Lesson5-Day 2 The Gospel is About The Guilt of People in Need of a Savior
We don't see our guilt. We are a society that preceives ourselves as being "good" people. As long as you don't murder, steal or rape we tend to consider a person "good." Everyone one makes a few mistakes. Nobody is perfect.
Understanding guilt is key to us seeing our need for a savior. I was struck by how direct Peter was in pointing out to the listeners there acts of treason against God.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
(Acts 3:13-15 bold added)
Then he squelches what I have used as an excuse and I am sure what many of them were thinking also: "I didn't know any better."
"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders." (Acts 3:17 bold added)
When we deliver the message we need to point out their guilt. Repentence is necessary to become a Christ follower.
posted by Bill @ 9:01 AM
4 Comments:
Hello,
I found you by way of Tim Ellsworth's blog. We have just started Fire and Reign in Bradenton, Florida. Has Don Windmiller been to your church? He was my pastor here.
Beverly, Not that I know of. I pray that you will enjoy and be challenged by Fire & Reign. It is a great study. Our body is being moved by this. We have had a tremendous out pouring of prayer. It is great to be united with likeminded Christ followers to beseech our God to advance his kingdom in all the earth for his glory. Thanks for stopping by the blog.
Hi Bill,
When you say that we need to "point out their guilt" when we share the gospel with people, do you mean specific sins that we're aware of? I know that Jesus did this, and of course, Peter, but I guess I'm a little uncomfortable with the thought. Jesus could see into the hearts of people that he confronted, and Peter was speaking generally to the Jewish audience, but when we're one on one with a friend, what is our responsibility?
I know that in my own journey, I confessed my sin at trying to live my own way, and acknowledged my need of Jesus as my Savior at conversion. Then, as the Spirit convicted me of sin in specific areas, I was able to work on those as I grew. (still working!)
Do we start with "There is no one righteous", or "You are struggling in your life because God says this, and you are doing this instead"?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Debbie, not that I am that bold, but I feel the boldness that Peter used in confronting the Jews was necessary and hence is applicable today.
I like you don't feel comfortable with that. But, people need to understand the supremecy of Christ. Christ is worthy of our devotion which I am coming to understand as our act of worship and thereby glorifying.
I am being convienced that if I am sharing the gospel with someone and I know of a specific sin that this person has then yes I should point it out to them in love. In hopes that they would see their guilt and turn (repent)and follow Christ and in so doing would be forgiven of their sin.
Thanks for the question. It is very helpful in my processing of what the Gospel is and how to communicate it.
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