Review From Last
Week:
A.
We cannot have the kind of full and rich life in this world
without a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
B.
Nor can we have the kind of relationships with people of
the world without changing how we view them: the way Jesus did.
Introduction:
A.
If you have the truth, then evangelizing …
1.
Is not about mechanics (saying all the right things, at
the right time, etc.)
2.
Is not about a 10 month “discipleship program” for the
person you’re trying to reach.
3.
It’s all about God and the soul needing Him. cp. Matt.
22:37-39; Matt. 28:18-20
Discussion:
Committed
to doing “all things for the sake of the gospel” 1
Corinthians 9
I.
Become
a Slave to All Men
A.
RE: last week’s “relationship
with God.”
B.
By having a genuine relationship with God we’ll learn how
to be free from all men. cp. Col.
2:16ff
C.
Ultimately, however, a true follower of Christ voluntarily
gives up His freedom (Phil.
2:5ff) and becomes a slave to all men. 1
Cor. 9:19-23
D.
Of
Paul: 1
Corinthians 9
1.
To the Jew, he became as a Jew … to win Jews. v.
20
2.
To those under the law as under the Law. v.
20
3.
To those who are without law … v.
21
4.
To the weak ... v.
22
For
the sake of the gospel, become a servant to all in bringing the
gospel to them.
II.
Serve
With Your Eye on the PRIZE
A.
Your purpose: you’re made to glorify
God.
1.
To be a vessel of honor. Rom.
9:21
2.
A workmanship made for good works. Eph.
2:10
B.
Your
goal:
“do all things for the sake of the gospel”:
1.
Every action should compel you to reach the lost.
2.
Your attitude compels you to do it with the mindset of
Christ.
C.
Serve
with self-control.
1.
Your actions: follows through with the purpose set forth.
2.
Bottom: you (voluntarily) make your body a slave to all,
for the sake of the gospel.
D.
Serve
with endurance.
III.
The
Net Result: 1st Century Conversions in the 21st Century!
A.
Biblical
conversion
stories took place very shortly after having first received the
word. Acts
2, Acts 8, Acts 10, etc.
B.
NOTE:
inferred – some went a long period before becoming disciples of
Christ … namely, Jesus’ family, various Pharisees, priests,
etc.
C.
Today:
1.
It is not only reasonable to expect people in this world to
hear and believe in the same hour …
2.
… It happens! J
Conclusion:
A.
The
reward is great:
valuable souls will hear the good news from vessels of honor.
B.
Are
you willing to “run in such a way” to reach the gospel to this
world?
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin
Church of Christ
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