Missio Dei

Missio Dei (The Mission of God)

Acts: The Church on the Move
Acts 9:32–43

We are in a series on the book of Acts — a history book that gives detailed accounts of the birth and forming of the Church. We have titled this series Acts: The Church on the Move because the Church is a sent people. We are sent to our neighborhoods, to our family members, to our government, to schools, and to the ends of the earth.

We are sent to carry out a mission — but this is not our mission. Rather, we are invited to participate in God’s mission, known as the Missio Dei (Latin for “Mission of God”).

Richard Osmer writes:

“Missio Dei, the mission of God, marks a shift in thinking about mission from an ecclesiocentric (church-centered) to a theocentric (God-centered) perspective. Instead of thinking of mission as activities the church does, it views mission as something God does in sending the Son and Spirit into the world.”

The Church is a sent community, but we are not sent alone. Today, we will look at Acts 9:32–43 to see what we can learn about the Missio Dei and how we might apply it today.

Explain the Text

Before focusing on the Missio Dei, there are several important observations from the text:

1. Peter, as an Apostle, had a unique calling and traveled throughout Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.

2. Because of his apostolic office, Peter was used by God to perform miraculous healings among believers.

3. These miracles occurred during the founding of the Church and are not normative today, though God remains sovereign.

4. After healing Aeneas, Peter told him to make his bed — because he was done with it.

5. Dorcas’ life demonstrates God’s compassion for widows and those in need.

6. The result of the Missio Dei: God’s people participate, God’s power is displayed, people believe, and Jesus’ name is magnified.

Main Idea

The Church is and has always been a sent people who are to participate in the mission of God in the power of God.

I. All Christ-Followers Are Called to Participate in the Missio Dei

Some of you remember being the kid standing against the wall waiting to be picked for kickball — and getting picked last. It doesn’t feel good to be excluded. But follower of Christ, you have been chosen to participate in the most important mission that has ever existed.

Acts 9:32–33; Acts 9:36–39

A. Peter participated in the Missio Dei differently than others, but everyone had a role.
B. Aeneas suffered for eight years and participated in God’s mission through suffering; Dorcas participated through service, death, and resurrection.
C. Disciples went to get Peter; disciples prepared Tabitha’s body — ordinary faithfulness mattered.
D. While we are not Apostles, we still have a role in God’s mission together.
Romans 12:4–8

Main Idea

The Church is and has always been a sent people who are to participate in the mission of God in the power of God.

II. The Missio Dei Is Christ-Empowered

Back to the kickball game — had you been picked, you might have disappointed people. But in God’s mission, we do not operate in our own strength.

Acts 9:34; Acts 9:40

A. Peter healed neither Aeneas nor Tabitha in his own power.
B. To Aeneas, Peter declared that Jesus Christ was healing him — present tense, divine action.
C. Peter prayed before commanding Tabitha to rise — dependence on Christ’s power.
D. God displays His power so His works may be seen.
John 9:1–7
E. Aeneas was told to make his bed because his life was permanently changed — believers must not return to the old way of life.
2 Corinthians 5:17–20
F. Sanctified by God’s power in order to be used in God’s mission.

Main Idea

The Church is and has always been a sent people who are to participate in the mission of God in the power of God.

III. The Result of the Missio Dei Is the Exaltation of Christ

Because we operate in the power of Christ in the mission of God, Christ’s name is exalted among the nations.

Acts 9:35; Acts 9:41–42

A. When the Church joins God’s mission in God’s power, Christ is exalted.
B. Jesus’ name is above every name.
Philippians 2:9–11
C. The mission of God includes worship among the nations.
D. Christ was exalted because He first humbled Himself.
Philippians 2:5–8
E. We join God’s mission to exalt Christ because of the cross.

Main Idea

The Church is and has always been a sent people who are to participate in the mission of God in the power of God.

Conclusion

Acts 9:43 points us toward what comes next. Peter stayed with Simon the tanner — someone considered unclean. Luke includes this detail to show that the gospel transcends cultural and religious barriers. This sets the stage for Acts 10, where the gospel goes to the Gentiles.

Homework

Psalm 96 — Read, Reflect, Respond in Prayer, Rest