ... last ten years are
among the best Christians in the ... Yet after all, the great body of them are a ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be not conformed to this.htm
Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... brethren, whom I highly respect as Christians; but whose ... as well as given a tone
to all the others ... in a great measure determine where missionaries should settle ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm
Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907.
... manner; arranged that their Provincial Synod should meet once ... curse of Palestine;
and the only Christians who are ... Above all, the Moravian Church is united in ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/book four the modern moravians.htm
On the First Commandment
... against our Blessed Lord when they should be working ... Besides this, the early Christians
really labored to ... They all felt that they were missionaries working for ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 30 on the first.htm
Missions; the Inquisition
... diviners said that the God of Christians was sitting ... took alarm lest some treacherous
trick should be practised ... From all quarters cries for reform were raised ...
/.../chapter xxx missions the inquisition.htm
Means to be Used with Sinners.
... like a wave of the sea, and all at once ... If Christians contradict this one point,
and attempt to accommodate ... The people of God should always show a temper like ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture ix means to be.htm
The Sifting Time, 1743-1750.
... made terms with kings at all, they should take their ... he meant a religious school
in which Christians were trained ... And, therefore, by all the laws of honour, he ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter viii the sifting time.htm
The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... Let but missionaries of the above description engage in ... every member of every
congregation should take a ... to the New Testament ideal of all Christians acting in ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm
Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... and it would be awfully presumptuous in Christians to neglect ... with a healthy pulse;
that much effort should be made ... at least, all we can educate and all we can ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm
Resources
What is Youth with a Mission (YWAM), and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Jesus' mission? Why did Jesus come? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the World Mission Society Church of God, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgMission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
