DEEP DIVE - MISSION POSSIBLE PART 2: “Everyday Mission”
ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR GOSPEL OPPORTUNITIES
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. 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. 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.”
Paul took advantage of every opportunity that God brought his way to share the Gospel of Jesus, and he encourages Timothy and all believers to do the same. We never know if that one opportunity that we are given today might be the one that changes someone else’s life for eternity. And do not discount the impact that you can have, even if you are a new believer. What you have to share might be exactly what that person needs to hear.
Ezekiel 3:18-19, “If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.”
God told Ezekiel that the result was not up to him, the obedience was. This is important to remember, because we cannot make someone believe, and we are not called to change their beliefs, but to testify to God’s faithfulness and love. Sharing the message is our mission, the transformation is God’s work.
Acts 20:18-21, “When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.”
Just as Paul was bold in sharing his faith, we are called to do the same when we encounter opportunities that God brings across our path. The message we have is the same for every person, Jesus loves them and wants to save them. We are called to be an example of repenting of our own sins, turning to God and walking out our faith — if my faith isn’t genuine, I will not be prepared to share with others. Authentic faith leads to boldness in sharing.
1 Corinthians 1:21-25, “Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.”
God’s plan is Christ. If we want to be prepared for gospel opportunities, we need to follow the example that Christ left for us which we find on the pages of Scripture. God can even use our foolishness for His purposes! How amazing is He and how blessed are we as believers to have the power of Christ dwelling within us.
THE BEST WAY FOR US TO BE PREPARED FOR GOSPEL OPPORTUNITIES IS TO NEVER STOP PURSING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. OUR LOVE FOR HIM WILL OVERFLOW INTO ALL THAT WE DO AND SAY AS IT IS NATURALLY WOVEN INTO OUR EVERYDAY LIFE.
1 Peter 3:15-17, “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”
Let us take the advice from Peter, that we always be ready to explain our hope as believers. In order to be ready to explain, we have to know the truth of the Gospel for ourselves. God wants us to ask questions. He tells us to get involved in community. We seek His will as we study Scripture. Let us know that we know Jesus is our Lord and allow His light to shine through us.
PUTTING THIS INTO PRACTICE
Jesus give us many examples to follow in turning ordinary conversations into Gospel opportunities. He uses something as common as water for a talking point that resulted in the salvation of many.
Read John 4:1-42.
Water. Simple, but necessary to sustain life. Jesus used an earthly necessity to demonstrate the significance of having the eternal spring of water within us. Think about water and all that it does in our world, and take some time to compare it to the love of Jesus and all that His love does. Consider also, why water, why not air? Write out your thoughts and discuss them in your small group.
Think of a Gospel opportunity that you have had, or could possibly have. How were you prepared, or perhaps even unprepared? What can you do to be prepared and ready to take advantage of any future opportunities? Journal your thoughts and ask God to reveal how He wants you to prepare.
Listening is a key ingredient in being prepared for Gospel opportunities. People need to know that we care about what they have to say, and not just hearing the sound of our own voice. When they know we care, they are more willing to actually listen.
Are you a listener or a speaker? What has your experience been when you try to share your faith with others? Have you found that people are more willing to listen to you when you take time to hear them?
Read Acts 16:11-15. Do you think Paul and those who were with him took time to listen before they spoke? What are some things that Paul took time to do as he shared the Gospel with others? Read more of Acts for help. Discuss with your small group.
Paul was also good at meeting people where they were. Read Acts 17:16-34. How did Paul meet the people of Athens where they were to help them understand the Gospel? What are some ways that you can meet people where they are and listen to what they believe then share the reason for your faith? Ask God to help you to be able to take the time to listen and love people where they are while sharing the truth of Christ’s love with them.
As believers we have a responsibility to recognize spiritual openings and take advantage of every Gospel opportunity. We are ambassadors for Christ.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.
What is this passage speaking to you about being an ambassador for Christ? Does this challenge you to be more prepared to recognize and make the most of Gospel opportunities? Discuss with your small group. Share any ideas on how you have made progress in being an ambassador for Christ.
Select one passage of Scripture either from the message (sermon notes available on the Anchor app) or from Deep Dive that made an impact upon you. Write it down, post it where you can see it daily and commit to memorizing it. Take a minute to ask God what He wants you to glean from that passage, and then when He answers, step out in obedience as you walk boldly in His call for your life.
