Psalm 51 “The Motivation for Evangelism”

“The Motivation for Evangelism”

The challenge to evangelize those who do not know Christ is the need people have for the gospel. The reasoning is, how could we who know Christ keep such a gift to ourselves? Such a challenge to witness operates on guilt. Our God desires for us to bear testimony to Christ’s salvation out of the abundance of joy ( .

I. Humility Before God is the Key to Joyful Witness –

A. Our sin humbles us –

1. David had greatly sinned – He committed adultery and murder –

2. Nathan the prophet confronted him with his sin –

B. is the response of David

1. His life is dependent on God’s mercy alone –

2. Our God is merciful –

3. In Christ, the righteousness of God is revealed –

4. There is no boasting in self before God or before other people – – but in Christ alone –

C. We are guilty before God by our existence as born sinners –

1. At the moment of conception, we are guilty as descendants of Adam –

2. Even babies are stillborn because of Adam’s sin

II. Cleansing –

A. Supernatural cleansing is needed

1. We cannot cleanse the stain indelibly written on our conscience

2. Only Christ can –

B. No one is righteous apart from Christ –

1. The wages of sin is death –

2. But the gift of God is eternal life

C. Humble prayer

1. Purge me – ; Wash me –

2. Hide Your face from my sin –

3. Create in me a clean heart –

4. Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me –

D. Only God can restore what sin has destroyed –

III. Joy –

A. Restore to me joy –

1. That I may be a joyful witness

2. Not the joyless older brother of the Prodigal Son –

B. Lord open my lips –

1. My mouth will show forth Your praise

2. Sacrifice done dutifully but not cheerfully is without love

C. Humility is key to witness –

1. God dwells with the humble heart –

2. We live before a holy God only in the righteousness of Christ –

D. Such joy is lived out in the community of Christ’s church –

1. In Christ’s church, you make joyful sacrifice

2. Such service blesses others