2 Timothy 4:1-2 NLT

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”

Mark 16:15 NLT

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

How do we preach the Gospel?

Concerning preaching the gospel:

God can get things through you, without getting them in you and that’s a tragedy for you.

1. Be the Gospel

When people encounter us, they need to encounter Jesus! 

2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

“Father God hears the heartbeat of his unborn again children!” -Debbie Snodgrass

Romans 10:14 NKJV

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:15

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Your story in His story

2. Know the Gospel

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

4 G’s

1. Good

2. Guilt

3. Grace

4. Gratitude

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Steps to Peace with God

Step One

God's Purpose: Peace and Life

Romans 5:1

We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 10:10

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Step Two

The Problem: Our Separation

Romans 3:2

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Our Attempts to Reach God

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.

Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. 

Step Three

God's Bridge: The Cross

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Step Four

Our Response: Receive Christ

Revelation 3:20

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Romans 10:9

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Bible says... "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

John 3:16 is enough.

3. Boldly proclaim the Gospel!

2 Timothy 4:5 NLT

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

When was the last time you did something bold for God?

 

Questions for discussion/reflection:

1. Does the idea of preaching the gospel seem beyond you, or just for pastors?

2. Share out loud, preferably with someone else, the gospel!

3. Write out your testimony! (your story connecting to His story)

4. The entry point of the kingdom is going low (poor in spirit).  Share an example of being poor in spirit from your life! (this might be good to include in your testimony)

5. Share about a time you did something bold for God, or share an idea of something Bold for God you could do in the future?

6. What does it look like to have God’s heart for people?