2 Kings 7:9
Despite the consequences of keeping silent, many Christians do not tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ. Why is this so? Here are some possibilities and reasons why many keep silent. For some, it may be they are starving themselves. They may have experienced the joy of salvation in the past, but through negligence they have failed to grow, and have forgotten the blessings of salvation - 2 Pe 1:8-9 “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” In a real sense, they have returned to a state of spiritual famine! Therefore, they have little or nothing to share with others. Those who are enjoying the blessings of salvation will want to tell others. Even as David did in his psalm - Psa 32:1-11. And as Philip did when he found Jesus - Jn 1:43-46 -- Don’t you have any “good news” worth sharing?
For some, it may be out of fear or discouragement. If fear keeps us silent, remember that:
First place in the list of those consigned to the lake of fire are the “cowardly” - Re 21:8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."’ God does not want us to be fearful - 2 Ti 1:7-8 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,”. Boldness can come through prayer - Ac 4:29,31 “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” – “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”; Ep 6:19-20 “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” If discouragement keeps us silent, then remember:
1) The principle of sowing and reaping - Ga 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” The example of our Lord Jesus - He 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” -- Fear and discouragement, as problematic as they may be, can be overcome with faith and perseverance!
For many, it may be the idea that it is too complicated, as though in order to teach someone, one needed a master’s degree in interpersonal communication. Four years of Bible in college, or some other specialized training. In reality, our task is really quite simple.... To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ - Mk 16:15 “And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
1) Which can be presented in the simplest of terms - 1 Co 15:1-5 “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”; 2:2 “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
2) Note that in the book of Acts, the gospel was normally presented in just one lesson!
We are not obligated to teach the non-Christian beyond the “first principles”
1) Only if they accept the “first principles”, will they be ready to receive the “second principles”.
2) For example, why teach people about “Christ’s church” (its organization, work, worship, etc.), if they are not willing to obey Christ elementary commands pertaining to faith, repentance, confession and baptism?
3) Such “second principles” can be left to those “pastors and teachers” who are especially gifted in that area – see Ep 4:11; Ro 12:7; 1 Co 12:29; Ja 3:1.
Sharing the “gospel” is easy, provided we follow the words of Peter - 1 Pe 3:15 “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;”
1) Give the Lord a special place in your heart.
2) Prepare yourselves to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have.
For example, that Christ died for your sins and rose again – see 1 Co 15:1-4, and that you responded to the gospel as proclaimed by Peter and the apostles - Ac 2:36-38. Follow the words of Paul - Co 4:2-6 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”; Ep 6:19-20 “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Pray for opportunity for it is the Lord who provides the opportunity and He gives it to those who are prepared and praying. Pray for wisdom - Ja 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Pray for wisdom to make the most of the opportunity; to say the right thing in the right way at the right time. Pray for boldness to have the courage to speak when given the opportunity; to say what people need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear.
Brethren, if we are silent with regards to the “good news” (the gospel), then the words of the four lepers is true of us:
“We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell...” - 2 Kin 7:9. Yes, “let us go and tell” a world that is spiritually starved about the feast God offers through His Son Jesus Christ...! Let us share with others what we ourselves have found! Let them experience the joy, the peace, and the love that only God can give! Indeed, “This Day Is A Day Of Good News” because it is the “day of salvation”, and no one should receive the grace of God in vain! - 2 Co 6:1-2 “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Will we who have been so richly blessed accept the responsibility Christ has placed on us? If our fervor has died down, then we should remember the words of Jesus:
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place; unless you repent.” - Re 2:4-5
Are you in need of repentance?
