Theme: Our gospel disposition remains humbly and kindly purposeful.

As we continue to review our responsibility to evangelize the lost, we must remember that the Gospel is not just any good news, but the Good News of the Lord Jesus – eternally the son of God, who was born of a virgin and came for a purpose, who died for our sin, was buried, resurrected, ascended, and is coming again.

We now look at our Personal Humility that should accompany our Proclamation of the Gospel.

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Main Points:

The Heart of the Godhead for the Gospel.
God’s heart behind the Gospel is revealed in many passages to be full of tender love and kindness (see our main passage above). Anything that lets us understand who Christ is and enables us to accept Him comes from the kind intention of God’s will. Philippians 2:1-8 show Christ’s humility and the necessary action that resulted from God’s compassion.

The Holy Spirit’s continual ministry in the world involves conviction of human sin, Christ’s righteousness, and the judgment that results from rejection of Him. Our gospel is incomplete if it is preached without including judgment. We need to let people know so they can be prepared for eternity.

Our Humble Responsibility.
The Godhead went to extreme lengths to make us part of their family, and this is our example as we promote the same Gospel. Even though our tendency is to relax after being saved awhile, our striving is to be intense. Paul described it in terms used for athletic strain. We do not work just to stay busy; we struggle and contend for the purpose of the Gospel.

In the New Testament, this striving is always done together, locking arms with others to pursue the same goal. This is the design of the local church. God is a genius strategist for the Gospel that is so close to His heart: He places churches to spread the Gospel, and He places individuals in specific churches for Gospel purposes. That includes you!

• Love always seeks to give people in trouble a simple and thorough way out. This is what the Gospel is: God loved sinners enough to present them with one way of complete salvation through Jesus Christ. Have you accepted this simple truth and surrendered your heart in obedience to the Gospel?
• If you have accepted the salvation found in Christ, you will be compelled to take action. God’s love for humanity caused Him to make the journey from Heaven to Earth to the cross. If you have God’s love within you, what action will you take to humbly share that love?
• Are you striving for the sake of the Gospel? Who have you locked arms with? Do you need to tighten those bonds in order to have more Gospel influence through a local church? This is the reason we are here!

Cross References to Explore:

• 1 Peter 1 – a choir-piece of salvation.
• Mark 1:14-15 – We must believe and place ourselves under the Gospel.
• John 16:8 – the Holy Spirit’s ministry of conviction.
• Philippians 4:2-3 and Phil. 1:27-30 – our struggle for the Gospel.
• 2 Timothy 1:8 – We suffer hardships and endure adversity for the Gospel.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:3-8 – consequences of not obeying the Gospel.

A Hymn to Encourage: “Jesus Saves!”
We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, climb the mountains, cross the waves;
Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Waft it on the rolling tide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Tell to sinners far and wide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing, you islands of the sea; echo back, you ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Sing above the battle strife: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout it brightly through the gloom, when the heart for mercy craves;
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Give the winds a mighty voice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free; highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Recommended Resources:
God-Centered Evangelism by R.B. Kuiper