Live Life in the Marketplace

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man...

Luke 19:10 ESV

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Every venue of Jesus’ earthly existence centered on his purpose (mission) to seek and save the lost).

Venues of our existence: home, church, and marketplace.

God is present in all of these venues.

What we do in these venues have spiritual ramifications.

As believers in Christ, we have responsibilities in these venues—in these relationships.

Next week, we will look at the venue of the home. In today’s message, we are going to talk about “Living Life in the Marketplace.”

Living Life in the Marketplace

If God leads us, and leads us to where He wants us to be, so that we can share what we know about Him and Christ, and thus allowing His Spirit to work in the hearts of the hearers, then it goes to show that all of us can make an impact in someone’s life.

Prophetic Shift

Not paradigm shift

Not a style shift

But a prophetic shift

In our thinking

In our priorities

In our attitudes

In our actions

The Apostle Paul: An example of living life as a believer in the marketplace.

Turn to Acts 17

Scripture: Acts 17

Paul, Silas and Timothy were on a missionary journey and the Lord led them to Macedonia. Luke, the physician joined them at Troas, and they started a ministry in Philippi.

They were there because God led them.

God has a plan and a purpose.

Paul carries the TRUTH of the Gospel with him wherever he goes - from Thessalonica, to Berea, and now to Athens.

Acts 17:16–17 ESV

16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

When looking at the Scripture—about Paul’s ministry—the first thing I see is than (It is ok to live by faith in the Marketplace).

It is ok to live by faith in the Marketplace.

Cultural View: Christianity does not belong in the Marketplace.

God’s View: As you are doing “life,” make disciples (witness and teach). See Matthew 28:19-20.

Next Point: Our faith needs to be provoked in the Marketplace.

Our faith needs to be provoked in the Marketplace.

When living by faith, the reality of the human condition of come into view.

When living by faith, ignoring the lostness of people is no longer an option.

When living by faith, real love says people matter.

When living by faith, the Holy Spirit will guide and empower.

Next Point: The message of Christ is needed in the Marketplace.

The message of Christ is needed in the Marketplace.

The only solution to the problem of the human condition is Jesus Christ.

The truth about Jesus must be demonstrated (lived) and shared (spoken).

Next Point: God has called you to the Marketplace.

God has called you to the Marketplace.

Believer in Christ: it is time to get out of the closet.

Believer in Christ: you are commissioned to be a witness of God’s love and power.

Believer in Christ: the Spirit is provoking you to be light in a dark world.

Believer in Christ: are you going to stand in the gap (and connect people to the life changing message of Christ) or stand in the way (by remaining silent)?

Jesus said:

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light...

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Challenge...

Challenge: Are you ready to let your light shine?

Questions for discussion and reflection

Do you think it is important for Christians to share their faith with others?

Why do you think many Christians do not share their faith with others?

When was the last time you shared your faith with someone?

In what ways can Christians be better equipped to share their faith in the marketplace?