The Call to Reach the Lost 1 Cor. 9:16

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:16

A “calling” from above God commands it Directly – The great commission Mark 16:16, Matt. 28:18-20 The apostles and those they taught – cf. Philip (Ac. 8), Ac. 8:4, 2 Tim. 2:2, Col. 1:23

A “calling” from above Christ set the example – 1 Cor. 11:1, 1 Jn. 2:6 Luke 19:10; 4:43 The church supports preaching the gospel – 1 Tim. 3:15, 1 Thess. 1:6-8

A “calling” from above 1 st Century Examples – Acts 8:4, 20:20 Such examples ought to “move” us to seek the lost around us.

A “calling” from without The need of mankind The need of sin - Rom. 3:23, 6:23 Because of sin, man needs a Savior – Jesus – Matt. 9:36- 38, Jn. 4:34 Rom. 5:6-8

A “calling” from without How does man learn of his need? Through the gospel - Rom. 1:16 1 Cor. 15:1-4 1 Cor. 1:20-25 – The foolishness of the message preached!

A “calling” from without WE have the gospel. Will we share it with others? Through the gospel – Rom. 10: Cor. 9:19-23 – All things to all men

A “calling” from within My conscience tells me I need to do this! Psalm 39:1-3, cf. 2 Kn. 7:9 The “spirit within” – Ac. 17:16, 2 Pet. 2:8, Rom. 9:1-2

A “calling” from within Do we feel compassion for the lost? Do we really care? Where would I be if someone did not take the time to teach me?

A “calling” from below Considering the eternal destiny of the lost – eternity in torments - Matt. 25:46, 2 Thess. 1:9, Rev. 21:8 We ought to do all we can to keep others out of hell - Jude 23

A “calling” from below The rich man (and Lazarus) – Luke 16: Cor. 5:10-11, 2 Thess. 1: Knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men

A “calling” from below This danger may be real to us as well – if we FAIL to seek the lost! Ezek. 3:15-21, 1 Cor. 9:16

Will we answer our “calling” toward the lost?