Sharing the Gospel

Team Study Guide

ABBREVIATED LESSONS 4–6

Table of ContentsLesson Four The Compelling Gospel 1 Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5 1 Key Lesson Concepts 2 Personal Reflection Activity 3 Hymn: “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus” Combined Hymnal 3 Challenge Applications for Your Day 4

Lesson Five Practical Communication 5 Scripture Reference: John 12:44-50 & Ephesians 6:13-20 5 Key Lesson Concepts 6 Personal Reflection Activity 6 Hymn: “I Love to Tell the Story” Combined Hymnal 7 Challenge Applications for Your Day 8

Lesson Six Freedom from Inhibitors 9 Scripture Reference: Luke 9:1-6 & 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 9 Key Lesson Concepts 10 Personal Reflection Activity 10 Hymn: “Seeking the Lost” Combined Hymnal 11 Challenge Applications for Your Day 11

Prayer List 12Gospel Outlines 13

Sharing the Gospel

Team Study Guide

ABBREVIATED LESSONS 4-6

Table of Contents

Sharing the Gospel

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The Compelling GospelLesson 4

Goals

• See evangelism as a healthy response to our born again experience. • Regard the gospel as a central daily need so that our sharing arises naturally from a genuine fellowship with God. • Learn to speak gospel hope into your spheres of influence.

Scripture -- 2 Corinthians 5 See evangelism as a healthy response to our born again experience.

I am primarily a spiritual being. v1

I groan under the weight of my flesh. v2

I have the Spirit’s dwelling. v5

I have the hope of Future Presence with God. v6-8

I am Ambitious in my efforts. v9

I will Seek to Win others through Evangelism. v11

1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

MY REALITY

MY HOPE

MY RESPONSE

THEEVANGELISTICRESULT

My desired result for the unsaved. v15

4 Sharing the Gospel

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

My view of the unsaved. v16

The hope for the unsaved. v17

I am reconciled and called to be a

reconciler. v18

Lesson 4 - continued The Compelling Gospel

Key Lesson Concepts

How does my gospel experience reach the unsaved?

The good news for the unsaved acknowledges their Reality, offers real Hope, and plainly shows what their Result of trusting Christ will be — freedom from condemnation and a new life made righteous before God!

THEEVANGELISTIC

RESULT

DEFINITION OF EVANGELISM

notes

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Personal Reflection Activity

How does the compelling gospel speak HOPE into these situations? The first example is done for you. Complete two of the other three.

Depression / Rejection The nature of the gospel is reception not rejection.

Christ extends grace. He selects and calls us.

Condemned by Sin

Unmet Expectations

Addiction

“Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus” Combined Hymnal

As you sing, think of how we (the saved) are sustained by trust in Jesus.

V1 ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord”.

V2 O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; Just in simple faith to plunge me ‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

V3 Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.

V4 I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

ChorusJesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

Trusting Christ is Believing Christ

Hymn –

My Hope Rests in the Blood of Christ

My Joy is in Christ not Sin

Gladness Compels Others

6 Sharing the Gospel

notes

• Choose an unsaved person in your life from one of the distinctions to the left. Think about areas of common community, kinship, or interests.

• If you know where he/she DESPAIRS, how can you share Jesus in a way that meets this fear with hope of new life?

• If you don’t know where he/she DESPAIRS, how could you begin to know them on a deeper level?

Challenge Applications For Your Day

Your FRAN

Lesson 4 - continued The Compelling Gospel

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Goals

• Learn through examples how Jesus communicated with others. • Identify seven keys to effective communication.

Scripture -- John 12:44-50 Learn from the Master.

44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me

should not abide in darkness.47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not:

for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that

judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

Scripture -- Ephesians 6:13-20 Prepare our feet to boldly deliver the Gospel.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God: (continued on next page)

Practical Communication Lesson 5

Jesus spoke His message with passion. v44

The Light sets men free from darkness. v46-47

Jesus was prepared for rejection. v47-48

Christ is the ambassador of the Father. v49

Be confident in the message of Life! v50

Arm ourselves by rehearsing the gospel. v13-17

8 Sharing the Gospel

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Key Lesson Concepts

7 Keys to effectively communicate the gospel

• Repetition; it can take up to 7 times or more to effectively communicate a message.• Evaluate your audience in terms of his/her current understanding and needs. Listen and be sensitive.• Questions open the way to spiritual discussion.• Unforgettable, Simple. Memorable.• Exemplify the gospel with your life. Share the story of your conversion experience.• Scripture, spoken aloud has great power to convert the hearer.• Techniques, both verbal and non-verbal allow us to be creative in sharing our love and care.

Personal Reflection Activity — Evaluate Your AudiencePrayerfully think of someone in your FRAN (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, or Neighbors). Personalize (modify or add to) the following questions in a thoughtful way that meets their level of understanding and experience.

Are you happy with your spiritual life? (example) Are you at peace with God? Does the Bible comfort or condemn you? Is your life approach working?

If you died tonight, would you go to heaven or hell?

Prayer our constant

companion. v18

Accept the need to communicate

boldly. v19-20

Lesson 5 - continuedPractical Communication

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Personal Reflection Activity (continued)

If what you believe isn’t true, would you want to know?

Fill in the blank in the following passage of scripture:

1 Peter 3:15. But sanctify the Lord God in your _________: and be ready

___________ to give an ___________ to every man that ____________

you a reason of the _______________ that is in you with ____________

and _____________:

Hymn – “I Love to Tell the Story”Combined Hymnal

The Master loved to tell the true stories of God’s Kingdom and the glories that await those who love Him. As you sing, think about how you can mimic the words and actions of Christ in your communication.

V1 I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, because I know ‘tis true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

V2 I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems, Than all the golden fancies of all my golden dreams; I love to tell the story, it did so much for me, And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

V3 I love to tell the story, ‘tis pleasant to repeat What seems, each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, for some have never heard The message of salvation from God’s own Holy Word.

Chorus I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and his love.

Jesus’ message is

unforgettable, unlike any

other.

My story exemplifies

the truth of the gospel.

Love for the unsaved causes

me to repeat my message.

10 Sharing the Gospel

notes

Purposefully reflect on the words you choose, your body language, and your listening skills throughout your interactions today. Apply one of Jesus’ communication techniques in a bold way:

Challenge Applications For Your Day

• Pick up an object (for example a stone or nail), and use it to begin a story about the gospel.

• Ask a question and then practice your listening skills.

• Use more body language than you normally might. Think about your tone of voice, eye contact, facial expression, touch, space, and posture.

Lesson 5 - continuedPractical Communication

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Goals

• Overcome apathy with care. • Overcome fear with courage. • Overcome weakness with faith.

Scripture -- Luke 9:1-6 Consider how Christ inspires, equips, and sends his disciples to spread the gospel.

1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither

staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. 5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city,

shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. 6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the

gospel, and healing every where.

Scripture -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul, in his weakness, leads others to God through the power of the Spirit.

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of

man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in

the power of God

Freedom from Inhibitors Lesson 6

Where God calls, He equips. v1

Folly to depend on man. v3

Prepared disciples for rejection. v5

Obedient action! No more procrastination! v6

Paul was not a “gifted” speaker. v1

Simplicity of the gospel. v2

Paul does not hesitate to confess his weakness. v3

12 Sharing the Gospel

Key Lesson Concepts

• Apathy is an enemy to inspired motivation. Christ motivated His followers to spread the good news about His coming Kingdom.

• Our main fears involve our reputation and what others may think or do to us. It is admirable to respect others, but not at the expense of hiding the gospel. Be willing to become vulnerable to others so walls can fall.

• Allowing the Spirit to use us in our weakness highlights the power of God. Others may be more willing to listen when

they see that our faith is real. Christ’s strength is made

perfect in weakness.

Personal Reflection Activity

Rank your top three specific inhibitors that prevent you from sharing the gospel. Some examples may be language, workplace rules, or gender differences. Would you be more inclined to tackle your biggest or smallest inhibitor first? Why? How would you accomplish this?

Lesson 6 - continuedFreedom from Inhibitors

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“Seeking the Lost”Combined Hymnal

Sing this hymn while praying for the Spirit to prepare you for the mission.

V1 Seeking the lost, yes, kindly entreating, Wanders on the mountains astray, “Come unto me” His message repeating, Words of the Master speaking today.

V2 Seeking the lost, and pointing to Jesus Souls that are weak and hearts that are sore, Leading them forth in ways of salvation, Showing the path to life evermore.

V3 Thus would I go, for Jesus hath called me, Him would I follow day unto day; Care for the dying, raise up the fallen, Pointing the lost to Jesus the way.

ChorusGoing afar, afar upon the mountain, Bringing the wand’rers, the wand’rers back again, Into the fold, the fold of my Redeemer, Jesus the Lamb, the Lamb for sinners slain.

Hymn –

To the Sin-Wanderer,

Repetition of Christ’s Call

To the Weak, an Example of Hope that Points them

back to the Cross

Motivated to Care by Jesus’ Call – Today!

Team up with another believer to identify a common inhibitor that you both desire to overcome. Today, work together with your teammate to share the gospel in a way that allows God to lift you above this inhibitor.

Challenge Applications For Your Day

In Christ… Motivated – Courageous - Confident

notes

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Prayer List

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Sharing the Gospel

Gospel OutlinesRomans RoadRomans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

God, Man, Christ, Response*God - God is the creator of all things (Gen. 1:1) and made us in his image to know him (Gen. 1:26-28). He is perfectly holy, loving, worthy of all worship, and will punish sin (1 John 1:5, Rev. 4:11, Rom. 2:5-8).

Man - All people, though created good, have become sinful by nature (Gen. 1:26-28, Ps. 51:5, Rom. 3:23) and by choice (Rom. 2:4-6, Rev. 20:12). As a result, all people are alienated from God, contrary to God, and subject to the wrath of God (Eph. 2:1-3).

Christ - In his great love, God became a man in Jesus, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law himself and taking on himself the punishment for the sins of all those who would ever turn and trust in him. He rose again from the dead, showing that God accepted Christ’s sacrifice and that God’s wrath against us had been exhausted (John 1:1, 1 Tim. 2:5, Heb. 7:26, Rom. 3:21-26, 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 Cor. 15:20-22).

Response - He now calls us to repent of our sins and to trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness. If we repent of our sins and trust in Christ, we are born again into a new life, an eternal life with God (Mark 1:15, Acts 20:21, Rom. 10:9-10).

*A simple and memorable summary of the gospel to help you with sharing God’s good news with people. Adapted from The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever.

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