Urgency of Sharing the Gospel Amidst Judgment
Summary
Today, we explored the profound truths of God's judgment and mercy, focusing on the urgency of sharing the Gospel in light of Christ's imminent return. We began by reflecting on the story of Noah and the flood, a divine response to humanity's escalating wickedness. This narrative from Genesis highlights God's justice in punishing sin while also demonstrating His grace through Noah's salvation.
We delved into the characteristics of the pre-flood world, noting its parallels with our current times—rampant sin and moral decay. This comparison is not to incite fear but to remind us of the urgency with which we must live and proclaim the Gospel. The account of Noah is not just historical but also instructional, showing us the importance of obedience and faithfulness in times of widespread disobedience.
Drawing from 2 Peter 3, we discussed God's patience and the concept of divine justice. God's delay in executing judgment is not a sign of His absence but of His patience, desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. This truth should motivate us to share the Gospel fervently and urgently.
We also examined the role of Christians in the world, likened to Noah's role as a preacher of righteousness. Just as Noah was tasked with building the ark and warning his generation, we are tasked with proclaiming salvation through Jesus Christ and living out His righteousness.
The sermon concluded with a powerful call to action, urging us to consider the immediacy with which we would share the Gospel if we knew Christ's return was imminent. This rhetorical scenario challenges us to live every day with that level of urgency, reaching out to the lost with the hope of the Gospel.
### Key Takeaways:
1. The Reality of Divine Judgment and Mercy
The story of Noah is not just a tale of wrath but one of salvation. It serves as a dual reminder of God's judgment against sin and His mercy towards those who seek Him. As believers, we are called to embrace and share this truth, warning others of the judgment to come while offering the hope found in Christ. [01:15:18]
2. God's Patience is for Salvation
God's delay in bringing about judgment is an act of mercy, not indifference. This period is a critical opportunity for salvation, meant for us to reach out to those who are lost. Understanding this should intensify our evangelistic efforts, knowing that our mission has eternal implications. [01:26:40]
3. Urgency in Proclaiming the Gospel
Reflecting on how we would act if we knew the exact moment of Christ's return should spur us into action. This urgency should permeate our daily lives, influencing how we interact with those around us and prioritizing the sharing of the Gospel above all else. [01:32:26]
4. The Role of Christians as Messengers of Hope
Just as Noah was a herald of righteousness, we are called to be modern-day heralds of the Gospel. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of Christ, compelling others to seek Him through our words and actions. [01:29:17]
5. The Importance of Persistent Prayer and Witness
We must continually lift up those who do not know Christ in prayer, asking God to soften their hearts and open doors for the Gospel. Our persistence in prayer and witness can lead to the salvation of many, just as persistent righteousness marked Noah's life. [01:33:34]
### Chapters:
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 01:08:54 - The Wickedness of Man and God's Grief
- 01:15:18 - Divine Judgment and Mercy
- 01:26:40 - God's Patience and Opportunity for Salvation
- 01:32:26 - Urgency of the Gospel
- 01:33:34 - Role of Prayer in Evangelism
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 6:1-8 (ESV)
> When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
2. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)
> But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
3. Matthew 24:36-39 (ESV)
> But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
### Observation Questions
1. What were the conditions of the world described in Genesis 6:1-8 that led to God's decision to flood the earth? ([53:45])
2. According to 2 Peter 3:8-9, what is the reason for God's delay in executing judgment? ([01:26:40])
3. How does Jesus describe the days leading up to His return in Matthew 24:36-39, and how does it compare to the days of Noah? ([01:21:06])
4. What was Noah's role and response in the midst of a wicked generation, as described in Genesis 6:8? ([55:02])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Noah illustrate both God's judgment and mercy? What does this duality teach us about God's character? ([01:15:18])
2. In what ways does the patience of God, as described in 2 Peter 3:8-9, impact our understanding of His justice and mercy? ([01:26:40])
3. Reflecting on Matthew 24:36-39, how should the uncertainty of Christ's return influence the urgency with which we share the Gospel? ([01:21:06])
4. How can Christians today emulate Noah's faithfulness and obedience in a world that mirrors the pre-flood conditions? ([55:02])
### Application Questions
1. Considering the reality of divine judgment and mercy, how can you balance warning others about judgment while offering the hope found in Christ? ([01:15:18])
2. How does understanding God's patience as an opportunity for salvation change the way you approach evangelism? ([01:26:40])
3. Reflect on your daily life: Are there specific ways you can increase your sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel? What practical steps can you take this week? ([01:32:26])
4. In what ways can you be a modern-day herald of righteousness like Noah? Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect Christ's transformative power. ([01:29:17])
5. Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you persistently pray for them and seek opportunities to share the Gospel with them? ([01:33:34])
6. How can you prepare yourself and others for Christ's return, given that it could happen at any moment? What changes might you need to make in your priorities and actions? ([01:21:06])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt the need for justice. How does knowing that God will ultimately judge the ungodly help you to forgive and let go of personal grievances? ([01:15:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Dual Nature of God's Response
God's judgment and mercy are not contradictory but complementary. Reflecting on the story of Noah, we see a clear depiction of divine wrath meted out against sin, yet simultaneously, there's an overwhelming sense of mercy towards Noah and his family. This duality serves as a profound reminder that while God is just and will not tolerate sin, His ultimate desire is for salvation, not condemnation. This balance encourages believers to live righteously and to share the message of salvation with urgency, knowing the reality of both judgment and grace. [01:15:18]
Genesis 6:5-8: "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord."
Reflection: How does understanding both God's judgment and mercy change your view on how you live and share your faith?
Day 2: God's Patience as an Opportunity for Salvation
The delay in God's judgment is not a sign of indifference but a manifestation of His patience, desiring that none should perish. This period should be seen as a critical opportunity for believers to reach out to the lost, intensifying evangelistic efforts. The understanding that God's patience is geared towards salvation should motivate us to act with urgency and compassion, recognizing the eternal implications of our mission. [01:26:40]
2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: In what ways can you better utilize the time given by God's patience to reach out to those who have not yet heard the Gospel?
Day 3: Living with an Urgency to Share the Gospel
Considering the imminent return of Christ, believers are called to live with a heightened sense of urgency. Reflecting on how one would act if they knew the exact moment of Christ's return should spur us into proactive evangelism. This urgency should permeate our daily interactions, influencing how we prioritize our time and activities, especially in sharing the Gospel. [01:32:26]
Romans 13:11-12: "Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to share the Gospel with urgency?
Day 4: Christians as Modern-Day Heralds of Hope
Just as Noah was tasked with being a preacher of righteousness, Christians are called to be heralds of the Gospel in their own generation. Our lives should exemplify the transformative power of Christ, compelling others to seek Him through our words and actions. This role is not passive but active, requiring us to live out and proclaim the righteousness that comes from Christ. [01:29:17]
Ezekiel 33:7-9: "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand."
Reflection: How can your life more clearly reflect the righteousness of Christ to those around you?
Day 5: The Importance of Persistent Prayer and Witness
The role of prayer in evangelism cannot be overstated. Continually lifting up those who do not know Christ in prayer is crucial, as it can soften hearts and open doors for the Gospel. Just as Noah's life was marked by persistent righteousness, our prayer and witness should be relentless, understanding that our efforts can lead to the salvation of many. [01:33:34]
Colossians 4:2-4: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the transformative power of the Gospel, and how can you commit to praying for them consistently?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you knew Right now That Christ was coming Five minutes from now This place would be empty You'd be picking up the phone You'd be calling those Loved ones That you know are lost You'd be trying to get up With those friends You might even be telling Those enemies Everyone you possibly could If you know Judgment was coming In the next five minutes You'd tell everyone You possibly could About what Christ has done Because you'd want to See them saved." [01:32:26]
2. "It's amazing How God can start a work In them without us Even being there And then ask God To give you that opportunity To share that good news To share that gospel And ask God to save that person." [01:33:34]
3. "I hope you will not put off Till tomorrow What God's calling you to do today. Because just as God's patience Was exhausted in the past Resulting in him sending a flood To destroy the ungodly At some point Unexpected point in our future God's patient will be exhausted again And he will come with fire To destroy the ungodly." [01:27:46]
4. "Every time I talk about that I guarantee you That God put somebody In your heart In your mind Who you know Is an unbeliever." [01:32:01]
5. "Let's snatch as many As we can Out of that fire You Have the gospel That saves Our God will Punish the ungodly Our God is being Patient With the ungodly And our God Has sent us To the ungodly With this gospel." [01:31:36]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God saw the wickedness of man Was great on the earth And what was his response He was sorry that he ever made us That had to be hard For God to inspire a man to write The Lord regretted That he had made man on the earth And it grieved him to his heart." [01:09:25]
2. "God saw that sin Had infected every person Every moment Every intention Every thought And every heart Wickedness had become A way of life And God was grieved By the sin." [01:10:22]
3. "God settled the white man Off of the face of the earth Verse 7 I'll blot him out One man said." [01:10:22]
4. "God does not take pleasure In destroying those Who are created in his image Even the New Testament Confirms that he's patient 2 Peter again Chapter 3, verses 8 through 9 Do not overlook this one fact." [01:25:42]
5. "Knowing that God will punish the ungodly Satisfies our sense of need for justice Not only that Christians knowing that God will punish The ungodly enables us To forgive." [01:15:18]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?