SUBJ: The simplicity of Christ’s
manner to the just prior to the ascension as a profound mandate to all
generations following that the Gospel was to be preached.
AIM: That we should be receptive
and responsive to the message and proceed as directed by none other than
the Lord Himself.
INTR: We have now spent much time
dealing with various aspects of sharing the Gospel with others and were
left in the last message with a twofold direction – pray (for laborers
in the harvest) and then go and proclaim to them the glorious truth as
it is in Christ Jesus the Lord. 1. I believe it is an observed fact
that the Lord pressed this necessity upon all who come to believe
(notwithstanding that some are gifted and called such as
pastor-teachers). 2. While we would urge “pressing the necessity of
the Gospel on all,” we would also press the necessity that we become
involved with doing just that. 3. So, we will look at three examples
wherein out Lord directs us in just that way.
THESIS: The very nature of the Gospel
is heavy with the necessity to tell it to others. There is no better
news to be shared and we are witness to that in our own salvation.
I. Before we consider this text: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find
rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30. 1. We often quote this passage with the intent to
encourage and comfort; especially do we so when the evident burden is
conviction of sin. 2. But, we also retreat there to be reminded of
the rest that we should be partaking of as we think of the sin burden
lifted and our enemy defeated and the ultimate rest that awaits. It is
here that we might pause for a bit to analyze our Lord’s words: 1)
Those addressed are the burdened and heavy-laden 2) The thought of
the yoke points to a participation with Christ and, 3) The
accompanying mandate is: “Learn of Me!” i. From Him ii. About Him
3. The question is why? The answer is that we might pass it on.
Competence is needed.
II. This text: 1. The first order of
business was to open their understanding, so they might understand the
scriptures. 2. The essence of what would be learned was that it was
necessary for Christ to suffer and to raise from the dead (this opens
the door for discussion of the needs of fallen men and the need of a
substitute). 1) That necessity pressed then repentance is required of
all 2) And, that remission (forgiveness) of sins is to be found only
through Christ. 3. A third thought here begs the question with us:
1) They were declared to be “witnesses of these things,” 2) The
question to us is are we? 4. The task ahead was accompanied by
promise (v. 49)
III. A further text: But ye shall receive power,
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses
unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto
the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 1. This is, of course, Luke
resuming the narrative from Luke 24 and contains the explanation of the
promise of the Father. 2. I would remind us all, at this point, of
the marvelous outpourings of the Spirit that accompanied the Apostolic
ministry which certainly extended beyond the Apostles. 1) We rejoice
in reading the accounts in Acts, we delight that history records several
special visitations of the Spirit, and the promise of the Lord extends
to the end of the age (Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of
the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20). 2) Thus, we may conclude that the
Spirit is no less able today than He was then. 3. We read of the fact
in that, If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny
himself. 2 Timothy 2:13. 1) Neither can He deny what He has promised:
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:
how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them
that ask him? Luke 11:13. 2) What need do we have, it not to fulfill
that which is laid before us to share the Gospel.
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