Details
You Are Sent (pt 2) | “Tell Redemption’s Story”
Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Focus: sharing the gospel message
Introduction
Why would God send me?
You have more reach than you think. You have more to say than you think. You can impact more people for Jesus than you think.
If your life in any way connects with other people, you are an influencer. God has placed you where you are on purpose to be an influencer for Him to your circle.
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
From last week: we must use our words as we share the gospel because: people need to hear the gospel, the gospel is good news, and the gospel is God’s invitation.
It can be hard and downright scary to have a spiritual conversation with somebody. We don’t know what to say. We feel like we aren’t qualified to say anything. Remember: messengers don’t come up with stuff on their own. God has given us the message.
God’s mission is redemption – and we are witnesses to its truth.
We tell redemption’s story.
In the text, Paul mentions starting the work in Corinth with the “testimony of God” (see Acts 18:5). Paul’s goal was to tell redemption’s story so that their faith would rest only in God.
What is Redemption’s Story? In a sentence, redemption’s story is: Jesus Christ died and rose again to save sinners.
The focus of our witness is the story of Jesus. Our personal testimony only means anything because it connects with Jesus’s story of redemption.
Some Things We Need to Understand
We can’t assume that people know this story. That “one sentence redemption story” carries some weight.
- What is a sinner?
- Why do sinners need saving?
- Who is Jesus Christ?
- Why does Jesus want to save sinners?
- How does Jesus’s death and resurrection save sinners?
- How do sinners get saved?
- What happens when sinners get saved?
These are the questions that the rest of the Bible answers. The Bible literally pulses from and to the gospel. It is redemption’s story.
As His witnesses, we share God’s testimony of Jesus and call for belief in Him.
This is why Paul’s determination was to “know nothing but Christ and Him crucified.” You’ve got to get this. Understand it. If you don’t, you may miss salvation for yourself.
Three Keys to Tell Redemption’s Story
We don’t have to be Bible scholars to tell redemption’s story. It isn’t about you or your skill level. It’s about sharing how great Jesus is. How forgiving He is. How loving He is. How He can restore the fallen sinner and give us new life.
1| Get the Conversations Started – v 1
Emphasis on the word “started.”
- Pray for people and opportunities
- Use your words
Here’s a few examples:
- Ask about their weekend. When they ask about yours, include church.
- Be open about your faith.
- Ask: “Can I talk to you about something kind of serious?” Then ask questions like, “What do you believe about God? Have you ever read much of the Bible?”
Be willing to listen. We’re not trying to win debates; we’re trying to win souls and share the greatest news ever told.
2| Stay Focused on the Gospel – v 2-4
Keep the main thing the main thing. Don’t get distracted on other issues – even your own soapboxes or passions. Don’t equate Christianity with your pet conviction.
Emphasize:
- That they believe God’s testimony of Jesus. John 3:16 | Rom. 10:9-13.
- That we are lost in our sin and incapable of saving ourselves. We don’t want them to trust in our strength. We don’t want them to trust in theirs, either.
- They repent of their sins to follow Him.
We cannot “sell” Christianity as “the best way to live” but as “the only way to life.” We want that “quick easy way” and it doesn’t exist.
The point is to share with them what God has done for them.
Salvation is not an emotional response. Not a “moment” or “saying a prayer.” It’s when one repents, changes their minds and beliefs and responds in faith to the covenant offer of God through Jesus Christ.
3| Give the Invitation – v 5
The Spirit will work here. As you invite, He will draw. Again, don’t force, but be direct.
Getting to the next step:
- Ask: What do you think about this?
- Listen to them
- Listen to the Holy Spirit
If they’re not quite ready, find out what they need:
- More info? Invite them to investigate. Offer some resources. Ask, “If I send you a link, would you check it out?”
- More time? Invite them to think about it and say, “We can talk again sometime?”
If they’re open, invite them to church or a small group. In any case, always pray for them and be willing to talk again. Keep the door open.
Conclusion
A Few Reminders:
- Don’t try to be like someone else. God is using and empowering you.
- Your job isn’t to convict or shame them. It’s to share what God has done for them.
- You’re not alone. Recruit some prayer support and encouragement.
Salvation is God’s work. You don’t have to know everything or have a bunch of stuff memorized. Just faithfully repeat God’s testimony of Jesus. Tell redemption’s story.