Sunday, September 20, 1998 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Ephesians 3:1-13, we studied about the importance of sharing the Gospel with others. We also studied about how to tap into God's power as we attempt to do so. Many people do not share their faith with others because they fear being misunderstood or rejected. However, many of those who choose to say little or nothing about the Lord fail to realize that one of the New Testament Church's key roles is to reach the lost. In Ephesians 3:1-9, the Apostle Paul spoke about the mystery of the Church that had been revealed to him. That mystery, which was that the Gospel should be preached to the Gentiles, is God's way of bringing His beloved Israel together in fellowship with those who are not Jewish. Paul understood that he was a messenger of God's grace to all, especially to the Gentiles, plus he understood God's all-inclusive purpose of bringing everyone together in Christ.
Many people do not feel confident about sharing their faith in Christ. In many cases, they may not know what they believe or why they believe it. In other instances, they may not feel comfortable talking to others about spiritual matters. In either event, Proverbs 11:30 says, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." Difficult or not, each of us who names Christ as Savior should look for opportunities to share with others our hope in Christ. It is not so much what we know as it Whom we know. Not everyone stands on a wooden crate and preaches to passersby. Often, our ministry will be conducted in the casual everyday circumstances of our normal life. If we desire to be a faithful witness and if we ask the Holy Spirit to empower us for that purpose, then He will show us how we can best minister to those around us. It is not important that we all minister in the same ways, but the above verse from Proverbs teaches that we should all be trying to minister in the way that the Lord would have us. Many people lack confidence in this part of their Christian walk, but the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church that he also lacked confidence. The key, as he expressed it in Ephesians 3:7-13, is to rely on God's grace and power. In walking with our Lord, we must look beyond those outward circumstances that may trouble us and trust Him even in the midst of great adversity.
As you go forward in this life, it will be beneficial for you to remember that Christ loved you enough to die for you on an old rugged cross. As recipients of His free gift of salvation, each of us does well when we take a spiritual interest in the welfare of those around us. If the Lord has touched and changed your heart, then for the cause of Christ, take a moment and do your best to share your good news with someone else. As you learn to lean upon the Holy Spirit, He will sustain you and lift you up. To God be the glory for those things that He has done.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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