The Greatest Sermon on Missions Ever Preached
Text: Isaiah 54:2–3
In the year 1792, in a small chapel in Nottingham, England, a young Baptist pastor named William Carey stood before a gathering of ministers and preached what would become the most influential missions sermon in Christian history.
The title of his message was: “The Use of Means for the Conversion of the Heathens.”
This was no ordinary message. It became the rallying cry for what we now call the Modern Missionary Movement. Carey’s sermon stirred a sleeping church to go, give, and send. From this simple but powerful message emerged a global missions movement that continues to this day.
1. The Text: Isaiah 54:2–3
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.”
Carey believed this passage wasn’t merely a poetic promise to ancient Israel—it was a prophecy about the expansive, global mission of the church. God was calling His people to stretch out, expand their vision, and claim the nations through the power of the Gospel.
2. The Message: Two Bold Imperatives
William Carey distilled his sermon into two timeless truths that continue to stir hearts today:
1. Expect Great Things from God
God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Carey challenged the church to raise its expectations—not of themselves, but of God’s power to save the lost across the world.
2. Attempt Great Things for God
Faith is not passive—it moves. Carey’s challenge was not just to believe that God could save the nations, but to act like it. To go, to give, to send, to labor, and to pray.
He argued that it was both biblical and practical to use “means”—whether ships, printing presses, education, or preaching—to reach people with the Gospel.
3. The Impact: A Movement is Born
Carey’s sermon was not immediately welcomed. One minister reportedly told him, “Young man, sit down. When God pleases to convert the heathen, He will do it without your aid or mine.”
But Carey didn’t sit down—he stood up. Later that same year, he helped form the Baptist Missionary Society and sailed to India, where he would serve for more than 40 years.
Because of that one sermon, thousands of missionaries have followed in his footsteps. Churches have been planted. Bibles translated. Lives transformed. Carey’s legacy proves that one obedient voice can echo for centuries.
4. Life Application: Bring the Mission to Life
- Raise your expectations. Do you believe God can still reach the unreached?
- Attempt something bold. Is there a step you can take today toward missions—giving, going, praying, or encouraging?
- Stretch your tent. Where have you been holding back? What nations, neighbors, or people groups has God placed on your heart?
As Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35)
Closing Challenge
The church today needs to hear Carey’s message again. We must not be content with small dreams when God has given us a global commission. His last command must remain our first priority.
“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”
– William Carey
Will you say yes to the call?
Interactive Response:
- Comment below: What is one way you feel called to stretch your faith for the Gospel?
- Share this post: Be part of the movement. Share Carey’s vision with your church or friends.
- Pray this week: Ask God to show you how you can support global missions personally.