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Understanding the Missio Dei in Missions

Feb 26, 2025

Unit Three: Introduction to Missions

Lecture by Professor Timothy Moore

Topic: The Biblical Basis for Missions

Focus: The Missio Dei

  • Missio Dei: Latin for "the mission of God"; reflects the concept that God is inherently missional.
  • Historical Context: Abraham is seen as the first missionary in Genesis 12, but God precedes this as the original missionary.

Key Concepts of Missio Dei

  1. God's Mission:

    • God is actively engaged in the world, inviting humanity to join in His mission.
    • The mission involves exploration, growth, and healing.
    • It is about living God's mission today and embracing His vision.
  2. Expressions of Missio Dei:

    • Described as a moving mission of discovery and hope.
    • Involves every aspect of life, from home and community to the global scale.
  3. Theological Foundation:

    • St. Augustine elaborated on Missio Dei as God entering time to accomplish His mission.
    • God's mission involves revealing Himself, calling people, and weaving lives together with His.
  4. Four Aspects of Missio Dei:

    • Revelation: God revealing Himself to humanity.
    • Calling: God calling people to Himself.
    • Weaving: God interweaving human lives with His.
    • Joining: Humans joining God in His mission.

Theological Impact

  • Theology Proper: Understanding God's unchangeable attributes and joining Him in His work.

    • Attributes: Omniscient (all-knowing), Omnipotent (all-powerful), Immutable (unchanging).
    • Response: Join God in His ongoing work rather than working for Him.
  • Hermeneutics: Proper interpretation of scripture requires understanding Missio Dei.

    • The Bible is not just a collection of stories but a unified narrative of God's mission.

Practical Application

  • Personalizing Missio Dei:
    • Apply the four aspects personally: How is God revealing, calling, weaving, and inviting in your life?

Global Perspective

  • Sin and Separation: Sin separates humanity from God; Missio Dei is God's way of restoring this relationship.

    • Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20 emphasizes joining God in His mission to the nations.
  • Human Worth: Imago Dei (Image of God) signifies human worth and will.

    • Value: Determined by creation and sacrifice (Jesus' sacrifice gives ultimate value).

Motivations for God's Mission

  • God's Love: Motivated by love and the inherent worth of humanity.
  • Invitation: Participation in Missio Dei requires accepting God's invitation.

Conclusion

  • Role of Believers: Engage in God's mission, aligning personal will with divine purpose.
  • Eternal Perspective: Understanding and engaging in Missio Dei shapes eternal life and purpose.