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.