In what ways can we prioritize sharing the gospel in our daily lives? Setting the Scene in Acts 18:5 “Now when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 18:5) • “Occupied with the word” paints a picture of total engagement—Paul’s time, energy, and conversation revolved around one theme: Jesus is the Messiah. • Silas and Timothy’s arrival freed Paul from tent-making (cf. Acts 18:3), allowing him to devote himself “entirely” (NKJV) to gospel witness. • The Spirit-inspired model is clear: prioritize the message first, fit everything else around it. Understanding What It Means to Be ‘Occupied’ • Mindset: Gospel first, vocation second (Philippians 1:21). • Schedule: Intentionally carve out time; the gospel is not a hobby. • Conversations: Every interaction is a potential testimony (Colossians 4:5-6). • Focus: Christ’s identity—“Jesus is the Christ”—remains the core (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Practical Ways to Let the Gospel Take Priority • Start each day in the Word so that truth overflows into dialogue (Psalm 119:97). • Plan “gospel appointments”: coffee with a coworker, lunch with a classmate. • Keep tracts or Scripture cards handy for brief encounters (Acts 8:30-35). • Use social media to share verses, testimonies, and livestream church services. • Offer to pray for people on the spot; it opens doors for deeper talk (James 5:16). Letting Teamwork Fuel Bold Witness • Paul’s focus sharpened when Silas and Timothy arrived—support matters (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Partner with another believer for accountability: – Set weekly goals (e.g., share the gospel with two new people). – Rejoice together in answered prayer and open doors (Philippians 1:3-5). Keeping the Message Clear • Scripture defines the gospel; do not dilute it (Galatians 1:8-9). • Key points to communicate: – God’s holiness and our sin (Romans 3:23). – Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:4). – Personal response—repentance and faith (Acts 17:30-31). • Memorize concise gospel passages (John 3:16; Acts 4:12) for quick recall. Living the Witness Wherever You Are Home: Share testimonies at the dinner table, integrate Scripture into family routines (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Work/School: Excel in tasks to earn a hearing (Matthew 5:16), then speak of Christ when curiosity arises. Errands: Turn small talk in checkout lines into seed-sowing moments (Mark 4:14). Leisure: Invite neighbors to game nights or cookouts with intentional spiritual follow-up (Luke 14:23). Staying Encouraged to Persevere • Remember the power of the message: “It is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • Expect opposition but cling to divine presence (Matthew 28:19-20). • Rehearse testimonies of God’s faithfulness—yours and others’—to rekindle zeal (Revelation 12:11). • Keep eternity in view; rewards await those who labor faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7-8). A Daily Resolution Just as Paul allowed nothing to crowd out his calling, we choose daily to let the gospel occupy our minds, shape our schedules, and flow through our conversations—until everyone in our circles has heard that Jesus is the Christ. |
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