3.2 Our Motivation
Why do we share our faith? What is our motivation for helping others come to know Jesus? Watch this video from magician Penn Jillette where he explains some of his thoughts on evangelism. Just so you know, Penn is not a follower of Jesus.
So why would we want you guys to watch a video of a noted atheist to help explain our motivations for sharing the gospel? Because Penn Jillette hits the nail on the head in so many ways with what he says in this video. Essentially it is this: if we really believe that people are sinful and going to hell and we know the way for them to be saved, how much do we have to hate them to not share that news?
Instructions:
Read each of the passages below and ask yourself this question: according to this passage, why should I share my faith with others? Once you've attempted to answer the question yourself, click the passage to expand the section and see the answer.
II Corinthians 4:4
"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
According to this passage, why should we share our faith?
Answer: Because people are blinded from seeing the gospel themselves.
II Corinthians 5:18-20
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
According to this passage, why should we share our faith?
Answer: Because we are ambassadors for Christ.
Acts 2:46-47
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
According to this passage, why should we share our faith?
Answer: Because the first century church modeled it for us.
II Timothy 2:2
2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
According to this passage, why should we share our faith?
Answer: Because we have been entrusted with the message of the gospel.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
According to this passage, why should we share our faith?
Answer: Because Jesus commanded us to (which is the only reason we actually need).
Reflection:
Which of those passages resonates the most with you? Which one makes you feel most motivated to trust God to reach students with the gospel next year? Is there another passage from God's Word that really motivates you to share the gospel that isn't listed here?
Now might be a good time for you to come before Jesus in prayer. Pray about any of the difficulties you have in pursuing evangelism. Pray for the students that the Lord will put in your sphere of ministry next year.