How can we overcome obstacles to fulfill our gospel-sharing responsibilities? Rooted in Divine Compulsion “Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to do so. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16) Paul’s language is urgent—“compelled.” Sharing Christ is not optional or occasional; it is a sacred necessity. That awareness becomes our first weapon against every obstacle. Common Obstacles to Gospel Sharing • Fear of rejection or ridicule • Feelings of inadequacy (“I don’t know enough”) • Busyness and distraction • Cultural or relational barriers • Spiritual opposition and discouragement Scripture-Based Remedies • Fear ➜ Remember who is with you. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power…” (2 Timothy 1:7). His presence eclipses other people’s opinions. • Inadequacy ➜ Rely on His sufficiency. “Not that we are competent in ourselves… our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5). The message, not the messenger, carries the power (Romans 1:16). • Busyness ➜ Redeem the time. “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16). Schedule gospel moments as intentionally as any other appointment. • Cultural barriers ➜ Adopt Paul’s flexibility without compromise. “I have become all things to all people, so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Listen, learn, adapt your language. • Spiritual opposition ➜ Fight spiritually. “Pray in the Spirit at all times… that I may proclaim it fearlessly.” (Ephesians 6:18-20). Prayer disarms unseen resistance. Practical Habits That Open Doors • Start each day asking, “Lord, who is today’s one?” and look for the person He places in front of you. • Keep a short, personal testimony ready (before Christ, meeting Christ, life with Christ). • Memorize a handful of gospel verses (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 3:18) to share naturally in conversation. • Invite others into your normal rhythms—meals, hobbies, errands—and let gospel talk arise organically (Colossians 4:5-6). • Celebrate small steps. A seed sown or question answered is real progress (1 Corinthians 3:6). Encouragement from Fellow Laborers • Peter, once paralyzed by fear, later declared Jesus boldly before rulers (Acts 4:8-13). • Timothy, timid by nature, was urged to “fan into flame” his gift (2 Timothy 1:6). • Ordinary scattered believers “went about preaching the word” and ignited revival in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8). A Perspective That Sustains • The gospel is “of first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Everything else is secondary. • Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10); your faithfulness triggers eternal celebration. • A crown of righteousness awaits those who “have loved His appearing” and helped others be ready for it (2 Timothy 4:8). Steps to Take This Week 1. Identify the obstacle that most often hinders you. 2. Pair it with its Scripture remedy above; meditate on that verse daily. 3. Share Christ intentionally with one person before week’s end, trusting the Spirit for the outcome. Promise of Eternal Impact “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) |
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