As we believe the gospel with deep-seated conviction in our lives, lets proclaim the gospel with death-defying confidence in the world.
Watch Session 6: Faith video by David Platt (33 minutes)
INTRODUCTION
David said the reality that billions live without the gospel is the greatest social injustice. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Many people do not share their faith because they say, “It’s private.” Is it possible to have a private faith?
Those who believe the gospel proclaim the gospel. Everyday thousands upon thousands die without ever having the chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. This should be intolerable to the church of Jesus Christ. God created every man and woman to be a disciple who makes disciples. If we do not give our life to intentional disciple making, we are missing the entire point of what it means to be a Christian. Among all we’ve discussed in this study, the gospel is the most counter cultural claim of all. The world is too perilous, and the gospel is too glorious for us to remain silent.
UNDERSTANDING
Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-15.
What hope do all who believe in Jesus Christ have? What should this hope motivate us to do in response?
According to verse 15, why did Paul share the gospel with the Corinthians? • • What did he expect the Corinthians to do as well?
What is the difference between being motivated to share the gospel by guilt and by glory? Which approach describes you most often?
Read Romans 1:16.
Why should we preach the gospel no matter the cost? What makes it a unique message?
For those who do not know Christ, an eternal, conscious, torment awaits them in hell. But those in Christ will be raised with Him. The resurrection is the foundation of our hope as we share the gospel with the lost. Paul was so consumed with the glory of God; he could not stop speaking about Jesus. This motivation for the glory of God should lead all of us to passionately share the gospel in places where God has put us. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. When we speak the gospel, people will be saved, and God’s kingdom will be built.
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Why should we expect suffering as we share the gospel? What is the danger of embracing safety and being unwilling to suffer for the gospel?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:4.
Why do unbelievers not recognize the glory of God in Christ? What implications does that have as we go on mission to the lost?
As Christians suffer, what perspective should they maintain? Is it difficult for you to cultivate and maintain this attitude? If so, why?
The word in Greek translated “beyond all comparison” is where we get the English word “hyperbole.” What does this help us understand about what awaits every Christian?
The god of the world has blinded the minds of unbelievers. They cannot see the gospel and do not want to see the gospel. The reason so many people remain unreached is they are hard to reach. They don’t want to be reached. They are opposed to the gospel. Taking the gospel to these nations will result in suffering, but through many hardships we enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). We suffer for the gospel because when we do we are preparing for an eternal weight of glory like nothing we can imagine. Our hope is incomparable.
David used the example of Acts 7-8 to talk about how suffering ultimately can be used for God’s glory. How did Stephen’s suffering build the church?
Does anyone know brother and sisters who serve in difficult places with hard-to-reach people? What are some unique challenges they face in their context?
Re-read verse 18.
How do we maintain perspective of the things unseen when what we see in front of us is difficult and hard?
It has been said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Perhaps the most impactful witness we can have is an unshakable faith in our God exhibited through suffering and persecution. Romans 8 makes it clear that if God is for us, who will ultimately stand against us? The purpose of God to build His church is an endeavour He has chosen to involve us in. Let’s embrace hardship and suffering, looking to things unseen and the glory of God among all peoples.
APPLICATION
Do you really believe this gospel? What will it motivate you to do or change about your life? How does it change the way you relate to and respond to social justice issues?
Who are 3-4 people in your sphere of influence who do not believe the gospel? Will you commit to pray for opportunities to share the gospel with these people?
Have you ever gone to another part of the world to share the gospel? What was that experience like? How did it change the way you live at home?
Watch the movie: To Save a Life
Using DVD or can also be found here:
Answer the following questions in the quiz.
Upload your Masterclass notes.
Using your notes. Summarise your position on one of the following 6 (Six) Issues: Culture, Wealth, Human Life, Sexuality, Race, Faith
The Problem- This includes: 1-2 paragraph discussion identifying why this is an important ethical issue for Christians to address
What are possible alternative positions that Christians may claim as legitimate?
What are the Relevant Sources of Authority that inform your position?
Write out at least 4 (four) passages of Scriptures that are relevant to the issue. If the passage is a long one you can give the reference and summarize why it’s important.
Cite the 4 (four) of the most influential authors you can find from contemporary ethics sources (non-Christian sources).
Position Statement. This section integrates the Scripture, ethics sources, and your prayerful consideration together into a brief statement expressing the position that you hold and why you hold the position that you do.
What did you learn personally about living counter-culturally from the masterclass and the movie To Save a Life?
How could you apply what you have learned in two practical ways?
Explain how your views on this belief were challenged, deepened, or strengthened.