1889 Lesson 13 Wednesday Dec 27 - Success in Mission

What is success in mission? We might be tempted to think that it is many baptisms, big churches, and rapid growth rates. We might feel that success consists of entering every tribe and people group on earth with the truth and that we can speed it up by using radio, the internet, and TV. While all of this can be good, we must remember what Paul wrote to the community of faith in Corinth: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6, NKJV). In other words, our focus is to be on the process; God’s focus will be on the growth.We have already seen that the object of God’s mission is saving the lost in every people group on earth by making them loyal disciples of Jesus who are involved in His mission.Read the following texts. What do they tell us about the character of those who become followers of Jesus?2 Cor. 11:2Isa. 30:21; John 10:27; John 16:12, 132 Thess. 2:9–11; Heb. 3:12, 13; 1 John 1:81 John 1:9, Rev. 7:14, Rev. 19:8Disciples of Jesus are pure, remaining loyal to Him as a pure bride would to her betrothed. They follow Jesus as He leads them by the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. This includes leading us into missionary work for others. There is no deception in these disciples. They are not led astray by debilitating doubt, false teachings, or immorality. And they do not feel morally superior to others. They recognize that they are imperfect, requiring God’s cleansing grace and mercy. Understanding this, they also are open to receiving correction and instruction from other believers. Success in mission results in making this type of disciple.What does it mean to be a “chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2)? How can we, as sinners, be this before God and point others to becoming chaste virgins to Christ, as well?