How to Practically Preach the Gospel
What does it look like to preach the gospel? Does it involve standing in the street and reading from the Bible hoping to spark a conversation? Does it involve highly produced church conferences where thousands attend? This Sunday, we explore about how we can practically preach the gospel, through the example of Christ found in Mark 2:13-17.
1. We need to take the initiative (v13-14)
As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. (Mark 2:14)
In verse 14, we read that Jesus was passing beside the sea, and he finds Levi the tax collector there. For context, Jews historically didn’t associate with tax collectors. Firstly, the tax collectors were working for the Roman Empire; the very people who were oppressing the Jews. Secondly, tax collectors would collect more than what was required from the Jews in order to fund their lavish lifestyles. They were considered thieves hiding behind bureaucratic processes.
Despite this cultural constraint, Jesus didn’t criticize or judge Levi. In fact, he went even further to initiate the relationship with him. Calling him to be one of his disciples. What we learn from this example, is that as Christians, we should take initiative, and begin the gospel conversation with those around us.
Although God can save people, He chooses to use us to do his work. Therefore, let us do our part in taking the initiative to share the gospel with others.
Reflection Questions
Who are the people in your hearts that you would like to preach the gospel to?
What are some ways you can take the initiative to tell these people the gospel?
2. We need to live gospel centred lives (v15-17)
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. (Mark 2:15)
In these verses, we learn that Jesus shared a meal with Levi, along with other tax collectors and ‘sinners’. We see that Jesus intentionally shared meals with sinful people. This act was not purposeless. Spending time and meals with ‘sinners’ was about God displaying his desire to have relationships with sinners aka all people.
The gospel is not about being perfect, for all have fallen short of God’s standards. However, the gospel is about realising how far we’ve fallen, and how desperately we need a saviour in whom we find in Christ. And how beautifully God desires to reconcile our broken relationship with him. That he’d send his one and only Son to take the punishment we so rightly deserved, in order for us to stand in his perfect righteousness and be reconciled back to him.
Bringing it back to the point about living gospel centred lives, Jesus didn’t only just initiate a conversation with Levi, but he followed up in sharing a meal with him. He spent time with him and other tax collectors. Jesus was displaying the gospel centred life.
Although it is difficult to live the gospel centred life, we can do so through the power of the Holy Spirit. By his guidance and conviction, we can trust that he will give us the strength and clarity to lead gospel centred lives; which in turn, helps us to practically share the gospel with others.
Reflection Questions
What are some ways you can display the gospel through your life?
Has there been a time in your life where your conduct clearly showed the gospel was preached?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing us all we need to live a gospel centred life.
Help us to realise that we can’t live this life apart from you; and to seek & trust in you at all times.
Grant us the courage and patience to take the initiative to share the gospel, and to live out the gospel in our lives.
In Jesus’s name we pray,
Amen