Preaching the Word: Living Out the Gospel Daily
Summary
### Summary
Today's message centers on the importance of preaching the Word of God and being ready to share the gospel in all circumstances. The story of Peter, a homeless man who found joy and transformation through a book of God's promises, serves as a powerful illustration of how the Word can change lives. The focus is on 2 Timothy 4:2, which urges believers to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season." This means being prepared to share the gospel whether it is convenient or not. The sermon also highlights the challenges faced by the next generation, emphasizing the need for the church to engage with youth on issues like social media, identity, and bullying.
The message draws parallels between our lives and the story of Moses, who felt inadequate to speak but was assured by God that He would provide the words. This serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak when we feel unprepared. Additionally, the sermon stresses that our actions must align with our words, quoting the often-attributed saying of St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." This means living a life that reflects Christ's teachings.
The sermon also touches on the importance of being deeply rooted in the Word of God, using the metaphor of a tree with deep roots to illustrate how a strong foundation in Scripture can help us stand firm in our faith. The message concludes with a call to action, urging believers to share the gospel with others, emphasizing that if we don't tell them, they may never know the love and salvation offered by Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Preach the Word in All Seasons: As Christians, we are called to share the gospel at all times, whether it is convenient or not. This means being prepared to speak about Jesus in any situation, trusting that the Holy Spirit will provide the words we need. Our mission is to be witnesses for Christ, sharing His love and truth with a world that desperately needs it. [27:11]
2. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: While it is crucial to speak about Jesus, our actions must also reflect His teachings. Living a life that aligns with the gospel can be a powerful testimony. As the saying goes, "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." Our lives should be a living sermon that points others to Christ. [34:48]
3. Be Deeply Rooted in Scripture: Just as a tree with deep roots stands firm, our faith must be deeply rooted in the Word of God. Regular Bible reading and study strengthen our spiritual foundation, making us more prepared to share the gospel and withstand life's challenges. When we are deeply rooted in Scripture, we are better equipped to live out our faith authentically. [40:44]
4. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak and act according to God's will. We don't have to rely on our own strength or eloquence; the Spirit will guide us and give us the words to say. This divine assistance is crucial, especially when we feel inadequate or fearful about sharing our faith. [44:49]
5. Love as Christ Loved: Jesus commanded us to love one another, even those who are difficult to love. This love is not just a feeling but an action that reflects Christ's love for us. By loving others, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. This love can break down barriers and open hearts to the message of Jesus. [50:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:11] - Preach the Word
[28:34] - Gen Next Series Recap
[30:08] - The World Needs Jesus
[31:40] - Moses' Struggle to Speak
[33:07] - God's Assurance to Moses
[34:48] - Actions Speak Louder Than Words
[36:44] - Be Ready in All Seasons
[38:21] - Jesus' Example of Readiness
[39:21] - Importance of Bible Reading
[40:44] - Deep Roots in Scripture
[42:25] - How Will They Know?
[44:49] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[47:15] - Living with Christ's Power
[50:55] - Love as Christ Loved
[52:33] - The Gift of Eternal Life
[55:06] - Victory Over Sin
[57:08] - Conquering Fear
[58:06] - Responsibility to the Next Generation
[59:42] - How Will They Ever Know?
[01:03:10] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
2. Exodus 4:10-12 - "But Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.'"
3. James 2:17 - "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Timothy 4:2 instruct believers to do, and how should they be prepared? ([27:11])
2. How did Moses respond to God's call to speak, and what was God's assurance to him in Exodus 4:10-12? ([31:40])
3. According to the sermon, what does the quote "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary" imply about our actions? ([34:48])
4. What metaphor is used in the sermon to describe the importance of being deeply rooted in Scripture? ([40:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to be ready to share the gospel "in season and out of season"? How does this apply to everyday situations? ([36:44])
2. How does the story of Moses' reluctance to speak and God's response encourage believers who feel inadequate to share their faith? ([31:40])
3. In what ways can our actions serve as a testimony to our faith, according to the sermon and James 2:17? ([34:48])
4. How does being deeply rooted in Scripture help believers withstand life's challenges and share the gospel more effectively? ([40:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt nudged to share your faith but hesitated. What held you back, and how can you overcome that hesitation next time? ([30:08])
2. Think about your daily actions. Do they align with the teachings of Christ? What specific changes can you make to ensure your life reflects the gospel more clearly? ([34:48])
3. How can you incorporate regular Bible reading and study into your routine to strengthen your spiritual foundation? What specific steps will you take this week? ([39:21])
4. Have you ever felt inadequate or unprepared to speak about your faith? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and confidence in those moments? ([31:40])
5. Identify one person in your life who does not know about Jesus. What practical steps can you take to share the gospel with them this week? ([42:25])
6. Reflect on a time when you showed love to someone who was difficult to love. How did that experience impact you and the other person? How can you continue to demonstrate Christ's love in challenging relationships? ([50:55])
7. How can you engage with the next generation on issues like social media, identity, and bullying, as highlighted in the sermon? What specific actions can you take to support and guide them? ([28:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Preach the Word in All Seasons
As Christians, we are called to share the gospel at all times, whether it is convenient or not. This means being prepared to speak about Jesus in any situation, trusting that the Holy Spirit will provide the words we need. Our mission is to be witnesses for Christ, sharing His love and truth with a world that desperately needs it. [27:11]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you felt unprepared to share your faith. How can you trust the Holy Spirit to guide you the next time you have an opportunity to speak about Jesus?
Day 2: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
While it is crucial to speak about Jesus, our actions must also reflect His teachings. Living a life that aligns with the gospel can be a powerful testimony. As the saying goes, "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." Our lives should be a living sermon that points others to Christ. [34:48]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions. Are there areas where your behavior does not align with the teachings of Jesus? What changes can you make to ensure your life is a living testimony of the gospel?
Day 3: Be Deeply Rooted in Scripture
Just as a tree with deep roots stands firm, our faith must be deeply rooted in the Word of God. Regular Bible reading and study strengthen our spiritual foundation, making us more prepared to share the gospel and withstand life's challenges. When we are deeply rooted in Scripture, we are better equipped to live out our faith authentically. [40:44]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: How consistent are you in your Bible reading and study? What steps can you take to deepen your roots in Scripture this week?
Day 4: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak and act according to God's will. We don't have to rely on our own strength or eloquence; the Spirit will guide us and give us the words to say. This divine assistance is crucial, especially when we feel inadequate or fearful about sharing our faith. [44:49]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you. How can you become more attuned to the Spirit's leading in your daily life?
Day 5: Love as Christ Loved
Jesus commanded us to love one another, even those who are difficult to love. This love is not just a feeling but an action that reflects Christ's love for us. By loving others, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. This love can break down barriers and open hearts to the message of Jesus. [50:55]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them Christ's love in a tangible way this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "As Christians, we have to talk with people about Jesus. If you're a Christian, you have the truth. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. We have the truth. Not by the world standards. We have to tell the world about Jesus. The world is sick. It's ill. It's filled with disease and dying. Satan is the prince of this world. And he's at war with Jesus. The world, the world is at war with Jesus." [30:08]
2. "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary. Now, I'm not saying, because I just said, preach with words. I'm not being a hypocrite here and flipping that around. I'm just saying that it makes a good point that our lives and our actions need to align and back up. Our lives, the way we live, should back up our words. The Bible says, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. If it's all talk, talk is cheap." [34:48]
3. "If you don't tell people about Jesus, how will they know? If you don't show people about Jesus, how will they know? At work, at school, driving. Oh, driving's hard. You don't want to show, show that idiot driving, cutting you off about Jesus. You have something else you want to show him, you know. But even in that situation, and that, and we're never that driver, right? We're never that driver. Or we try not to be either." [42:25]
4. "Jesus told us, he's telling us to tell the world about him. So don't be afraid to tell people about Jesus. Don't worry about what he's going to do with what you say. We plant seeds. God does the growing. It says in Hebrews 4.12, The word of God is living and active. Isaiah 55.11, It's alive. The word of God. It's alive. It's active. It will not return to God empty. It's power. As Christians, we know that power in us is the Holy Spirit." [44:01]
5. "As Christians, we have the greatest gift you could ever receive. Eternal life with Jesus in heaven. You don't have to do anything for it. You didn't have to do anything for it. All he wants you to do is accept it and let him live inside you. And when that happens, a change happens inside you. Starts in here. And then something happens. It goes up here. And then once it gets up into your mind and in your head space, well, now what's coming out of your mouth?" [53:17]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So we've been in the Gen Next series going through 2 Timothy. The first week, Pastor Don started with, chapter 1, he talked about the importance of connecting with the youth in the church and all the issues they face today that are different from past generation. Things like gender identity, pronouns, cyber and social media bullying, how it won't be easy, but we have to talk with them, walk with them, cry with them." [28:34]
2. "Be ready in season and out of season. On May 21st, a Singapore Airlines flight flying from London to Singapore, went through huge swings in gravitational force, causing the Boeing 77 to drop 178 feet in less than 4.6 seconds. The plane was on autopilot when this happened, and the pilots had to disengage the autopilot to stabilize the plane. The pilots controlled the plane manually for 21 seconds before re-engaging the autopilot. Those pilots were ready. They were prepared to fly that plane." [36:44]
3. "We have the power of Jesus in us through the Holy Spirit to love people in spite of what they do to us. Do you live like you have that power, that victory? Do you live like you have that power, that victory? If you're a Christian, do you live like you have that power? Do you go to work? Do you go to wherever you go? The store? Stand in line? Pump gas? Look at your spouse? Deal with an ex? Do you love them?" [52:33]
4. "What does that power mean? That power means hope. That power means strength. That power means peace. Peace that surpasses all understanding. That power means healing. That power means healing. Jesus healed the sick. He healed disease. He made the blind see. He made the paralyzed walk. Jesus said, And greater things, greater works than these will you do as my disciples. That means, like Paul in the Bible, I have learned to be content in any and every circumstance. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." [48:48]
5. "The title of this message is called, How Will They Know? It's from the title of a song released in 1980 by an artist called Denny Carell. He was in the, if you've seen the Jesus Movement movie, he was actually an original member of Love Song, the band that started playing, or at least one of the ones that got popular for playing rock music in church. He wasn't for that. They were largely responsible for that. Artists like them, Larry Norman, Andre Crouch, back in the day." [59:42]
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