A Challenge to Each Christian… This lesson’s purpose: To encourage all Christians to reach out to others with the gospel. All of us need a “gentle push” in this area. We want to reach out but are hesitant. Underlying the common effort is the need for individual Christians to be motivated by an evangelistic outlook in DAILY life.

Motivation: Zealous of Good Works Reaching out to Others

Problems in Staying Motivated to Reach Others An utter dependence upon others. Waiting for “favorable conditions.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Discouragement from family or congregation problems. (Cf. Phil. 2:4)

Problems in Staying Motivated to Reach Others Discouraged by little to no outward signs of success in reaching others (1 Cor. 3:6-7). A general feeling of indifference and lack of personal concern for others.

Reaching Out to Others is Ultimately “Self-Motivated” By the personal response to the blessings received in Christ (Psa. 51:11-15; 1 Jn. 4:9-10, 19; Lk. 17:11-19; Tit. 3:4-8; Phil. 2:12-16). By concern for people lost in sin (Lk. 15:3-7; 1 Cor. 9:19-23). By an obedient faith, conviction, and love for Christ (Cf. 2 Cor. 4:7-15; Psa. 116; 1 Thess. 1:2-6)

Reaching Out to Others is Ultimately “Self-Motivated” Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23 (NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Matt 28:18-20 (NKJV)

Reaching Out to Others is Ultimately “Self-Motivated” but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Eph 4:15-16 (NKJV) Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 2 Cor 5:11 (NKJV)

Reaching Out to Others is Ultimately “Self-Motivated” Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Matt 23:23 (NKJV) Cf. Matt. 25:34-40

Reaching Out to Others is Ultimately “Self-Motivated” By the example of godly people (Acts 8:1-4; 2 Cor. 11:24-28). By personal encouragement from others in the congregation. By personal joy in feeling good about self in serving Christ. By conscience (Jas. 4:17). By God’s displeasure against our luke- warmness (Rev. 3:15-20).

Avoiding Worldly Motivation in Reaching Out to Others Satisfying personal pride or ego (Matt. 6:1-4). Building up numbers, to make the church “grow.” Responding to peer pressure.

A Challenge to Each Christian… This lesson’s purpose: To encourage all Christians to reach out to others with the gospel. All of us need a “gentle push” in this area. We want to reach out but are hesitant. Underlying the common effort is the need for individual Christians to be motivated by an evangelistic outlook in DAILY life.

Motivation: Zealous of Good Works Reaching out to Others

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. (NKJV)