Free PDF eBook containing all of Year 2
Print PDF of this lesson
Throughout this week, it will be profitable to consider that we should talk to our friends and neighbors about the Lord. Let’s make this a week of reflection and meditation on the role we should play in spreading the gospel in our own community. Truly, there is no more important part of the Lord’s work than the work of evangelism.
In 2 Tim. 2:2, Paul told Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” God has designed the scheme of redemption in such a way that salvation from sin is communicated by a message of salvation — words which must be obeyed in order for people to receive salvation. The truth which makes men free from sin (Jn. 8:32) was communicated by God’s Spirit to the men chosen by Jesus as His apostles. These apostles, in turn, deposited this truth in written form in the Scriptures which make up our New Testament. The only way anyone can come into possession of this truth today is by reading or hearing this message (Eph. 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:13).
Those whom we come in contact with each day need to hear the gospel, and they may not know anyone else who will share it with them. Certainly we have an obligation to talk with others about the Lord, but it is far more than a mere duty — it is a privilege. Having been graciously forgiven of our sins, we should be motivated by gratitude to spend the rest of our lives sharing the good news so that our friends can be forgiven too. It is an honor to be a part of this great work!
Paul said, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Rom. 10:13,14). It is both important and urgent that we speak the saving word of truth to those around us. Our conscience should move us to do so. If it matters to us whether our friends and neighbors go to heaven, how can we not speak to them about the Lord? May we think on these things this week. And may we be able to say, with Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).
Monday: Mark 16:15,16
Key Idea: Jesus wants us to spread the gospel.
Questions for Family Growth: What is the “gospel”? What will happen to those who do not obey it? What does it mean to “preach” the gospel? Is there a sense in which all of us can preach the gospel? What are some ways that each of us could spread the good news of Christ?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 19:29.
Tuesday: Matthew 28:18–20
Key Idea: Jesus wants us to lead others to become His disciples.
Questions for Family Growth: What is the basic meaning of the word “disciple”? What is the purpose for which people should be baptized? What does Ac. 22:16 say? What should we teach people after they are baptized?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 20:1.
Wednesday: Mark 8:34–38
Key Idea: We should never be ashamed to speak about Jesus to others.
Questions for Family Growth: What did Jesus say would happen if we are ashamed of Him while we live in this world? What are some ways we can overcome being ashamed or embarrassed about Jesus? How is it that faith (or trust) in God imparts courage to us?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 20:2.
Thursday: Ephesians 6:14–20; Colossians 4:2–6
Key Idea: We should talk with others in a way that will help them to understand the gospel.
Questions for Family Growth: What did Paul want others to pray on his behalf? How was Paul using the word “bold” here? In Col. 4:4 what does “manifest” (NKJV) mean? In vv.5,6, how did Paul say we should speak to others about Jesus?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 20:3.
Friday: 1 Thessalonians 1:2–10
Key Idea: We should be people who “sound forth” the word of Jesus.
Questions for Family Growth: In this passage, what good things did Paul say about the Christians in the church at Thessalonica? Could the same thing rightly be said about us today? What are some ways in which we can sound forth the gospel today?
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 20:4.
Gary Henry — WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com
