What To Do With The Gospel

TEXT:  Jude 3-4

INTRODUCTION:

A.  THE GOSPEL AND THE FAITH

          1.  A reference to the same thing (Gal. 1:11, 21-24;  Acts 6:7).

          2.  Eph. 4:4-5.  One Faith, how many Gospels? (Gal. 1:6-12).

B.  WE ARE STEWARDS OF THAT WITH WHICH WE ARE ENTRUSTED (1 Cor. 4:1-2).

C.  THERE IS ALSO OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A GROUP (1 Tim. 3:15).

I.  WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH THE GOSPEL?

A.  NOT BE ASHAMED (Rom. 1:16;  Mark 8:38).

B.  OBEY IT (1 Pet. 4:17;  2 Thess. 1:8-9;  Heb. 5:8-9).

C.  WE SHOULD GUARD THE GOSPEL (1 Tim. 6:20-21).

          1.  It is the pattern for our lives (2 Tim. 3:16-17;  Titus 2:11-12).

          2.  There are some who would pervert the pattern (Gal. 1:6-9;  2 Pet. 2:1-2, 17-19).

          3.  Phil. 1:16.  Let us be set for the defense of the gospel (Jude 3).

          4.  We must hold it fast (Col. 1:21-23;  1 Cor. 15:1-2;  1 Tim. 4:1-2).

D.  EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD LIVE WORTHY OF IT (Eph. 4:1-3;  Phil. 1:27).

          1.  Jesus said we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).

          2.  An evil life hides that light (Matt. 5:15).

          3.  Consider the effect of your influence (Matt. 5:16;  1 Pet. 2:11-12).

II.  THE PRIME DIRECTIVE – PREACH IT!

A.  THE GREAT COMMISSION BELONGS TO US, TOO (Mark 16:15-16;  2 Tim. 2:2).

B.  GOSPEL PREACHERS AND TEACHERS PREACH THE GOSPEL.

          1.  The wisdom of the world profits little (1 Cor. 1:20-23).

          2.  The gospel is God’s POWER to save (Rom. 1:16).

          3.  God’s expectation of you (Heb. 5:12-14).

          4.  We have the light of the gospel that we might hold it forth (Phil. 2:14-16).

C.  HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS?

          1.  Our object to correct those ensnared by the devil (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

          2.  The most noble work of man (James 5:19-20).

          3.  The laborers are few (Matt. 9:36-38).

D.  WE MUST PREPARE.

          1.  Know your Bible.  Have something prepared (2 Tim. 2:15).

          2.  Pray for opportunity wisdom (Col. 4:3-4).

          3.  Find a prospect and gently work on him (Everyone is a prospect.).

                   a.  Pray for him.

                   b.  Invite him to church – make definite plans and bring him.

                   c.  Follow through on your efforts.

                   d.  Offer a home study or correspondence course. 

                             (I will teach the class if you can’t).

               e.  Host a Bible study in your home and invite people.

          4.  Phil. 4:4-7.  Let your joy and peace be visible.

CONCLUSION:  WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THE GOSPEL?