Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 4:1-7 1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 2 but we have renounced the

Transcription

1 If the Gospel Be Hid SHARING THE GOSPEL EFFECTIVELY BIBLICAL AND SPIRITUAL DISCERNM ENT DR. K ENNETH JONES PRACTICAL LIVING M I N I STRY

2 Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 4:1-7 1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

3 Since we have this ministry... we do not lose heart: It is so easy to lose heart in ministry What we are called to do is important and purposed by God Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. The Enemy (Satan) wants you to give up or become weary because he doesn t want you to reap. Part of that reaping is related to reaping souls for the kingdom of God, not just provisions You have a ministry - God has a predestined purpose for your life and it includes sharing the gospel personally, effectively, and with conviction The enemy s job is to cause you to lose heart through distractions, spiritual attacks, deception, misleading you to doubt God s Word He is a life taker, but we serve a life-giver (John 10:10) We are called to ministry to declare just that

4 A World That Needs to Know Witnessing to a lady with my brother in McDonald's. These are the questions she asked: What do you mean I can have relationship with God? You say that I can know him? What do you mean God loves me? I don't feel love from anyone? What do I say to Him if I can talk to Him? People are dying (spiritually, emotionally, and physically) to know what you have been counted worthy to receive - In a world that thrives on bad news, desolation, despair, injustice,etc. - People need to hear the good news of the gospel of Christ - Look at our TV shows today (Crime, Drama, Zombies, Death, Apocalyptic)

5 If the Gospel Be Hid If the gospel be hid, it is also hid because few proclaim it. God did not design His Gospel to be hid. Too many churches are trying to hide the gospel in a 'Fortune Cookie" The gospel cannot be hid in "catchy sayings" and carnal incentives It cannot be disguised so as people can find it palatable Romans 1:16: Don t be ashamed God created us and commissioned us in order to expose the Gospel. When we fail to present the Gospel, we are hindering the spreading of the Gospel. We allow fear, pride, and rejection to prevent our Gospel message from being presented.

6 The god of this World "The light of the glorious gospel" is needed because people who do not believe are blinded by the god of this world. Don't get upset when people don't seem to understand and see things clearly as you do. Pray that God will give them illumination to see and understand the gospel. (1 st Cor 2:14) Blindness is not related to the eyes, but to understanding and heart "The god of this world is able only to blind the minds of the unbelieving... Refusal to believe is the secret and reason of the blindness that happens to men." (Morgan) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: (Ephesians 4:3)

7 Blindness of heart Because of the blindness of their heart: Fundamentally, the ignorance and lack of understanding of man is a heart problem, not a knowledge problem Spiritual blindness is a grievous condition experienced by those who do not believe in God, ( Thess 2:12). Because men love darkness more than light, they choose to be spiritually blind Turn a Blind Eye - To knowingly refuse to acknowledge something which you know to be real or choose to ignore something known to be wrong So how do we change men s hearts? We don t, but we share God s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to bring about conviction and exposure to man s sinful ways

8 Don t Shine the Light! The Light of the Glorious Gospel is not always received by everyone because it exposes their deeds Ephesians 5:11: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Some people will not be able to endure sound doctrine Yet as believers, we must Hold the Light and be willing to shine it at whatever we are directed to shine it.

9 Hid to those who are lost The word lost is connected with the word, reprobate which means to be rendered useless Bad News: If you are considered lost, then you are at a position where even though you are loved by God, you are considered for all practical purposes lost to Him and considered useless and worthy of eternal misery Good News: If you are found of God, God considers you a gain to His kingdom and you are purposed to teach, preach and make disciples of others

10 What Does Have to do with Discernment? We have been talking about not handling the Word of God deceitfully, spiritual discernment of truth and error; all of this for a reason: To present to people the gospel of Christ, especially to those who are lost To be effective in biblical discipleship To recover ourselves and others from Satan s devices of deception and manipulation

11 Biblical & Spiritual Discernment We must be able to biblically discern the Word of God and understand biblical teachings and principles in order to make full proof of our ministry as an evangelist 2 Timothy 4:5 - But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Do the work of an evangelist - On the word evangelist, the phrase here means, do the work of preaching the gospel, or of one appointed to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation.

12 Being Able to Endure Ministry There may be many reasons why someone's ministry goes unfulfilled and each must be earnestly battled: Fear Unbelief The cares of the world The fear of man Criticism and discouragement Besetting sins

13 Just So You Know

14 Biblical & Spiritual Discernment To be effective ministers of the gospel, we have to be led, ruled, governed, constrained, and empowered by the Spirit. Godly fruit is also developed in us We must also be able to identify and discern any actions, activities, and sense what is truth and what is error utilizing our inward man. God s purpose in us is that we, through the Spirit, reach, recover, and restore the lost back to God by the leading of His Spirit and allow His Spirit to regenerate us, give us boldness, and empower us through gifts Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 nd Timothy 2:24-26: And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

15 Let s Review the Process Peter on the Day of Pentecost: Peter s First Sermon Acts 2: Principle: The gospel is God fulfilling His promise, His covenant through Christ Message: Preached from the prophet Joel and writings of David. Revealed God s plan and purpose for redemption of mankind through Christ Response: Repentance Process: Repentance, Baptism, Salvation and Gift of the Holy Spirit Outcome: 3000 Souls added to the kingdom; Devotion to fellowship and the Apostles teachings, Praising God; God adding to their numbers daily through discipleship and sharing of the gospel (house to house)

16 Point of Emphasis Our response to the gospel is more than just a feeling of sorrow or remorse. It is more than just feeling a need and filling a loss. Salvation requires that we know and realize what God has provided for our redemption and respond in faith accepting His finished work through Christ. What is necessary for Salvation and Discipleship? R - Recognize (You have to become aware of what has been provided and made known to you) R - Realize (Coming into the knowledge to a place of understanding) They were cut to their hearts R Renounce the hidden things. Those things that wicked men do. R- Repentance - Verbal acknowledgment of your sinful condition R - Receive and Accept the Promise: Christ into your heart; Confirmed through Baptism R - Revive and Regenerate, Receiving Power through the Holy Spirit to witness, stand firm, and prevail

17 Sharing the Gospel Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch Acts 8:27-39 Philip was a deacon - a servant within the church (Act 6:5) - His service to God extended beyond his church duties Let's review the salvation process that took place here God told Philip to go - He obeyed God You have someone searching for truth - The Eunuch trying to understand the book of Isaiah The Spirit led Philip by the inward witness to join himself to the chariot of the Eunuch Outcome: Salvation, Baptism, Rejoicing

18 Point of Emphasis It's good to be led of the Spirit - That's why we have talked about the inward witness The Eunuch required interpretation of the Scripture and Philip preached unto him Jesus - This is why we have been talking about biblical discernment (vs 34, 35) Philip had the right spirit - he was obedient to God, operated with compassion, and disciplined - This is why we taught on ruling your spirit Philip saw an opportunity, a door of utterance and approached the Eunuch (there was no church to invite him to) He took time to minister unto the Eunuch, interpreting the scriptures Philip preached Jesus Not his own doctrine, but the Apostles doctrine taught to him Philip baptized the Eunuch There was nothing prohibiting him, no religious tradition Philip was removed to his next assignment to preach Jesus The Eunuch went away rejoicing

19 The Process Stephen - Full of Faith & Power Acts 6:8-15 Stephen was a deacon Performed signs and wonders among the people Confronted the Sanhedrin The remarkable death of this first Christian martyr Reflected character, boldness and courage to preach the truth even under fear of death (Acts 4:29) vs. 15: And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Outcome: Death for the cause of the gospel

20 Point of Emphasis Stephen had commanding knowledge of the scriptures - He provided one of the most powerful outline of the Old Testament leading to Christ (Acts 7:1-54) He had God's anointing by the Spirit shown in his face and in his testimony His message glorified God but angered the religious sect at that time He died for sharing the gospel while many of us are just concerned with being embarrassed Not everyone you preach to will be saved. But God gives every man opportunity to receive the gospel so that they will be without excuse. Do not be offended, but still pray and share with them.

21 Sharing the Gospel.. A Process Peter s Vision: A Whole House Saved Acts 10 God uses a supernatural gift, a vision, to reveal His purpose to Peter and to Cornelius Peter & Cornelius obeyed the vision One purpose of the spiritual gifts is to allow people to see the power of God and be converted. It's mainly for those who don't believe Peter obeyed and received a greater revelation of God s plan (vs. 34 &35) Peter preached Christ unto them The Holy Spirit fell upon them Outcome: Salvation, Baptism of the Spirit; Baptism in Water; Discipleship

22 Point of Emphasis Noticed in each story, each one preached about God fulfilling his purpose through Christ To share the gospel doesn't require a calling, but a following Matthew 4:19 - And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Biblical and Spiritual Discernment is necessary to accomplish your God given purpose

23 Be S.P.I.R.I.T.U.A.L. S - Serve the Lord and seek to serve within the fellowship of believers P- Pray for the Lost consistently that they come to the knowledge of the truth I - Imitate Christ in all you do (Ephesians 5:1) R- Rely on God to be faithful & Walk in Faith I- Inspire Others to do all above T - Tell others the good news daily U - Unify and not divide with the message of salvation A -Allow the Spirit of God to work through you and produce spiritual fruit L- Love the Lord and Others with all your heart - having compassion in ministry

24 Scripture Colossians 4:2-5: Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. to walk wisely toward those who have not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

25 Amplified Version: Colossians 4:2-6 Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. 3 And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; 4 That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. 5 Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].

26 Keys to Evangelism and Ministry Ignite the Fire by Prayer and Continue in Prayer Pray for a door of utterance, an opportunity to share the Word Be able to discern that opportunity Allow the Spirit of God to govern your life so that you can walk circumspectly, in wisdom, and with spiritual knowledge and insight. Exercise discretion as you exercise discernment Be able to properly communicate the Scriptures by the Spirit of God, properly discerning and explaining to others what God is saying in His Word