Sharing the Gospel with a World that Doesn't Want It

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [3] 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—[4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. [5] Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV)

Introduction: Do you struggle to know how to share the gospel with those around you who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord? Several recent studies have shown that Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the entire world. How can we convince others of the truth that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and God’s only Son in an increasingly hostile culture? How do we proclaim the gospel to a world that doesn’t want it? First, we recognize that the world has never wanted the truth of God. The Bible is clear on this. Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, mankind has been in constant resistance to the rule of God (Psalm 2). Secondly, we must recognize that the early church faced this same resistance to the gospel and the gospel prevailed in spite of it. From this, we must take away the profound belief that the gospel is still the power of God and can powerfully save many in our day as well. How has the Word of God been successfully proclaimed throughout the centuries? How was the early church able to proclaim the gospel to the pagan Roman world over two thousand years ago? How were the Reformers in the sixteen century able to see much of Europe turn to the Word? The passage before us gives us clear direction about how the gospel may move powerfully among us.