Path Toward Maturity
- Know the Gospel for yourself—If you find you’re hesitant to share the Gospel, it may be that you have not experienced its fullness. We know that in spite of
the fact that the Bible describes us as enemies of God (Romans 5:10“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”), Christ died in our place (Romans 5:8“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”). This fills us with awe and joy—and moves us to share this joy with others. Review these excellent Bible passages that explain the Gospel. Consider memorizing if you don’t know them already: John 3:16-17“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”, Romans 6:23“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”, Ephesians 2:8-9“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”, 2 Corinthians 5:21“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”. - Learn your favorite way to share the Gospel—Once you’ve experienced the Gospel, find your favorite illustration to express it. It could be Pastor’s Checkbook Illustration Checkbook Illustration, or the Dog Tag Story. Find your Gospel jam!
- Examine your life to see if your lifestyle is an obstacle to sharing the faith. We’re not ever going to be perfect, but being lax in our faith or living in a way that obviously contradicts and dishonors the Christian faith undermines your efforts to be God’s instruments to bring others to salvation (2 Timothy 2:21” Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,[a] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”).