All of us reading this today probably understand that sharing our faith and making Christ known to the lost people around us is critical. In fact, some of Jesus' last words before He left earth and returned to heaven were instructions to His disciples to make Him known to the world (Matthew 28:19). We have been talking about the importance of reaching the lost, but how are we doing with this? Are we taking Jesus' command to make Him known seriously? Are we reaching the lost? We are going to be encouraged to be brave and share our faith boldly with the world around us through this study today.
What is the bravest thing you have ever done?
1. What person (or persons) bravely shared their faith in God with you?
2. In what ways do you think we complicate sharing our faith? Why do we do this?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. How does serving others help reach them for Christ?
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
4. How has God specifically gifted you to serve? How can you use those gifts to reach your lost friends and family members for Christ?
5. To share Christ with the world, we have to actually enter into their world What places are you going to build intentional relationships and share your faith with those who are lost? If there is not a place you are currently going, where can you start going?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. When you think about sharing your faith with others who do not know Christ, how are you doing? Are you having meaningful conversations? Are you feeling discouraged? Are you feeling tired because you are not seeing any progress? Tell your group.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
7. Just like running a race, sharing our faith with those who do not know Christ requires discipline. What action step can you take this week to improve in this area of sharing our faith and become more disciplined?
Sharing your faith with other people must be a strategic decision. It will not happen by accident. To help you reach your lost friends and family members, we have provided you with the Bridge Diagram. Hopefully, you have taken the time to review it and are very familiar with it now. Pair up in groups of two, and practice telling the Bridge Diagram to your partner. Next, give them the opportunity to tell it to you.
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Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
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