Topical Bible: All Christians should be As Missionaries in Old Age

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The concept of Christians serving as missionaries in their old age is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and the teachings of the New Testament. The call to spread the Gospel and serve others does not diminish with age; rather, it can be seen as a lifelong commitment that matures and deepens over time.

Biblical Foundations

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , serves as a foundational mandate for all believers: "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." This command is not limited by age, suggesting that the call to mission work extends throughout a believer's life.

In the Old Testament, the psalmist reflects on the enduring purpose of life in Psalm 92:14 : "In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain." This imagery of fruitfulness in old age underscores the potential for continued spiritual productivity and influence.

Examples of Elderly Missionaries

The Bible provides examples of individuals who served God faithfully in their later years. Caleb, at the age of 85, declared his readiness to take possession of the land promised to him (Joshua 14:10-12). His vigor and faith serve as an inspiration for older Christians to remain active in their service to God.

Anna the prophetess, mentioned in Luke 2:36-38 , was advanced in years yet dedicated her life to worship, fasting, and prayer in the temple. Her recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and her subsequent proclamation to others highlight the role of elderly believers in sharing the message of Christ.

The Role of Older Christians in Mission

Older Christians possess unique qualities that can greatly benefit missionary work. Their life experiences, wisdom, and spiritual maturity equip them to mentor younger believers and provide guidance in ministry settings. Titus 2:2-3 emphasizes the importance of older men and women teaching and encouraging the younger generation: "Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good."

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in his later years, continued to write letters, mentor leaders, and encourage churches, demonstrating that age does not limit one's ability to contribute to the mission of the Church. His exhortation in 2 Timothy 4:7 , "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith," reflects a life of enduring commitment to the Gospel.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, older Christians can engage in mission work through various means. They can participate in short-term mission trips, support mission organizations through prayer and financial contributions, or serve in local outreach programs. Additionally, they can use their homes as places of hospitality and evangelism, welcoming neighbors and sharing the love of Christ.

The church community plays a vital role in encouraging and facilitating the involvement of older members in mission work. By recognizing their gifts and providing opportunities for service, the church can harness the potential of its senior members to further the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 32:7
Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 71:18
Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed your strength to this generation, and your power to every one that is to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Raymond Lull.
... order to be able to labour as missionaries amongst the ... O Heavenly Father, Father
of all ages ... such, it is surely reasonable that Christians should ever remember ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/raymond lull.htm

How a Schoolmaster Became a God.
... He next proposed that a temple should be erected ... they stole very much valuable property."
All that happened ... worship differ from the ideas of Christians who have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter nine how a schoolmaster.htm

The Last Two Decades.
... "All the missionaries of Amoy and many Chinese Christians accompanied Mr ... the opening
sermon and read a paper, the title of which was, "Should the native ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/xi the last two decades.htm

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... that little book to excite in all Christians a passion ... Court of Directors to send
home all Europeans not ... and so enforced it that it should effectually operate ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament
... Missionaries say"and experience at home has confirmed the ... We should then have to
say that their religious ... study on the part of all Christians who recognize ...
/.../chapter vi the permanent significance.htm

The Martyrs of Lyons and vienne (Ad 177)
... then called), where a company of missionaries from Asia ... the persecutors could think
of; and all that they ... and night, lest the other Christians should give them ...
/.../chapter v the martyrs of.htm

Another Portrait Gallery
... the scarlet chair in which the bride should have sat ... was to Mr. Nieh that both
Christians and officials ... would entail associating with foreigners for all eternity ...
/.../chapter xxi another portrait gallery.htm

The Cry of the Heathen
... hope there are as many as that"of true Christians in the ... that out of the whole lot
of us we should not be ... hope that they have the love of God at all; for if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the cry of the heathen.htm

Christian Missions in Benares.
... they were foremost in the first rank; but all who knew ... house for girls, and houses
for native Christians, have been ... and had no wish that others should do so. ...
/.../chapter iv christian missions in.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... accounts which trustworthy travellers and missionaries give of ... that believe on Him
should receive." Figurative ... the secret history of all Christians is revealed ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm