Table of Contents
Introduction
The lessons in this study series of 10 Ways to be a Stronger Christian will focus on having a passion for the following:
- Souls
- God’s Word
- The Holy Spirit
- Worship
- Prayer
- Giving
- Holiness
- Humility
- Authority
- The Fear of the Lord
The lessons are based on a study I worked through by Rick Renner.
The precious Word of God states in Romans 8:1 (MEV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Therefore, do not allow the Adversary to bring condemnation for areas throughout this study series where you may be weak. Ask your Heavenly Father to help you become stronger and He will!
Let’s grow stronger together, shall we?
Lesson 1 – Go and Make Disciples
To be a stronger Christian, we must have a passion for lost souls. As a child, my friend and I lived close to a cemetery and we would walk through in child-like amazement at all the monuments, statues, and engraved headstones.
It was easy as children to let our imaginations run wild, wondering, where are these people now? Perhaps they are ghosts, vampires, or maybe zombies? Are they living somewhere else? Possibly in my closet, or under my bed?
As a Believer in Christ, a Citizen of the Kingdom of God, I now understand that when people die, the Bible teaches that they go to one of two places:
- If they die after accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, they go to Heaven to be with Him.
- If they die rejecting His Gift of salvation in place of their sin, they pay the ultimate penalty in hell.
Eternity is real and it is forever. Jesus Christ died for our souls. He had a passion to see the lost saved, redeemed, and restored to their rightful place in the Kingdom of God. Set free once and for all from the clutches of this satanic world system.
Shouldn’t we who have been set free, also have the same passion and commitment to see others saved, redeemed, and restored to their rightful place in the Kingdom of God?
To be a stronger Christian, we must have a passion for lost souls. Jesus had such a passion. The Bible is clear that Hell is a real place.
We have a responsibility to do everything we can to share the Gospel. People then can hear it and make their own choice to believe, call upon Christ’s name, and be saved from going to that awful place, or sadly not.
The Great Commission — Because There’s Life Beyond the Grave!
According to the Pew Research Fact Tank, 58% of Americans believe in hell.
Contrary to the belief of the other 42%, there is a place we call Hell. Jesus knew and taught this regularly. He had a passion for souls and gave His very life to save all who would believe in Him as the only Way, Truth, and Life (see John 14:6.)
More than 2,000 years ago, after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus gave us His Great Commission. Although much time has passed, His words are just as urgent now as they were then, if not more so. He said:
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20.)
In the above verse, we are commanded by Jesus to:
- Go
- Make disciples of all the nations
- Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
- Teach new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you
What does Jesus mean by using the word “Go”?
- In the original Greek, it carries the idea of constantly
- We are to go and keep going to reach people who have never heard the Gospel.
- Jesus was describing a passionate commitment to reaching unbelievers.
- Believers must be committed to reaching the lost.
- This is to be our lifestyle or habit
- We are ready and willing at all times to share the truth with whomever
Jesus’ Promise to Us
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20.)
This is an awesome promise for those desiring to be a stronger Christian, knowing that Jesus is always with us. However, in this context, His promise was specifically meant for:
- Those who “go.”
- It’s a commitment by Jesus Himself toward those who obey His instructions.
- It is His personal promise of divine power to everyone who passionately attempts to reach the lost.
To Be a Stronger Christian, Release the Gospel – Release God’s Power
The book of Acts confirms that when God’s people shared the Gospel, God’s power was released. Their consistent passion to see souls saved ignited His power in remarkable ways.
The same opportunity holds true for you and me. When we open our mouths and begin to sincerely share the Gospel with an unsaved family member, friend, or coworker, Heaven’s power will be released on the scene. God shows no favoritism! (see Acts 10:34)
Releasing the Gospel releases God’s power. This is why the apostle Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes….” (Romans 1:16.)
A Mini Greek Lesson to be a Stronger Christian
The word “ashamed” in the above verse is from the Greek word epaischunomai, which means to be shamed, disgraced, embarrassed, or red-faced.
In essence, Paul was saying, “My face is not red with embarrassment. I’m not ashamed, and I feel no disgrace whatsoever regarding the Gospel.” Paul felt no shame because he had experienced the power of God himself and in his ministry, to others, as the Gospel was shared.
The word “power” is the Greek word dunamis. It is where we get the word dynamite. It is also an old Greek word that describes the advancing power of an entire army.
Consider this, when we share the Gospel, dynamic explosive power is released. Like a powerful, mighty army, the power of God suddenly appears on the scene, ready to move into action. It is this power of God that brings salvation.
The word “salvation” is the Greek word sodzo, which means salvation or deliverance on every level.
Think about it. Whenever and wherever the Gospel is preached or shared, it brings life-transforming deliverance, healing, and preservation to everyone who believes, which in the Greek actually means “to the one who is believing.”
Therefore, as we “go and keep on going” in sharing the Good News, the power (dunamis) of God will be released. We have Christ’s word on it! Signs and wonders were a regular occurrence for the Early Church believers.
Why are We Not Sharing the Good News?
Since the Gospel obviously packs such power, why aren’t believers sharing the Good News more often? Are we embarrassed, ashamed, or “red-faced” about the message of Jesus’ saving grace? Is it possible that:
- First, many people don’t feel equipped or trained to do it?
- Second, some people are afraid of how others will respond?
- Could the fear of being ridiculed, looked down upon, or rejected by their peers often paralyze people into silence?
- Third, perhaps many have not experienced the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
- According to Acts 2:8, when a person receives the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, they receive the power to be a witness for Christ.
We Are Called To Warn Others
Through the prophet Ezekiel, God plainly gives us this warning:
When I say to the wicked, “You shall surely die,” and you do not warn him, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet if you warn the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity. But you have delivered your soul. (Ezekiel 3:18-19 MEV.)
If we choose not to share the Gospel with someone who is unsaved that God places in our lives, He will hold us accountable for not telling them how to be saved from an eternity in hell.
However, if we do share the truth with that person, and they choose to reject it, we have fulfilled our responsibility.
To be a stronger Christian, we must flex our heart muscle and share the Good News!
Questions for Consideration
In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you…” (Matthew 28:19-20.)
- What would you say is the difference between evangelizing and making disciples?
- Why are both equally important in the Body of Christ? (Consider Ephesians 4:11-16 and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.)
- What is Jesus’ personal promise to you regarding soul-winning in Matthew 4:19? (also consider Matthew 11:28-30)
- According to Proverbs 11:30 sharing the Gospel makes you what?
- What does God declare about your evangelistic efforts in Daniel 12:3?
Many times people will shrink from sharing the Gospel because they’re afraid they won’t know what to say to someone. Thankfully, God gives us an amazing promise to alleviate this fear, and it is found in three of the gospels:
- Matthew 10:18-20
- Mark 13:11
- Luke 12:11-12.
Carefully read these verses and write out what God is speaking to you personally.
I hope that this has been an encouragement to reach out to others. Remember God will never leave your side.
Special thanks to Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash for the Featured Photo Image
