Transformative Power: Sharing the Gospel with Love
Summary
The message emphasizes the importance of the Christian community to not only receive the gospel but to actively share it with others. It is highlighted that the gospel is not merely a collection of words but a transformative power that is accompanied by the Holy Spirit and full conviction. This transformative power is evident in the way individuals turn away from their old lives and become imitators of Christ, reflecting His image in their actions and words.
The Thessalonian church is commended for becoming a model church, demonstrating faith in action. They received the gospel in the midst of tribulation and with the joy of the Holy Spirit, becoming examples to believers in their region and beyond. Their faith was so profound that it was spoken of in other places, showing that the gospel had truly gone forth from them.
The message also addresses the discomfort some may feel about sharing the gospel, acknowledging that it can be a challenging task. However, it is compared to the discomfort Jesus faced going to the cross, and the point is made that the importance of sharing the faith outweighs personal discomfort. The church is reminded that it is not just a place for healing the spiritually sick but also for instructing and building fellowship among believers.
The reasons for sharing the gospel are deeply rooted in the nature of God's love for humanity. It is explained that God loved us even when we did not love Him, as demonstrated by the sacrifice of His Son. This love compels believers to share the gospel out of love for the lost, not to condemn them but to offer them the hope of salvation. The reality of hell is presented not as a tool for condemnation but as a motivation for believers to share the gospel out of love and concern for the eternal destiny of others.
The message concludes with a call to live out the gospel in a way that imitates Christ, to be ambassadors for Him, and to share the message of hope and love with the world. The church is encouraged to reflect the image of Christ brightly to those around them, so that others may see the transformation in believers and be drawn to the gospel themselves.
Key Takeaways:
- The gospel is more than just words; it is a transformative power that comes with the Holy Spirit and full conviction. When shared, it has the ability to change hearts and lives, leading individuals to become imitators of Christ and reflect His image in the world. This transformation is a testament to the true nature of the gospel. [45:38]
- The Christian community is called to actively share the gospel, not as a suggestion but as a commandment. This sharing should be done out of love and with the understanding that it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately brings about salvation, not the individual sharing the message. The role of believers is to faithfully communicate the gospel and trust in the Holy Spirit's work. [52:23]
- Love is the driving force behind the sharing of the gospel. Just as God loved us before we loved Him, believers are called to love others, including those who do not yet know God. This love is not passive but is expressed through actions that demonstrate genuine care and concern for the spiritual well-being of others. [01:02:13]
- The church is not just a gathering place but a community of action, where faith, love, and hope are outwardly expressed and productive. Believers are encouraged to engage in good works, labor in love, and endure in hope, knowing that these attributes are essential to living out the Christian faith and making a positive impact on the world. [41:13]
- The reality of hell is presented as a sobering truth that should motivate believers to share the gospel with urgency and compassion. The understanding of hell is meant to convict believers of the need to reach out to the lost with the message of salvation, not to use it as a tool for condemnation. The church's mission is to love and rescue those who are facing an eternity without God. [01:06:56]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
> "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'"
2. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
> "Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath."
3. John 3:16-17
> "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 command believers to do? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on sharing the gospel? [30:51]
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 1:5, what accompanies the gospel when it is shared? How does this support the idea that the gospel is more than just words? [44:11]
3. How did the Thessalonian church become a model for other believers, as described in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8? [47:05]
4. What does John 3:16-17 reveal about God's motivation for sending Jesus? How does this align with the sermon’s message about sharing the gospel out of love? [55:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the command to "go and make disciples" in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge the idea of a passive Christian faith? What does this imply about the role of every believer? [30:51]
2. In 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Paul mentions that the gospel came "not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction." How can believers today ensure that their sharing of the gospel is accompanied by these elements? [44:11]
3. The Thessalonian church is described as having received the gospel "in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). What does this teach us about the relationship between suffering and joy in the Christian life? [47:05]
4. John 3:16-17 emphasizes that God sent Jesus not to condemn the world but to save it. How should this perspective shape the way believers approach sharing the gospel with others? [55:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. What specific steps can you take this week to "go and make disciples" in your own context? [30:51]
2. The sermon mentioned that the gospel comes with power and full conviction. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit when sharing your faith, rather than on your own abilities? [44:11]
3. The Thessalonian church became a model for others by living out their faith despite tribulation. Can you think of a time when you faced challenges but still felt the joy of the Holy Spirit? How can you use that experience to encourage others? [47:05]
4. John 3:16-17 shows that God's love was proactive and sacrificial. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What is one tangible way you can show them God's love this week? [55:25]
5. The sermon emphasized that the church is not just a place for healing but also for instruction and fellowship. How can you contribute to building a stronger community of faith in your church? [32:16]
6. The reality of hell was presented as a motivation for sharing the gospel. How does this understanding affect your sense of urgency in evangelism? What can you do to share the message of salvation with compassion and love? [01:06:56]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of being imitators of Christ. What specific areas of your life do you feel need more alignment with Christ's example? How can you work on these areas this week? [01:00:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Gospel's Transformative Power
The gospel is not just a message to be heard but a dynamic force that changes lives. When embraced with the Holy Spirit's guidance and full conviction, it leads to a radical transformation, turning individuals into imitators of Christ who reflect His love and truth in every aspect of their lives. This change is a powerful witness to the gospel's authenticity and purpose. [45:38]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: How has the gospel transformed a specific area of your life, and how can you demonstrate this change to others today?
Day 2: Commanded to Share the Gospel
Believers are not merely suggested but commanded to share the gospel. This task should be approached with love, understanding that it is the Holy Spirit who works in the hearts of those who hear. The role of a Christian is to faithfully communicate the message and trust in the transformative work of the Spirit. [52:23]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel, and how can you prepare yourself to share it with gentleness and respect?
Day 3: Love as the Motive for Evangelism
The love of God is the foundation for sharing the gospel. It is a love that existed even when humanity did not reciprocate. This same love should compel believers to reach out to others, not to condemn but to offer the hope and salvation found in Christ. It is an active love, demonstrated through genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others. [01:02:13]
1 John 4:19 - "We love because he first loved us."
Reflection: How can you show God's love to someone who may feel unloved or unworthy today?
Day 4: Faith Expressed Through Action
The church is called to be a community where faith is not just professed but actively lived out. Believers are encouraged to engage in good works, labor in love, and endure in hope. These attributes are essential for reflecting the Christian faith and impacting the world positively. [41:13]
James 2:17 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Reflection: What is one way you can put your faith into action within your community this week?
Day 5: Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
The sobering reality of hell should instill a sense of urgency in believers to share the gospel. This truth is not meant for condemnation but as a motivation to reach out with compassion and concern for the eternal destiny of others. The mission is to rescue those facing an eternity without God through the message of salvation. [01:06:56]
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Reflection: What can you do to convey the urgency of the gospel to those around you without causing fear or condemnation?
Quotes
1) "The church in Thessalonica received the gospel, they became like Christ, and they shared the gospel with others. This is what the church is to do, this is what God expects from the church." [53:57] (Download)
2) "It's time we take this faith seriously; there's a whole nation, a whole world that needs the gospel, they need salvation, they need to be transformed by the Holy Spirit." [54:40] (Download)
3) "God loved you long before you ever loved him. He loved you from the foundations of this world." [56:08] (Download)
4) "Christianity is not a noun; it's not a title. Christianity is a verb; it's an action. This is something that we do, we live out our faith." [41:13] (Download)
5) "The gospel comes to us in word and it comes in power... it's the Holy Spirit that convicts us, makes us turn from our old way of life to our new way of life." [45:38] (Download)
6) "The church has received the gospel and by word and power and under full conviction, people are now changing and it's transforming not only them but the very church." [48:37] (Download)
7) "We share the gospel because hell is real. It's time the church quit playing; we treat hell like it's a myth... there is an eternity for every single human being on this planet." [01:04:47] (Download)
8) "Hell isn't for them; hell is for you. It's to put you under conviction of the Holy Spirit so you go and share the gospel... the church is to love the lost, not condemn them." [01:06:56] (Download)
9) "We share the gospel because we love the lost... if God so loved us, we ought to love one another." [01:03:03] (Download)
10) "When Jesus says go, he's not asking; it's not a suggestion, it's a commandment, and the church needs to grab hold of that and recognize we are the church, we are the light in the community." [58:19] (Download)
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