The Gospel in Three Words
The Gospel in Three Words: A Call to Justice, Grace, and Repentance
2 Corinthians Chapter 5 (Key verses 9-21)
Theme: Evangelism is a divine mandate for all believers, not just clergy or missionaries. Today Pastor Steven highlights why evangelism is urgent and how it is driven by a desire to please God, the reality of divine judgment, fear of the Lord, Christ’s love, confidence in transformation, and the commission to be ambassadors for Christ.
I. Introduction: The Urgency of Evangelism
- Context: The world is adrift in division, secularism, and despair, seeking transcendent meaning.
- Core Message: Evangelism is not optional but a divine mandate for all believers to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
- Purpose: To explore evangelism’s necessity and present the Gospel in three words: Justice, Grace, Repentance.
- Scriptural Foundation: 2 Corinthians 5, Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission), Romans 10:14-15.
- Cultural Relevance: Evangelism is a lifeline in a world of fleeting philosophies and moral confusion.
II. Paul’s Motivation for Evangelism (2 Corinthians 5)
1. Compulsion (v. 9): Paul’s aim was to please God by winning souls, the top priority for believers.
- Key Quote: “If you’re not trying to bring souls to Christ, you’re not pleasing Him.”
- Reference: Andrew Murray’s view—Christians are either soul-winners or backsliders.
2. Compensation (v. 10): Believers will face the Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema) for rewards or disgrace.
- Cross-Reference: 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 (run the race for an incorruptible crown).
- Motivation: Evangelism is driven by love for Christ, not to earn salvation.
3. Conviction (v. 11): Knowing the “fear of the Lord,” Paul persuaded others due to the eternal consequences of hell.
- Urgency: Evangelism is a matter of life or death, heaven or hell.
4. Compassion (vv. 13-15): The love of Christ compels believers to share the Gospel with sinners.
- Key Quote: “Can you love Jesus and ignore souls He died for?”
5. Confidence (vv. 16-17): Evangelism transforms lives, making people new creations in Christ.
- Perspective Shift: See people not in their sin but as potential new creations
- Key Role: Refusing to share the Gospel is “treason against Heaven’s King.”
III. Overcoming Barriers to Evangelism
- Common Fears:
- Fear of rejection (ridicule, arguments).
- Fear of inadequacy (feeling unqualified).
- Fear of failure or persecution in a faith-hostile society.
- Response: Evangelism requires faithfulness, not eloquence or perfection. The Holy Spirit works through obedience.
IV. The Gospel in Three Words
1. Justice: Our Separation from a Holy God
- Truth: God’s holiness cannot tolerate sin, leading to separation (Romans 3:10-23, Isaiah 59:2, Isaiah 6:3).
- Consequence: Sin’s wage is death (Romans 6:23a), a universal condition inherited from Adam.
- Purpose: Establishes the need for salvation, making grace meaningful.
2. Grace: God’s Gift in the Face of Our Deserving
- Good News: Jesus’ death and resurrection offer eternal life (Romans 6:23b, Romans 5:8).
- Scriptural Support: Gospel accounts (Matthew 27-28, Mark 15-16, Luke 23-24, John 19-20) detail Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death.
- Contrast: Unlike repetitive Old Testament sacrifices, Jesus’ once-for-all offering cleanses perfectly (Hebrews 10:1-14).
- Key Verse: John 3:16—God’s love provides salvation to the undeserving.
3. Repentance: Turning to Follow the Risen Lord
- Call to Action: Repentance involves turning from selfish desires to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 10:9).
- Definition: A heart change leading to obedience, not mere lip service (Matthew 21:28-32).
- Transformation: Repentance is faith in action, a daily dying to self, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
V. Call to Action
The Gospel—Justice, Grace, Repentance—is a simple yet profound message to live and proclaim. As believers, we are called upon to live an active, compassionate lifestyle of evangelism grounded in the transformative power of the Gospel.
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