Youths Sunday School August 13 2023

TOPIC: Rules Of Engagement 

MEMORY VERSE: “Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.” – Jonah 3:2 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV) 

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

INTRODUCTION: Evangelism is the faithful proclamation of the truth of the Scriptures while living our lives as true followers of Jesus. Evangelism can be pretty hard or awkward when we have to confront a family member, a friend, schoolmate, acquaintance, or even a stranger who is not a Christian. Some people may get offended when they hear the gospel but there is no reason to give up. This is why it is expedient for every believer to know the rules of engagement when reaching out to sinners with the gospel.

LESSON OUTLINE

THE CONCEPT OF THE GOSPEL.

PREACHING THE GOSPEL.

1. THE CONCEPT OF THE GOSPEL

The Bible says everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23). It says sinners will die because of their sin (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23). However, God’s good news is amazing. He loves the world so much that He sent Jesus to die for the sins of sinners (Jn. 3:16). Jesus is the only person who has never sinned (1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5), so He is the only person who could take the punishment for our sins (Romans 5:8). He rose from the dead to show us His power (1 Corinthians 15:4). Jesus is the only path to heaven (John 14:6). This is why believers need to share the gospel of Jesus to save the sinful world from destruction. However, such believers should be sure of their salvation (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23); live a pure life (1 John 3:3); be kind and patient (Ephesians 4:32); be prayerful (1 Thessalonians 5:17); study the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15); get wisdom (Proverbs 4:7) and exhibit other good and godly virtues (Philippians 4:8). The Bible also says we are to share the gospel with no excuses (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

2. PREACHING THE GOSPEL

There are lots of reasons believers should share their faith wherever they go. Be encouraged that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to share the gospel (Ephesians 4:11-16). Some believers have a very easy time talking about Jesus to others. Believers can, however, follow these procedures: Seek and pray for opportunities to preach to someone (2 Peter 1:11); be cheerful and present your facts about salvation in a very simple way using simple language (Acts 17:23); share the testimony of your own salvation (Acts 22:6-9); tell the person to confess his/her sins and accept Jesus as his/her Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9-10); Remember to pray for the person you have preached to (Ephesians 1:15-16). In this era of technological advancement and social media proliferation, many souls can be reached for Christ via the various platforms available (Facebook, Whatsapp, telegram, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, etc). Do not be ashamed of sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus with friends, families, old schoolmate (Romans 1:16). This act is our obligation as followers of Christ and it carries the power and backing of God for the salvation of souls that are perishing (John 14:12; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18). Do not just be a social influencer, be a kingdom/gospel influencer (Titus 2:7).

CONCLUSION

Anyone who wins souls to the kingdom of God is wise. Join the train now. It is highly rewarding.

QUESTIONS

Explain what the concept of the gospel is.

How can you preach the gospel?

FURTHER READING:

Monday: Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV); 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Tuesday: Proverbs 11:30 (KJV); The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Wednesday: Romans 10:9-11 (KJV); 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Thursday: Isaiah 52:7 (KJV); How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Friday: Romans 10:15 (KJV); And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Saturday: 1 Corinthians 1:23 (KJV); But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

Sunday: Romans 6:23 (KJV); For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

ASSIGNMENT: Make a plan to witness to at least five people this week. Write down their names and phone contacts (2×5=10 marks).