Lesson 16: Passion for the Mission

“I have zeal for the salvation of sinners.”

To examine the reasons that motivate us to spread the gospel.

► Is it true that every Christian should work for the salvation of sinners? Is it something that only preachers should be concerned about?

► Okay, so what are you personally doing for the salvation of sinners?

Ask students to look up each scripture in the section below. After the verses are read, ask, “How does this scripture show that evangelism is a scriptural priority?” After they answer, give the sentence that goes with the scripture.

• Matthew 9:36-38. Jesus asked his disciples to share his compassion for sinners.

• Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus gave the Great Commission to the church, showing that evangelism and discipleship is our task.

• Acts 4:29. When the church first faced persecution, their first concern was not the physical danger. They prayed that persecution would not stop the spread of the Word of God.

• Acts 11:18. The Jewish church praised God that salvation was offered to the Gentiles.

• Philippians 1:18. Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached even while Paul was in prison.

• Ephesians 6:19. Paul requested prayer for effective evangelism.

• Romans 10:13-15. Paul emphasized the urgent need for messengers of the gospel, because salvation is for those who hear and believe.

• He should desire to follow the example of Jesus, who left heaven to live and die for the salvation of the lost.

• He should desire that God be glorified by the conversion of a rebel into a worshipper of God.

• He should see the spread of the gospel as a triumph of Christ and his atonement.

• He should want to participate in the work that is God’s priority.

• He should have compassion for the lost who are facing eternal judgment for their sins.

Let members mention various reasons, then give them the ones in the list that were not mentioned.

• A lack of general spiritual zeal

• Not feeling personally responsible for evangelism

• Not knowing how to begin a spiritual conversation

• Not knowing how to present the Gospel in an acceptable way

• Fear of being unable to answer objections

• Embarrassment at being different from the world

• Doubt that his efforts will be effective

► Are any of these reasons good enough excuses?

► If a person is not doing anything for the salvation of the lost, what is needed to get him started?

If a believer has no spiritual zeal, he needs personal revival.

If a person is spiritually alive and fervent and realizes his personal responsibility to participate in fulfillment of the Great Commission, the two following factors are most likely what he needs to get him started.

1. Faith ‒ He needs to realize what God does to make the gospel powerful.

2. Preparation ‒ He needs to be equipped to communicate the gospel.

► What do you need to get you started?

► Tell us what you are doing to spread the gospel.

► Are you satisfied with what you are doing?

► How many have shared the gospel with an individual during the last month?

► What do you think would help you begin sharing the gospel more zealously and effectively?

Heavenly Father,

You loved the world so much that you sent your Son to die for our salvation. I want to love you enough to share your desire to save the lost. I know it pleases you for me to carry the message to sinners.

I want you to be glorified by sinners’ repenting and becoming worshippers of you.

I want to feel the compassion that Jesus felt for the lost.

I ask you to guide and empower my efforts. Help me to cooperate with the work of your Holy Spirit drawing the lost to you.

Amen

Review the gospel presentation that is taught in Lesson 6 or another method of presenting the gospel that you prefer. Consider your recent incidents of presenting the gospel and try to determine what additional study or training would increase your effectiveness. Make a specific commitment for that preparation.