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The sermon, “Kingdom Focused,” emphasizes that every believer is called to be a laborer in expanding God’s kingdom on earth, returning to the fundamental purpose of the church. It highlights that our purpose is to bring joy to our King by seriously participating in this mission, which involves being sent out, empowered, and instructed by Jesus to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. This mission is for all believers, not just a select few, and involves bringing the Kingdom of God near through words, works, and witness.

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Year Three – Part 2 – Kingdom Focused

Nate Roten / Yearly Recap / July 27, 2025

Main Idea

Every believer has been called to be a laborer in expanding God’s kingdom on earth.

Back to the fundamentals – Vince Lombardi, the legendary Green Bay Packers coach, would start his training camps by picking up the pigskin, holding it up, and saying, “This is a football.” Then, he would talk about how to carry it. As you can imagine, this would trigger three basic reactions:

1. Utter confusion about why we’re discussing basic principles as professional athletes.

2. Prideful players who would be offended that their coach thought they needed a reminder of what a football is and how to carry it.

3. A recognition of the importance of returning to the basics and the core elements of the game.

Now, he is famous for it because the team won games.

Returning to the fundamentals proved to be a successful strategy for the Packers. It is a healthy tactic for any organization or gathering. It is healthy for the church. Today, I would like to begin by asking two questions:

What is the church, and why are we here?
What is our purpose?

Jesus’ Joy

We have addressed this in a specific manner before through a catechism question.

What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

That is true and a great Q&A to memorize because it focuses our existence on God, while also considering its impact on us. Today, I want to read a passage that shows us what Jesus looks like when we glorify Him.

Luke 10:21 CSB

²¹ At that time he [Jesus] rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…

That. I want to live my life in a way that brings this joyful reaction from Jesus and let that be the launching pad from which I answer those two fundamental questions.

Passage

Luke 10:1–20 CSB

¹ After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and he sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. ² He told them, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. ³ Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves. ⁴ Don’t carry a money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals; don’t greet anyone along the road. ⁵ Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ ⁶ If a person of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. ⁷ Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Don’t move from house to house. ⁸ When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you. ⁹ Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near you.’ ¹⁰ When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ¹¹ ‘We are wiping off even the dust of your town that clings to our feet as a witness against you. Know this for certain: The kingdom of God has come near.’ ¹² I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ¹³ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. ¹⁴ But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. ¹⁵ And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will go down to Hades. ¹⁶ Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” ¹⁷ The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” ¹⁸ He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. ¹⁹ Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. ²⁰ However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” ²¹At that time he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, because this was your good pleasure.

I – Jesus sent

Appointed. Notice that none of the 72 stepped forward for the job. Jesus is the one who assigned the task to the 72. These are not the 12 disciples because they were dispatched in chapter 9 in the same way. That is why Luke tells us this was 72 others. This is the next wave of followers… this is you and me. With the benefit of having Jesus’ words spoken to the 12 just before His ascension, we know that the mission is given to all of us.

Pairs. Jesus wisely sent them out in pairs because His mission is not a solo effort. It’s much easier for Satan to pick off individual sheep, but there is strength in numbers… for protection, for supporting each other, and for mutual encouragement.

Limited workers. Jesus defines their role as He sends them out. There are souls out there ready to be brought into the Kingdom. Since God knows the thoughts and intentions of the human heart, Jesus can discern such things, and He likens their role as laborers sent into a field to pick the ripe fruit. They are prepared to receive their Messiah, and the number of workers is far too small to handle the vast harvest. In this task, we are fellow laborers, called by our King, and I see this both as a privileged calling and a loving reminder to the church. There are billions of professing Christians worldwide, yet I believe there are still too few workers to gather the Kingdom’s harvest. That is why it is important for us to periodically ask ourselves, “Why do I go to church? Is it so I can get things from God or be used by God?”

II – Jesus Empowered

I have given you authority. There is another powerful story in the Bible about what happens when you try to confront the enemy using only your own power and authority. Needless to say, those two men needed medical attention and a fresh set of clothes. We have no authority over spiritual darkness, and that is the true battle. Our fight isn’t against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers, rulers, and established authorities. Therefore, we need a higher authority than the kind of authority demonic forces possess. Praise God, we don’t just receive an authority that is slightly above theirs. We have been granted the authority of the one who holds all authority in both heaven and earth. All things are under His control, and He is the one who has appointed us as His workers and equipped us for the mission. We don’t just have power over the enemy (defined as the ability to do something). We also have authority over the enemy—the right to exercise that power.

Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Jesus entrusted these 72 believers with His message. Luke doesn’t use the exact wording here, but this clearly depicts a king sending out his ambassadors. Why? Because they are speaking on behalf of the king. Jesus said, “whoever listens to you listens to me.” We use the word of our king for the harvest, so while we are ambassadors, we are still field laborers; yet, think of the incredible responsibility placed in our hands. We are entrusted with the gospel message about Jesus. He trusts you with it… the very power of salvation. That should motivate each of us to do whatever it takes to ensure we get it right.

III – Jesus Instructed

Sent into danger. This is another core reason why we need to periodically take the time to reflect on our calling as Christians, because we are appointed to and sent into danger. We aren’t told to avoid the danger. Jesus said, “I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” Why does Jesus do that? Why are we sent as lambs, who are by their very nature ill-equipped to fight and defend? It’s because that is where the harvest is. Lost souls are in the world among the danger. A lamb can do its best to defend, but ultimately, it must trust in its shepherd to keep it safe. And here’s something we need to remember: our church doors swing both ways. They open wide to send us out into the world where the lost and broken are, and they stay open to welcome the hurting and the hopeless in. But with that kind of openness, we must acknowledge something else—wolves may slip in from time to time. It’s the risk of being a church that’s both welcoming and missional. Yet we don’t close the doors out of fear. We stay faithful. We stay alert. And above all, we trust our Shepherd to protect His flock. Because this is where the harvest happens—in the midst of the mess, with open doors, open hands, and willing hearts.

Trust in Him for provisions. That is exactly what Jesus asks of His followers. He told them not to bring basic supplies like money, extra clothing, or even an extra pair of shoes. This was a mission where they had to rely completely on the provision of their King. Can you imagine what they must have thought? Just picture going on a seven-day trip with nothing—no gas money, no suitcase, no snack packs—nothing. This isn’t blind faith; it’s complete trust. It’s not a reason to abandon reason and wisdom in the mission, but a call to trust in the Good Shepherd, knowing He is our ultimate protector and provider.

How to handle hospitality and rejection. Jesus also instructed them on how to deal with the people they would encounter. In this mission, their daily needs, such as food, lodging, and supplies, would be provided by others. If they received hospitality, the laborer’s peace (shalom) would rest on that house. If they were rejected, shalom would not remain with that family, and they would shake the dust off their sandals as a testimony of innocence before divine judgment. God gives us wisdom through His holy and infallible Word and teaches us how to carry out our mission.

IV – Jesus gave the mission

This is the core of the message. We are always on mission… both inside and outside the home, church, and workplace.

Heal the sick. In their context, I believe this was primarily physical, although the message of the Kingdom also addresses spiritual illnesses. It would have confirmed them as followers of Jesus, who also healed the sick as those who carry His message.

The Kingdom has come near. This is the main focus of their mission. This phrase is mentioned twice here and many more times throughout Jesus’ ministry. Jesus’ message, miracles, and parables all show that He is the Messiah bringing the promised Messianic Kingdom. This is a Kingdom like no other. The King’s dominion is an everlasting dominion and will never be destroyed, and its citizens will be people from every tribe and nation who have been transformed from the inside out.

The Kingdom is certain. When Jesus first stepped onto the scene, He announced that the Kingdom was here. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ or ‘where.’ It has arrived… it has been established… and it is permanent! Unlike Rome, Greece, or the Persian empires, we have not been invited into a temporary rule.

V – The impact of the mission in the world

The sick are healed. What Jesus said needed to happen, happened. The sick were made well. Jesus said He doesn’t go to the well; He goes to the sick. In this case, there were many physically unwell people who needed the Great Physician. Jesus cares about our physical infirmities. We can rejoice in that, but even when we are healed physically, it should always point us to our spiritual infirmities.

The sinner repents. Jesus spends more time instructing the 72 about the consequences of their failure to repent from their sins. The woes pronounced over Chorazin and Bethsaida (two towns just north of the Sea of Galilee) were issued because the miracles did not point them to God and stir them to repentance. Judgments in Isaiah were pronounced over Tyre and Sidon for their evils, and we all know what happened in Sodom; yet, those towns got off easy compared to those who reject the Messiah and fail to embrace the coming of His kingdom. That’s heavy! The miracle of healing points to the miracle of new birth and a transformed life because the Kingdom’s harvest is a harvest of righteousness—sinners transformed and made new by the blood of their King!

God’s Kingdom expands and Satan’s Kingdom shrinks. If we exist for the Kingdom and it expands through transformed hearts, then gaining ground for Christ is ground lost by Satan. If we are a church actively engaged in this mission, we can expect the enemy to oppose us. He will not quietly or politely give up his footholds. Satan is not a gentleman or a sportsman. He’s a sore loser and will employ every evil tactic to retaliate fiercely. That’s why we must stand firm in unity as described in Ephesians 4 and take our mission seriously. The wolves mentioned in verse three refer to humans, but the snakes and scorpions in verse 19 represent demonic forces that may have some power to attack us, but they have no authority over us. Christ’s authority is greater, and it has been delegated to us in this fight.

VI – The impact of the mission in the individual

Joy. After returning from the harvest field, they were filled with happiness because they saw kingdom progress. They experienced what it was like to wield foreign authority that demonic forces had to obey. They were used by God to land devastating blows to Satan’s kingdom. We see this in Jesus’ remark about Satan falling from heaven like lightning. In an instant, he lost his footing and fell. This would lead us to believe that the 72 witnessed the repentance Jesus longed for. Sin was repented of, hard hearts were softened, and souls were brought to new life. How could they not be overwhelmed with joy?!

A tendency toward prideful power exists. Jesus made sure to guard against pride and arrogance, reminding them that their joy should not come from their delegated authority. That would be as foolish as bragging about how you saved yourself through your good works. God is the one who saves, not us… and God works through us with authority, which is not ours to boast about.

A reminder that their joy is in their relationship with God. Instead, our joy is found in our relationship with God. He is whom we delight in. We can rejoice in the fact that He calls us, sends us, equips us, empowers us, and stays with us! God doesn’t handpick the brightest theologians or the most charismatic speakers to expand His kingdom. He uses frail, imperfect people who are humble and submitted to their King and His mission. That is truly good news!

VII – Full circle back to Jesus

Luke 10:21 CSB

²¹ At that time he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, because this was your good pleasure.

Picture Jesus with His hands lifted toward the Father, and the Spirit surrounding Him in celebration. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Do you want to be part of what sparks the fullness of the Trinity to celebrate?

Conclusion

Church, let’s not miss the simplicity and the weight of what Jesus is calling us into. We’ve seen today that every believer—not just the apostles, not just the leaders, not just the mature—is called by Jesus, empowered by Jesus, instructed by Jesus, and sent by Jesus to participate in His Kingdom work. The mission isn’t for a select few—it’s for all of us. The harvest is still abundant. The workers are still few. And the call still stands.

So let’s go back to the basics. Let’s ask the two questions we started with:

What is the Church, and why are we here?
What is our purpose?

Scripture makes it clear: the Church is not a place we attend; it’s a people we are. We are the called-out, Spirit-filled, blood-bought citizens of the Kingdom of God—gathered to worship, sent to proclaim. We are here to glorify God and enjoy Him forever by participating in the very mission that makes heaven rejoice. We exist to be laborers—appointed by Christ, walking in His authority, and carrying the gospel into every place He’s about to go.

And our purpose? Our purpose is to bring joy to our King by taking our role in the mission seriously. That means making disciples. That means pointing people to Jesus in our words, our works, and our witness. That means declaring with our lives: The Kingdom of God has come near.

But I don’t want to answer those questions for you. In place of our application points today, I want you to answer them personally and develop your own response.

Why do you go to church?
Why has God placed you here, in this time, with these people, in this city?
What does it mean for you to take your place in the harvest field?

Let’s take our place in the field seriously. That means seeing your neighborhood as a mission field. That means praying regularly for boldness and for God to show you who is ready to receive His peace and forgiveness. That means being intentional with your time and relationships—whether it’s discipling your kids, investing in a friend, or praying for someone at work. That means rejecting the lie that you’re not “qualified” or “ready.” Jesus didn’t wait until the 72 were perfect—He called them, empowered them, and then sent them so that they could grow and mature. He’s doing the same with you.

Let those questions stir something deep in your soul.

Let them move you from passive attendance to active obedience.
From watching to working.
From asking “what can I get?” to asking “how can I be sent?”

And as we go—as laborers, ambassadors, disciples, and disciple-makers—let’s remember what fuels our joy:

Not results.
Not recognition.
But that our names are written in heaven. We belong to the King. We are part of an eternal Kingdom that cannot be shaken. And we have been entrusted with the most glorious mission on earth.

So church, let’s go—not as scattered individuals, but as a united body, laboring side by side, trusting our Shepherd, proclaiming His Kingdom, and sparking joy in the heart of our King.

This is our calling. This is our purpose. This is our joy.

FAQs

What is the primary mission of every believer, and why is it essential to return to these fundamental principles?

Every believer is called to be a laborer in expanding God’s kingdom on earth. It’s crucial to periodically return to these foundational principles, much like a successful sports team returning to the basics, because it helps clarify the church’s purpose and individual roles. This ensures believers move from passive attendance to active obedience, understanding that their existence is focused on glorifying God and participating in a mission that brings joy to Jesus.

Who is called to participate in this mission, and how are they equipped?

The mission is not for a select few, such as the apostles or church leaders, but for every believer, symbolizing “the next wave of followers” beyond the original disciples. Believers are called, empowered, and instructed by Jesus Himself. This empowerment includes receiving authority over spiritual darkness, not based on their own power but on the delegated authority of Christ, who holds all power in heaven and earth. They are also entrusted with the Gospel message, which is the very power of salvation.

What are the key instructions given to those sent out on this mission?

Those sent out are instructed to go in pairs for protection, support, and encouragement, emphasizing that the mission is not a solo effort. They are sent “like lambs among wolves,” acknowledging the inherent danger and the necessity of trusting their Shepherd for safety and provision, rather than relying on their own resources. They are also taught how to handle hospitality, accepting provision from those who welcome them, and how to respond to rejection by shaking the dust off their feet as a testimony.

What is the core message and focus of the mission?

The core message and main focus of the mission are encapsulated in the declaration, “The Kingdom of God has come near.” This emphasizes that Jesus is the Messiah bringing the promised Messianic Kingdom, which is already established, permanent, and unlike any earthly empire. The mission involves healing the sick (both physically and spiritually) as a confirmation of carrying Jesus’ message and demonstrating the transformative power of the Kingdom.

What are the expected impacts of this mission on the world and on individuals?

In the world, the mission leads to the healing of the sick and, more significantly, the repentance of sinners, as people are transformed and made new by the “harvest of righteousness.” This expansion of God’s Kingdom directly corresponds to the shrinking of Satan’s kingdom, leading to opposition from the enemy. For individuals, participating in the mission brings immense joy as they witness Kingdom progress and are used by God to impact spiritual darkness.

What warning does Jesus give to those participating in the mission, and where should their true joy come from?

Jesus warns against pride and arrogance, reminding believers that their joy should not come from their delegated authority or the powerful results they witness. Boasting about their power would be as foolish as claiming self-salvation. Instead, their true joy is to be found in their relationship with God and the fact that their names are “written in heaven.” This underscores that God uses humble, imperfect people for His mission, and their delight should be in Him who calls, sends, equips, empowers, and stays with them.

How does Jesus’ own reaction relate to the success of the mission?

Jesus “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” when the 72 returned, indicating that the expansion of the Kingdom and the repentance of sinners bring Him joy. This joyful reaction from Jesus serves as a launching pad for understanding the church’s purpose. Believers are encouraged to live their lives in a way that sparks this “fullness of the Trinity to celebrate,” aligning their efforts with what brings joy to their King.

How should believers personally respond to this calling and purpose?

Believers should deeply consider their personal answers to fundamental questions like “Why do I go to church?” and “What is my purpose?” This involves viewing their everyday environments—neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes—as mission fields. It calls for active obedience over passive attendance, moving from asking “what can I get?” to “how can I be sent?” It means making disciples, pointing people to Jesus through words, works, and witness, and declaring through their lives that “The Kingdom of God has come near,” all while trusting their Shepherd and remembering their belonging to an eternal Kingdom.