Be Prepared
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INTRO:
The Gospel - Matt Chandler Video
Sharing the Gospel series
2 weeks ago
“What is the Gospel?”
This week - Being prepared to share the Gospel
Boy Scout Motto “Be Prepared”
What does it mean to be prepared?
be ready to accomplish a task
adequately set to perform
What are some things a person would be prepared for?
Sports
Music
Competitions
Work
In sharing the Gospel we need to be prepared as well
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Prepared to Make a Defense
Prepared to Make a Defense
Does this tell us that God needs us to defend Him?
No
No
Isaiah
13 Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? 14 Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?
God doesn’t need your defense He is mighty enough to care for Himself
The lion doesn’t need you to defend it
So what am I giving a defense for then?
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
The defense is for you
That you know why you believe what you believe
Why you follow Jesus Christ
Why you obey Him
How Do We Prepare a Defense?
How Do We Prepare a Defense?
Think:
Sports
Trial
Competition
All require hard-work, discipline, sacrifice, time, and study
same is true for Gospel preparation
hard-work
discipline
sacrifice
time
study
Biblical references to preparedness
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.
Jesus preparing for His ministry
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
Matthew 26:36-
Jesus preparing for His death
14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:14-
Disciples spending time in prayer awaiting the Holy Spirit
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Preparation in reading God’s Word and teaching
How to make a defense for the Gospel:
Pray - spend time with God in your weakness
Study - search the Scriptures, learn about God
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
1 Tim
Gather Together - Encouragement, safety, and joy when you gather with fellow believers
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Sharing the Gospel is not going to come without preparation just like a performance is not going to be good without hard work prior to it.