What other scriptures highlight the importance of sharing God's Word with others? Starting Point: Paul’s Charge “I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.” (1 Thessalonians 5:27) • Paul speaks with solemn authority: the Word he has just written must reach every believer. • By extension, any word God inspires is meant to be heard, embraced, and passed along. • This single verse sets a pattern—Scripture is not private treasure but shared life. Direct Commands from Jesus • Matthew 28:19-20 — “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” • Mark 16:15 — “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” Every verb—go, make, preach, teach, witness—calls for active, verbal communication of God’s Word. Early Church Mandate • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” • Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another.” • Acts 5:42 — “Every day… they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” The first believers treated sharing Scripture as a daily, non-negotiable priority. Reason Sharing Matters: Salvation Depends on Hearing • Romans 10:14-15, 17 — “How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?… So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • 1 Corinthians 1:21 — “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” God has chosen proclamation—spoken Scripture—as His ordinary means to awaken saving faith. Old Testament Echoes • Psalm 96:2-3 — “Proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations.” • Isaiah 52:7 — “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.” • Jeremiah 1:7-8 — “To everyone I send you, you must go, and speak whatever I command you.” • Ezekiel 3:17-19 — A watchman who withholds God’s warning is held accountable. Long before Pentecost, the Lord expected His people to voice His truth to every generation. Our Identity as Messengers • 2 Corinthians 5:20 — “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” • Philippians 2:15-16 — “Shine… as you hold forth the word of life.” • 1 Peter 3:15 — “Always be prepared to make a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” • Psalm 119:46 — “I will speak of Your testimonies before kings and will not be ashamed.” We are not mere spectators; our very role is to carry God’s voice into every sphere He places us. Blessings for Faithful Witnesses • Proverbs 11:30 — “He who wins souls is wise.” • Daniel 12:3 — “Those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.” • Isaiah 55:11 — “My word… will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.” God ties eternal reward and present fruitfulness to the simple act of sharing His infallible Word. Practically Living It Out • Let Scripture saturate your heart so it naturally spills over in conversation. • Look for everyday openings—family meals, workplace breaks, online interactions—to read or quote a verse. • Support and engage in ministries that translate, publish, and distribute the Bible. • Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:27: start with those closest—“all the brothers”—and keep widening the circle. |
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