ARE YOU A WILLING PARTICIPANT IN SHARING THE GOSPEL?

1 Corinthians 9:16-17, "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."

One of the greatest witnesses of all time was the Apostle Paul. He was as zealous about sharing the Gospel after He came to salvation as he was about persecuting the church prior to his salvation. This marked change is not only proof of Paul’s genuine conversion, but it speaks about the love and appreciation he had for Christ, and his desire to see others come to faith in Christ for salvation.

Paul spoke of the necessity placed upon him to share the Gospel.  The word "necessity" speaks of that which is imposed upon us either by circumstances and/or by duty.  Paul recognized his responsibility as a Christian to share the Gospel with others.  It was a responsibility placed upon him by the Lord.  He was told by Christ that he would be a witness to the Gentiles.  God, through the Great Commission, has laid upon us the same responsibility.  You and I have been commanded to share the Gospel.  But how about sharing the Gospel because of a burden for those who are lost?  You see, the necessity in Paul was not solely born out of obedience to the command of Christ, but also because of the fact that people without Christ if they die in such a condition, will spend an eternity of damnation and misery in Hell.  Christ has never forced anyone who professes Him to witness, but His heart is for us all to witness.

I want to encourage you, to come to that place in life where you are a willing participant in sharing the Gospel.  The word "willing" in verse 17 speaks of that which is unforced or voluntary.  Heavenly rewards are not presented to those who grudgingly perform acts or deeds resembling obedience, but are presented to those who willingly are surrendered to obeying Christ.  Are you motivated to glorify God by witnessing to others, or are you continually seeking to make yourself something you are not? 

Would it not be wrong for us to have abilities to witness, and yet, we didn't make use of them?  Is it wrong for us to neglect sharing the Gospel? Is it wrong to be so concerned about yourself that because of self-interest, the fear of man, or through being ashamed of Christ and His Gospel, you remain silent?

I hope in America, that we as Christians, will grow to the place that we can say as Paul, "...woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel!"

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Do you possess an intense desire to see others saved?

2. Do you believe sharing the Gospel with others is optional or necessary? How does your life reflect your answer? Is God pleased with your efforts in witnessing?

3. Is your will in alignment with the call to be a faithful witness? Explain.

4. How would you describe something that needs improvement in relation to your personal efforts in witnessing?