GOD’S HEART – HUMANITY’S GREATEST NEED, THE CHURCH’S URGENT PRIORITY

Introduction: What’s on the heart of the Holy Spirit? What is humanity’s greatest need? What is the church’s pressing priority in this season? I believe the answers have eternal implications. 

 

1. God’s Heart

A. The salvation of souls

2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

 

2. Humanity’s Need

A. To hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom

Jesus is humanity’s only hope!

John 10:10 (KJV) – “The thief comes not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Jesus is humanity’s only hope.

 

3. The Church’s Priority

A. To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations

Romans 1:16-17a (KJV) – “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believe; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed.”

 

4. The Church’s Resources

A. What are our Resources?

a. Authority

Matthew 28:18b-19a (KJV) – “All power [authority] is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore…”

 

b. Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8a (KJV) – “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…”

 

c. The Word (Logos & Rhema)

Ephesians 6:17b (KJV) – “…Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.”

 

d. Faith

1 John 5:4 (KJV) – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world [kosmos]: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

 

e. The Name of Jesus

Mark 16:17b (KJV) – “In My Name shall they cast out devils…”

 

f. The Blood of Jesus

Revelation 12:11a (KJV) – “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

 

g. The Gift of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:4,7 (KJV) – “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirt…But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

 

h. Power 

Luke 10:19a (KJV) – “I give you power [dunimus] to tread upon serpents.”

 

i. Ministry Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV) – “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”

 

j. Angelic Assistance

Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV) – “Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”

 

k. The Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:25b-27a (NKJV) – “The members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the Body of Christ…”

 

l. Seated Position

Ephesians 2:6-7 (KJV) – “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

 

m. Bestowed Victory

John 16:33 (NKJV) – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

5. The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail! 

Matthews 16:18b (NKJV) – “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates [entrance] of hell shall not prevail [overpower] against it.”

 

A. What must we do, and what kind of church will it take to reclaim what the devil has stolen?

a. They who know their God

Daniel 11:32b (NKJV) – “But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

 

b. They who know their own identity

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

 

c. They who possess divine insights and strategies

2 Samuel 5:23 (NKJV) – “Therefore David inquired of the Lord, and He said, ‘You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees.’”

 

d. They who are filled with and led by the Holy Spirit

Acts 13:2 (NKJV) – “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”

 

e. They who are courageous and fearless

Jonathan and his armor bearer showed extreme courage as they confronted the Philistines.

1 Samuel 14:6 (NKJV) – “Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.’”

 

Conclusion:

1. God’s heart is that none would perish, but that all would come to repentance.

2. Humanity’s most urgent need is to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

3. The church’s pressing priority is to preach, proclaim, and publish the Good News of Jesus Christ and demonstrate His Kingdom.

4. 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”