InstaStudy

Sharing the Good News: A Call to Witness

An exploration of the biblical mandate and motivations for Christians to share their faith and lead others to salvation through Jesus Christ.

1. The Great Commission: A Divine Mandate

1.1 Jesus' Command to Evangelize

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15
  • Jesus explicitly commanded His followers to go into all the world and make disciples.
  • This commission is not optional but a core responsibility for all believers.
  • Baptism in water and teaching are essential components of discipleship.

1.2 Being Witnesses of Christ

Verses: Acts 1:8; Luke 24:48
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses.
  • Witnessing involves sharing personal experiences of encountering Jesus.
  • We are called to testify to the truth of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

2. Love and Compassion: The Driving Force

2.1 Love for God

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:14; John 14:15
  • Love for God compels us to share His love with others.
  • Obedience to God's commands is an expression of our love for Him.
  • Sharing the Gospel is an act of worship and devotion.

2.2 Compassion for the Lost

Verses: Matthew 9:36; Romans 10:1
  • Jesus felt compassion for those who were lost and without a shepherd.
  • We should share that same compassion and desire for others to find salvation.
  • Interceding in prayer for the lost is a demonstration of compassion.

2.3 Understanding the Consequences of Unbelief

Verses: John 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
  • Those who do not believe are condemned already.
  • There is a real and eternal consequence to rejecting Jesus.
  • Understanding this motivates us to share the urgency of the Gospel.

3. The Blessings of Sharing the Gospel

3.1 Joy and Fulfillment

Verses: Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3
  • Bringing someone to Christ brings immense joy and fulfillment.
  • Those who lead others to righteousness will shine like the stars.
  • There is a unique reward for those who are faithful in sharing the Gospel.

3.2 Contributing to God's Kingdom

Verses: 1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:10
  • We are co-laborers with God in building His Kingdom.
  • Sharing the Gospel is a vital part of God's plan for humanity.
  • Every believer has a role to play in expanding God's Kingdom on earth.

4. The Message of Salvation: Repentance, Baptism, and the Holy Spirit

4.1 Repentance and Faith

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10
  • Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to God.
  • Faith is believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection are essential for salvation.

4.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48
  • Baptism in water is an act of obedience and identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
  • Baptism must be administered in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • It is an outward expression of an inward transformation.

4.3 Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 19:6
  • The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father, given to those who believe.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and witness.