July 31, 2022
Sunday Sermon
SPREADING THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD
Philippians 4:6-9
Part 2
In last week’s sermon, we looked at three facts for spreading the Gospel to the world. Today we will look at four more facts that will help us to witness.
Introduction: Fear is an enemy of us all!
1. Fear: the first evidence of the fall (Gen. 3:10)
2. Fear keeps many from salvation
a. Afraid God doesn’t love them
b. Afraid their sins are too serious to be forgiven
c. Afraid of public opinion
3. Fear keeps many believers from witnessing
a. Afraid to tell others of Christ
We use ‘church’ language to talk to people without ‘church’ experience or biblical knowledge. We say, “Are you saved?” “Jesus died to pardon your sins.” Give your life to Jesus.” (Rev. Dr. Christopher Moore)
b. Afraid to give out tracts (pamphlet, booklets, brochures, etc.)
We need to replace fear with faith for witnessing!
Let’s look at four more facts about spreading the Gospel!
I. WE MUST PRAY ABOUT WITNESSING (v. 6)
A. “In everything by prayer”
B. We pray about many things:
1. Physical problems, finances, family needs
2. The church, the government
C. When did you last pray about witnessing?
D. Pray for God to lead us to needy souls
E. Pray for the right words
F. Pray for people to be saved
II. WE MUST HAVE A PLAN FOR WITNESSING v. 6-7
A. This text gives a plan for peace, and we can use it in witnessing!
1. Be anxious for nothing; Fret and worry indicate a lack of trust in God’s wisdom, sovereignty, or power.
2. Pray about everything
3. Give thanks for God’s blessings
B. It is right to have a plan
1. God is organized; has a plan (consider creation)
2. We need a plan for witnessing
C. A good plan for witnessing
1. Take a genuine interest in other people!
2. Be alert to needs of those you meet
3. Be compassionate to those in need
4. Use the media to focus on needs
5. Share your testimony
III. WE MUST BE POSITIVE IN OUR WITNESSING v. 8
A. “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (NLT)
B. Expect results from your witnessing
C. Believe people need your witness
D. Trust God to produce fruit from your witnessing
1. Lost people coming to Christ
2. Troubled people finding peace
3. Backsliders returning to the Father
IV. WE MUST PROCEED WITH OUR WITNESSING V. 9
A. “Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.” (NLT)
B. Good intentions are not enough
C. The more we witness the less we fear to witness
D. Just do it!
Responsive Reading: Philippians 4:1-9
