We Preach The Word (12-13/12-17)
This message seems like a D12/Leadership Challenge but I think it’s important to let our groups know what we do and why we do it.
I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 MSG
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV
Life has its ups and downs, its crazy seasons, the good, the bad, the weird.
But above all things, one thing stays the same.
We preach the word.
We proclaim the message with intensity.
Paul is urging Timothy, his right hand man, the leader walking behind him.
reprove, rebuke, exhort!
re·prove - reprimand or censure (someone).
re·buke - express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions.
ex·hort - strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something.
These are pretty crazy! These are full expressions of preaching the gospel, Paul is saying BE SERIOUS ABOUT THE GOSPEL. This isn’t just about yelling at others, this is about getting the message of Jesus in front of others in any way we can.
One of the key ways we can share the gospel is via our testimony.
What is a testimony? It’s sharing with others what God has done in you!
What is your testimony?
Do you feel like you can easily share the gospel?
Practice with the people in the room, how would you tell them about Jesus?