Preach Christ

For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5)

• The apostle Paul spread the gospel to distant regions of the world.

• He extended himself as a servant to meet the needs of others (2 Cor. 11:16-29).

• He wrote this about serving: “We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake”.

• Not all of us are called to endure hardship to spread the gospel in distant lands.

• But each of us is responsible as a servant of God to share Christ with people in our sphere of influence.

• It is our privilege to help our neighbors, friends, and relatives.

• Let us ask God for openings to serve and to talk about Jesus who gave Himself for us.

• We serve God by sharing His Word with others.

Always Be Preparing

Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
(2 Timothy 2)

• Living a life that pleases the Lord takes mental, spiritual, and physical preparation.
  
• A heart dedicated to God must be prepared to serve Him (1 Sam. 7:3).
  
• The Bible tells us to always be preparing.
  
• We are to be ready to do good works (2 Tim. 2:21).
  
• We are to defend scriptural truth (1 Peter 3:15).
  
• We are to share the Gospel with others.
  
• Even our giving takes planning (2 Cor. 9:5).
  
• And that is just a start.
  
• There is some stress, though, when we are always getting something ready for somebody.
  
• It’s hard to balance priorities with the pressure to prepare a lesson, a message, or a document continually on our mind.
  
• But we don’t need to stress, because God will enable us with His power.
  
• Let’s ask God to guide us as we prepare to serve, honor, and tell others about Him.
  
• The best preparation for tomorrow is always the right use of today.