The greatest thing one can do in life as a Christian is help a lost soul come to obedience to the gospel message. The Lord has given each of us a divine responsibility to share the gospel message (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). As followers of Christ this should not be viewed as a burden to bear, but rather as a joy to bring the message of redemption through His blood (Col. 1:13-14). “Where sin as gone must go His grace, the gospel is for all,” as we sometimes sing. We are the ones who must share that message because those lost and dying in their sin won’t know about God’s salvation and their need to obtain it unless they’re told by us (Acts 8:30-31; Rom. 10:10-14-15).
There is great joy that comes from helping one obey the gospel! By our continual teaching, those whom we convert will be empowered to share the gospel with someone else. Continual teaching is something which should be done if the church is to thrive (2 Tim. 2:2). The apostle John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 4). Another positive effect received from sharing the gospel is that we ourselves learn more about God and His will for us. Continual study of scripture will always reveal something new, regardless of how many times one has read a particular passage. Just as Ezra read the Law of Moses for the people (Neh. 8), Christians must constantly give heed to teachings of scripture. When we discover something in the Bible we had not known before, we should cling to it with all our being (Prov. 23:23).
There will be even more great joy when one realizes there is truly only one name by which one can be saved (Acts 4:12). There is much confusion in the religious world today due many “preachers” tickling the ears of their listeners with “feel good” messages while lining their own pockets. Many today are searching for the truth. We must be the ones willing to step up and share this great message of Christ’s death (1 Cor. 2:2), which will save those who are willing to heed and obey it!
Joy also occurs when one seeks opportunities to share the gospel. Many in the world are ready and searching for the truth (Matt. 5:6; 9:37-38; Jn. 4:35). While we should pray for those who do the work, we must also have the attitude of the great prophet Isaiah who said, “Here am I. Send me” (Is. 6:1). Like the Macedonian, there are many who are asking us for help (Acts 16:9-10). Opportunity can come in many forms; it’s our job to be able to see them when they arise. Let’s always be alert!
Some are reluctant to share the gospel for a variety of reasons. For some it’s fear of rejection; others join Moses in having a fear of speaking. However, we don’t need to be afraid because we have the complete word of God to guide us. Let me share with you some ways to help you overcome any reluctance to share the gospel with others.
When sharing the gospel, it would be wise to take someone with us who has more experience in Bible studies so we can learn from them. Remember that the Lord sent His disciples in pairs (Luke 10:1).
Boost your confidence by engaging in steady study by yourself so that you can be a teacher, rather than someone have to teach you (Heb. 5:12-14) and can be ready to answer questions that will arise (1 Pet. 3:15).
As Christians we are to be gentle and patient (2 Tim. 2:24-25). It must be remembered that not everyone is on the same level of understanding and knowledge or from the same background as us, so we must be patient as we lead them to the gospel. It must also be realized that a lot of people aren’t going to obey after the first study (cf. Acts 17:32).
It is also imperative to simply listen so we can learn where to begin as they start their spiritual journey. James reminds that we are to be quick to listen rather than speak (Jas. 1:19). A major error commonly made is to make assumptions about someone’s beliefs should not be made. This is why listening before speaking is so important. We can’t speak about what we don’t know (1 Tim. 1:5-7).
Remember that Jesus as a boy both listened to and asked questions of the Jewish teachers in the temple (Luke 2:46).This is a good example to follow because it’s a good way to open dialogue to determine the spiritual state of the one with whom you’re studying (1 Jn. 4:1). Don’t be afraid to be open for questions yourself either (Acts 17:11).
Remember there are different ways the gospel can be shared. The Lord simply commanded us to teach the gospel (Matt. 28:18-20). How we do so is a matter of judgment as long as long as truth is taught. When one obeys the gospel it brings us great joy. I can only imagine the good feelings Philip and Ananias felt when the eunuch and Saul rendered their obedience to the Lord’s plan (Acts 8:38-39; 9:18). We likewise will experience great joy in knowing that we have fulfilled what the Lord has asked of each of us.
There is much work to be done until the Lord returns. It must be done with urgency as if souls depend on it…because they do! “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13). Our work isn’t done when one obeys the gospel. No, it’s only just begun!
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Carolina Messenger 