2 Corinthians 4:1-4

The primary way to demonstrate the glory of God is by giving the Gospel. “Grace Church of Mentor exists to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and equipping the saints with the goal of Christ-likeness.”

The church’s commission to go into all the world and make disciples is not just a corporate responsibility – it is an individual one, and the primary responsibility of all Christians. If we focus on corporate programs and events rather than on personal evangelism we have a backwards approach to the Gospel. Making disciples is really a simple process: praying for the lost; meeting them; telling them they need Jesus; winning souls by a miracle of God; then training and equipping them to be more like their Savior.

The Gospel we give is also very simple: it is the good news of Jesus Christ – who He is and why He came, died, rose, ascended, and is coming again! The Greek word for “gospel” is euangelion. According to Vine’s Greek Dictionary, “In the New Testament, the Gospel denotes the good tidings of the kingdom of God and of salvation through Christ, to be received by faith on the basis of Jesus’ substitutionary death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.”

The Gospel, in itself and when received by a soul, is a clear demonstration of the glory of God. The glory we receive in Christ is personally transformational and counter-cultural. The pain, fear, and lostness of life without Christ is turned to joy, peace, and purpose of a soul reconciled to God. Once this miracle occurs in a life, the most unique and specific way we can carry the glory of God into our culture is by telling others the Good News. It should be something we are eager to do!

The use of the word “gospel” in the New Testament falls into 3 different categories. It is used in the context of our Proclamation of the Gospel, our Personal Humility while sharing the Gospel, and our Prioritized Activity regarding the Gospel. Today we will look at the first category.

There are 6 different Greek words that describe how we proclaim the Gospel. Just as Paul used different approaches for different audiences, we should pray for discernment to share the Gospel with the appropriate level of intensity for each situation. Here are the first three ways: Herald – the public presentation of the Gospel, primarily done by pastor-teachers. Used in Galatians 2:2. Speaking – a conversational tone, just talking about Jesus. Used in 1 Thessalonians 2:2. Testify – a solemn warning. Used in Acts 20:21-24. Notice that only one of these methods is reserved for those with a pastor-teacher gifting. Giving the Gospel is not only the pastor’s job or the church leaders’ job – every Christian is responsible to share the Gospel prayerfully, purposely, and personally.

Application Points This aspect of our mission statement has a very simple and specific application: Are you carrying the Gospel into our culture?

If you are saved, you have a responsibility carry the Gospel. Are there specific unsaved people who you are praying for? Who in your immediate sphere of influence can you be a witness to, share the Gospel with, and invite to church to be discipled?

God’s loving heart is completely impartial; He longs to see all people receive the Gospel. Does your concern for the lost mirror His? Do you have any enemy who you wouldn’t tell about the Good News of Jesus?

Take some time to think about the content of the Gospel and its work in your own life. Each Christian must guard against those who would seek to distort the Gospel, for the sake of your own growth and that of the church.

Tools for Further Study Cross References to Explore: Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus’ Great Commission to the church. Luke 19:10, Mark 10:45, 1 John 2:1-3, John 1:29 – Why did Jesus come to earth? 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 – Satan always seeks to subvert Jesus’ Gospel intentions. 1 Timothy 1:8-11 – the transformation worked by the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23, Daniel 12:3 – the priority of winning souls.

A Hymn to Encourage: “O Zion, Haste”

O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling, To tell to all the world that God is light, That He who made all nations is not willing One soul should perish, lost in shades of night.

Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace; Tidings of Jesus, redemption and release.

Behold how many thousands still are lying Bound in the darksome prison-house of sin, With none to tell them of the Savior’s dying, Or of the life He died for them to win.

Proclaim to every people, tongue, and nation That God, in Whom they live and move, is love; Tell how He stooped to save His lost creation, And died on earth that we might live above.

Give of thy sons to bear the message glorious; Give of thy wealth to speed them on their way; Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious; O Zion, haste to bring the brighter day.