The concept that all Christians are called to be missionaries in teaching and exhorting is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship. This calling is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, emphasizing the universal responsibility to spread the Gospel and edify the body of Christ.

The Great Commission

The foundation for this missionary calling is found in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus instructs, "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 directive underscores the responsibility of every Christian to engage in teaching and spreading the Gospel.

The Role of Teaching

Teaching is a critical component of the Christian mission. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasizes the importance of sound teaching. In 2 Timothy 2:2 , Paul advises Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." This passage highlights the necessity of passing on sound doctrine and the responsibility of each believer to be equipped to teach others.

Exhortation in the Christian Life

Exhortation, or the act of encouraging and urging others to live according to the teachings of Christ, is another vital aspect of the Christian mission. Hebrews 3:13 states, "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." This verse illustrates the importance of mutual encouragement and the role of every believer in strengthening the faith of others.

The Priesthood of All Believers

The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, as articulated in 1 Peter 2:9 , supports the idea that all Christians are called to be active participants in the mission of the Church. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage affirms that every Christian has a role in proclaiming the Gospel and living out their faith in a way that draws others to Christ.

Equipping the Saints

Ephesians 4:11-12 speaks to the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry: "And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." This equipping is not limited to church leaders but extends to all believers, who are called to participate in the mission of the Church through various gifts and roles.

Living as Witnesses

Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise to His disciples: "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." This empowerment by the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, enabling them to be effective witnesses of Christ's love and truth in their daily lives.

Conclusion

The call for all Christians to be missionaries in teaching and exhorting is a biblical mandate that emphasizes the active participation of every believer in the mission of the Church. Through teaching, exhortation, and living as witnesses, Christians are to fulfill their role in spreading the Gospel and building up the body of Christ.Psalm 34:11
Come, you children, listen to me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 51:13
Then will I teach transgressors your ways; and sinners shall be converted to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Problem of Foreign Missions
... reaction lately set in in all departments But all were agreed ... lasting honour that
in a few years they should have taught the native Christians to see so ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the problem of foreign missions.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... you look them in the face, you should break forth ... So shall it appear to ourselves
and all men that ... again constrained to say, See how these Christians love one ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Otho, Bishop of Bamberg.
... began to recognise the God of the Christians as a ... destruction to the church and death
to all within it ... They told the priests that they should defend their cause ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/otho bishop of bamberg.htm

Columban.
... power with regard to Divine things, you should know that ... must be allowed a free access
to all men, whilst ... how a Christian can strive with Christians about the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/columban.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... are serious in hell;"and why then should not you ... as we bye upon Him, that we are
strong Christians. ... only when self is nothing and Christ is all our confidence ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... advocates, between nominal and real Christians, and by ... assuming, in the mean time,
all the etiquette of a ... his regret that any difficulties should have arisen ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... is the first beast that persecuted the Christians that separated ... the people, how
the people's money should be spent ... colonies, to the dissenters of all sorts in ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

What does it mean to be missional? Should Christians be missional? | GotQuestions.org

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What is Christian missions? | GotQuestions.org

Mission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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