Living Unashamed: Our Bold Mission to Share the Gospel
Summary
In our lives as followers of Christ, we are called to a mission that transcends our personal comfort and preferences. It is a mission that requires boldness, a mission that demands we live unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This mission is not just a suggestion; it is a divine mandate, an obligation that we carry as bearers of the greatest news ever told—the news of Jesus' sacrificial love and redemptive power.
We often find ourselves in situations where we hesitate to share our faith. Perhaps it's during a casual lunch with a friend or a neighborly chat, where the Holy Spirit nudges us to steer the conversation towards matters of eternal significance. Yet, we resist, fearing discomfort or rejection. But within the walls of our church, we are unafraid to express our devotion. We must ask ourselves, are we living for Jesus out there as boldly as we proclaim Him in here?
The Apostle Paul serves as a profound example of living unashamed. Despite facing persecution, he remained steadfast, knowing that the message he carried was the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. Paul understood that the stakes were high—eternity was on the line. He knew that every person would spend forever somewhere, and the only path to salvation was through Jesus Christ.
We must grasp the urgency of our mission. Research shows that many Christians are disengaged from evangelism, with nearly half believing it's wrong to share their faith. This is alarming, as it reveals a disconnect from the heart of Jesus, who prioritized the lost above all else. We must break free from distractions and the pursuit of temporary gains, focusing instead on the eternal souls around us.
The Gospel is powerful, and we are the chosen vessels to carry this message. We don't need to fear inadequacy or rejection because the message we share is God-approved. It is not our responsibility to convert hearts—that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Our role is to faithfully sow the seeds of the Gospel, trusting God with the results.
Let us be inspired by the early church, by Paul's unwavering commitment, and by the countless lives transformed by the Gospel. Let us live unashamed, boldly sharing the good news with everyone we encounter. For in doing so, we fulfill our highest calling and participate in the divine work of changing the world—one heart at a time.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel is not merely good advice; it is the transformative power of God for salvation. As believers, we must recognize the weight of this truth and carry it with the reverence it deserves, understanding that our sharing of the Gospel can be the catalyst for someone's eternal destiny. [49:33]
- Evangelism is not optional; it is our sacred obligation. The Great Commission is a command, not a suggestion. We are called to be active participants in God's redemptive plan, and our willingness to share the Gospel is a direct reflection of our obedience to Christ's mandate. [47:19]
- Fear and comfort are the enemies of our mission. We must be willing to embrace discomfort for the sake of the Gospel. Our personal ease pales in comparison to the eternal significance of someone coming to know Jesus. Let us prioritize His cause over our comfort. [54:18]
- Every believer is equipped for the task of evangelism. God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to share the Gospel with confidence, knowing that God works through our imperfections to draw others to Himself. [51:02]
- The urgency of our mission must drive us to action. People are perishing without the hope of Christ, and we hold the key to their salvation. Let us be moved by compassion and a sense of urgency to share the life-saving message of the Gospel with all who are lost. [01:01:26]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:14-16 (NIV)
> "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."
2. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
> "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
3. Mark 16:15 (NIV)
> "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he is "obligated" to preach the gospel to both Greeks and non-Greeks? (Romans 1:14)
2. According to the sermon, what are some reasons Christians might feel ashamed to share the gospel? [34:05]
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the urgency of our mission as described in the sermon? [36:01]
4. What example from the early church does the pastor use to illustrate the power and importance of evangelism? [39:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that he is "not ashamed of the gospel"? What implications does this have for believers today? (Romans 1:16)
2. How does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, and why is this significant for overcoming fear and inadequacy? [51:02]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between personal comfort and the mission of evangelism? [54:18]
4. How does the pastor use the story of the fish to illustrate the urgency of sharing the gospel? What does this metaphor teach us about our responsibilities? [01:00:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hesitant to share your faith. What were the reasons for your hesitation, and how can you overcome them in the future? [34:05]
2. The sermon mentions that nearly half of Christians believe it is wrong to share their faith. How do you feel about this statistic, and what steps can you take to align your actions with the Great Commission? [38:19]
3. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What specific action can you take this week to share the gospel with them, even if it makes you uncomfortable? [54:18]
4. The pastor emphasized that evangelism is not optional but an obligation. How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily life and interactions? [47:19]
5. Think about the distractions in your life that keep you from focusing on evangelism. What are some practical ways you can minimize these distractions to prioritize sharing the gospel? [48:11]
6. The sermon encourages us to be bold and unashamed in our faith. What are some practical steps you can take to be more vocal about your faith in your community? [41:41]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to be more active in evangelism? Share one way you can hold each other accountable in this mission. [01:09:50]
This guide aims to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s message and apply its teachings to their lives. May it inspire boldness and a renewed commitment to sharing the transformative power of the gospel.
Devotional
Day 1: Gospel Power Transforms Lives
The Gospel is not a mere collection of teachings or moral guidelines; it is the living, active power of God that brings about transformation and salvation. As believers, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that the Gospel can have on an individual's life. It is not just information to be heard but a divine force that resurrects souls from the death of sin to the life of righteousness. When sharing the Gospel, one is not merely offering good advice but is serving as a conduit for the supernatural power of God to work in another's life. This understanding should fill believers with a sense of awe and responsibility, knowing that their words, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can be the catalyst for someone's eternal destiny.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
Reflection: How does understanding the Gospel as God's power for salvation change the way you view sharing your faith with others? [49:33]
Day 2: Obedience in Evangelism
Evangelism is not a hobby or a pastime for the Christian; it is a sacred duty, a clear command from Christ Himself. The Great Commission is not a gentle suggestion but a charge to be taken seriously. This command reflects the heart of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. As followers of Christ, one's willingness to share the Gospel is a direct reflection of obedience to this mandate. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the message of salvation, and with this privilege comes the responsibility to act, to spread the good news to every corner of the earth, regardless of the personal cost.
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15)
Reflection: In what ways might you be neglecting Christ's command to share the Gospel, and what steps can you take to align your actions with this mandate? [47:19]
Day 3: Embracing Discomfort for the Gospel
The mission of sharing the Gospel often leads one into uncomfortable territory, pushing beyond personal ease and preferences. It is a call to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, to value the salvation of souls above one's own comfort. This may mean initiating conversations about faith in settings that are not traditionally religious or risking rejection and misunderstanding. However, the significance of someone coming to know Jesus far outweighs any temporary discomfort experienced. Believers are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God will use their willingness to advance His kingdom.
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled." (1 Peter 3:14)
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you avoided sharing your faith because of discomfort or fear? How can you prepare yourself to act differently in the future? [54:18]
Day 4: Equipped for Evangelism
Every believer, regardless of their background or abilities, is equipped for the task of evangelism. God does not seek out the most qualified individuals; instead, He calls ordinary people and empowers them through the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment means that one does not need to fear inadequacy or lack of knowledge. God uses the simple, the humble, and the willing to accomplish His purposes. As vessels of the Gospel, believers can confidently share the message of Christ, trusting that God will work through their words and actions to draw others to Himself.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Reflection: What feelings of inadequacy have held you back from evangelism, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome these fears? [51:02]
Day 5: Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
The mission to share the Gospel is urgent; it is a matter of life and death, heaven and hell. Every day, people are living without the hope of Christ, and as believers, one holds the key to their salvation. This urgency should propel Christians into action, moving them with compassion and a sense of divine timing to reach out to the lost. The reality of eternity should motivate believers to look beyond their own lives and focus on the eternal souls around them, sharing the life-saving message of the Gospel with urgency and fervor.
"Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest." (John 4:35b)
Reflection: What can you do today to demonstrate the urgency of sharing the Gospel with someone who may not know Christ? [01:01:26]
Quotes
- "We're so busy trying to reach a status, consume and reach something that we spend all of our life doing things that will not matter on the other side of eternity." [48:34] (Download | )
- "You're exactly who God wants to use because you are a perfectly imperfect messenger and he will use the brokenness, the pain, the things that you wanna hide and cover up to point people to Jesus." [51:02] (Download | )
- "This gospel came from God himself. And so when you go and share it, if you'll just share it like it's written in scripture, it's so good you can't mess it up." [46:44] (Download | )
- "It's the great commission. It's not optional. You don't get a pass. We're obligated. What did Paul say? He said, I am obligated. Both to Jews and non-Greeks and Greeks." [47:19] (Download | )
- "There's someone in your life that's gasping right now for air, and you can save them, and you can rescue them because you hold the only message that can." [01:01:26] (Download | )
- "It's uncomfortable to share the Gospel, but our personal ease pales in comparison to the eternal significance of someone coming to know Jesus." [54:18] (Download | )
- "You just share the good news and leave the results up to God. The results aren't up to you. You weren't called to bring results. You were called to bring faithfulness to share it." [52:25] (Download | )
- "The less ashamed I am of Jesus, the greater impact I will have in the world. Be bold with this message. Share it with your friends, your family, your neighbors, your team members, your coworkers." [42:11] (Download | )
- "Our comfort can actually steer us away from his cause and his purpose in our life. And I'm thankful that we don't worship a God who is obsessed with his comfort, but he was obsessed with reaching people." [56:41] (Download | )
- "If it's a big deal to Jesus, it's got to be a big deal to us. Now today, we're actually going to look at the life of a man whose name was Paul, the Apostle Paul, and this was a really big deal to him." [39:21] (Download | )
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