7 Days Sharing the Good News - A Bible-Based Devotional on Helping Others Learn about God's Word

"The Importance of Sharing God's Word: The Role of Discipleship in the Christian Life" (Reference: Matthew 28:19-20)

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."


This passage is a call to action for all Christians to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others and to help them grow in their faith. Discipleship, the process of helping someone become a follower of Jesus, is a crucial aspect of the Christian life.


When we share the Word of God with others, we are participating in the work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts people of their sin and draws them to Christ (John 16:8-11). As we share the Gospel, we are also fulfilling the command to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31) and participating in the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).


Sharing the Word of God is not just an option for Christians, it is a command. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul writes "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." This verse reminds us that we are to be ready to share the Word of God at all times and in all circumstances.


It is not just enough to share the Word of God, it is important to also help others grow in their faith. Discipleship is the process of helping someone become a fully devoted follower of Jesus. It involves teaching, mentoring, and modeling the Christian life. It is through discipleship that new believers are equipped to live for Christ and to share their faith with others.


The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is not just about making converts, but about making disciples. This means that the goal is not just to get people to pray a prayer, but to help them grow in their faith and become fully devoted followers of Jesus.


As we share the Word of God and help others grow in their faith, we can be confident that Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the age. He promised, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This means that we can have courage and boldness as we share the Gospel and make disciples, knowing that Jesus is with us every step of the way.


In conclusion, sharing the Word of God and discipleship are essential aspects of the Christian life. As we obey the Great Commission, we are participating in the work of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the command to love our neighbors, and building up the body of Christ. Let us be faithful in sharing the Word of God and in helping others grow in their faith, knowing that Jesus is with us always.



Prayer:


Dear Lord,


Thank you for the privilege of sharing your Word with others. Give us the courage and boldness to speak of your love and grace to those around us. Help us to be faithful in discipleship, teaching and mentoring others to grow in their faith and become fully devoted followers of Jesus. We trust in your promise that you are with us always, even to the end of the age. 


In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.



"Prayer and Preparation: Seeking God's Guidance Before Sharing His Word" (Reference: Colossians 4:2-4)

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. However, before we can effectively share God's Word, it is important that we first seek His guidance and prepare ourselves through prayer. This is emphasized in Colossians 4:2-4, which states: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."


Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God and it is through prayer that we can seek His guidance and discernment in how we should share His Word with others. In James 1:5, we are told to "ask God for wisdom, and He will give it to you." This wisdom is not only for understanding the Word of God, but also for understanding how to share it with others in a way that is clear and effective.


In addition to seeking wisdom and guidance through prayer, it is also important to prepare ourselves through the study of God's Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This passage reminds us that we must be diligent in our study of the Bible, so that we can accurately share its message with others. This not only includes understanding the meaning of the text, but also understanding the cultural and historical context in which it was written.


As we prepare ourselves through prayer and study, we must also remember to be watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 reminds us to "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Being watchful means being aware of the opportunities and needs around us, and being ready to share the Word of God with others when the opportunity arises. Being thankful means having a heart of gratitude for the opportunity to share the Gospel, and for the lives that will be changed through it.


In conclusion, as believers, we are called to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. However, before we can effectively share God's Word, it is important that we first seek His guidance and prepare ourselves through prayer, study, watchfulness, and thankfulness.



Prayer:


Dear God,


Thank you for the opportunity to share Your Word with others. We ask that You would guide us in our preparation, giving us wisdom and discernment as we study Your Word. Help us to be watchful and ready for opportunities to share the Gospel, and give us a heart of gratitude for the lives that will be changed through it.


In Jesus' name we pray,


Amen.


"Finding Common Ground: Building Relationships and Connecting with Others" (Reference: 1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, the apostle Paul writes about his approach to sharing the Gospel with others. He states, "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."


In this passage, Paul is highlighting the importance of finding common ground with others in order to effectively share the Gospel and build relationships. He recognizes that different people have different backgrounds and perspectives, and he adapts his approach accordingly in order to connect with them.


One way to find common ground is to understand the cultural context of the people you are trying to reach. In the same way Paul became like a Jew to the Jews, we can learn about the customs and traditions of the people we are trying to reach and use that knowledge to connect with them.


Another way to find common ground is to be willing to put ourselves in the shoes of others and try to understand their perspective. Paul recognized that some people were under the law, while others were not. By understanding this difference, he was able to tailor his message to each group and connect with them. In the same way, we can try to understand the struggles and challenges of the people we are trying to reach and use that understanding to connect with them.


A third way to find common ground is to be humble and willing to admit when we are wrong. Paul was not under the law, but he was willing to become like one under the law to win the Jews. By being willing to admit that we may not have all the answers, we can create an atmosphere of trust and understanding that can lead to deeper connections with others.


In conclusion, finding common ground is essential to building relationships and connecting with others. By understanding the cultural context of the people we are trying to reach, being willing to put ourselves in their shoes, and being humble and willing to admit when we are wrong, we can create an atmosphere of trust and understanding that can lead to deeper connections with others.



Prayer:


Father, we ask that you give us the wisdom and the humility to find common ground with others. Help us to understand the cultural context of the people we are trying to reach, to put ourselves in their shoes, and to be willing to admit when we are wrong. Give us the courage to share the Gospel and build relationships with those around us.


 In Jesus name, Amen.



"The Power of the Bible: Using God's Word to Transform Lives" (Reference: Isaiah 55:11)

The Bible is the living word of God and has the power to transform lives. Isaiah 55:11 states, "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." This verse reminds us that when we read and apply the Bible to our lives, it will not return void but will accomplish the purpose for which it was given.


The Bible is not just a book of stories or advice, but it is the very words of God. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." It is a guide for our lives, illuminating the way and showing us the truth. As we read and study the Bible, we are able to understand God's character and will for our lives.


The power of the Bible is not just limited to reading it, but also in meditating on it. Joshua 1:8 says, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Meditating on the word of God allows us to internalize it and apply it to our daily lives.


The Bible also has the power to change us from the inside out. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." As we read and meditate on the word of God, we are transformed into the image of Christ. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to understand and apply the word of God to our lives.


The Bible also has the power to give us hope and peace in difficult times. Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." The Bible gives us the hope that we need to face difficult situations and the peace that surpasses all understanding.


In conclusion, the power of the Bible is evident in its ability to guide, transform, and give hope to our lives. It is not just a book but the very words of God. As we read, meditate and apply the word of God to our lives we will be able to see the power of the Bible in action.



Prayer:


Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your word. We ask that you help us to read and meditate on your word daily. Give us the wisdom and understanding we need to apply it to our lives. Help us to be transformed by your word and to experience the hope and peace that it offers.


 In Jesus' name, Amen.



"Effective Communication: Sharing God's Word in a Clear and Engaging Way" (Reference: 1 Peter 3:15)

Effective communication is an essential aspect of sharing the word of God. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing his message of salvation and redemption with those around us (2 Corinthians 5:20). However, this task can be daunting, especially when we are faced with the task of communicating the gospel to a world that may be hostile or indifferent to its message.


One key passage that can guide us in this task is 1 Peter 3:15, which states, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (NIV). This verse reminds us that effective communication is not just about having the right words, but also about having the right attitude and approach.


First, we must remember to always "revere Christ as Lord" in our hearts. This means that our communication should be rooted in a deep and genuine love for Jesus, and a desire to glorify him in all that we do. When our hearts are filled with this reverence, it will be evident in the way we speak and the way we live, making us more effective communicators of the gospel.


Second, we must always be "prepared to give an answer" to those who ask us about our faith. This means that we should be familiar with the basics of the gospel message and be able to explain it clearly and concisely to others. It also means that we should be ready to provide biblical evidence for our beliefs, using verses and passages that support the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.


Third, we must do all of this "with gentleness and respect." This means that we should approach others with a spirit of humility and love, rather than with a sense of superiority or judgment. We should be patient and understanding, listening to others' perspectives and answering their questions with kindness and compassion.


Effective communication is an art and we need to be intentional about it. We need to be mindful of not just the words we use, but also the way we present them. We should also be mindful of our audience, taking into consideration their background, culture, and perspective. It is also important to be creative in the way we share the gospel, finding new and engaging ways to present the message to different groups of people.


Finally, we should always pray for guidance and wisdom as we share the word of God. As we seek to communicate the gospel in a clear and engaging way, we can ask the Lord to give us the right words, the right attitude, and the right approach. We can also ask him to open the hearts of those we are speaking to, so that they might receive the message of salvation with faith and understanding.



Prayer:


Heavenly Father, we thank you for the privilege of sharing your word with others. We ask that you would give us the wisdom and discernment to communicate the gospel in a clear and engaging way. Help us to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us about our faith, and to do so with gentleness and respect. We pray that you would open the hearts of those we speak to, so that they might receive the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.


 In his name we pray, Amen.



"Dealing with Resistance: Responding to Objections and Opposition to the Gospel" (Reference: 2 Timothy 2:24-26)

As Christians, it is important to remember that we will face resistance and opposition when sharing the gospel with others. In 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Paul encourages Timothy to be patient and gentle when dealing with those who oppose the truth. He writes, "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."


When faced with opposition, it is important to remember that our goal is not to win an argument, but to lead others to repentance and a knowledge of the truth. This requires patience, gentleness, and a willingness to teach and correct with kindness.


One way to respond to objections and opposition is to address the underlying concerns or objections that the person may have. For example, if someone is skeptical of the gospel because they have been hurt by Christians in the past, it is important to acknowledge their pain and offer words of healing and forgiveness. Similarly, if someone is resistant to the gospel because they feel that it is irrelevant or outdated, it is important to address their concerns by sharing how the gospel is still relevant and applicable to their lives today.


Another approach is to use examples from the Bible to illustrate the truth of the gospel. For example, when dealing with someone who is skeptical about the existence of God, it is helpful to use passages such as Romans 1:20, which states that "since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." By using biblical references, we can provide evidence and support for the truth of the gospel.


In addition to addressing objections and opposition with patience, gentleness, and biblical references, it is also important to pray for those who are resistant to the gospel. As Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:25, "God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." By praying for others, we are asking God to work in their hearts and minds, and to grant them the repentance and understanding that they need in order to receive the gospel.


In conclusion, as we share the gospel with others, we will inevitably face resistance and opposition. However, by responding with patience, gentleness, and biblical references, and by praying for those who are resistant, we can remain faithful in our witness and trust that God will work in the hearts of those who hear the truth.




Prayer:


Dear Lord, we thank you for the privilege of sharing the gospel with others. We know that it is not always easy and that we will face resistance and opposition. Give us the patience, gentleness, and wisdom we need to respond to objections and opposition in a way that honors you. Help us to address the underlying concerns and objections that others may have, and to use biblical references to illustrate the truth of the gospel. Above all, we pray that you would work in the hearts and minds of those who are resistant, granting them repentance and a knowledge of the truth.


 In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.



"Living as an Example: Showing Others the Truth of God's Word Through Our Actions" (Reference: 1 Timothy 4:12)

As Christians, we are called to be living examples of the truth of God's word. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul writes, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." This verse reminds us that, as believers, we have a responsibility to show others the truth of God's word through our actions.


One way we can do this is by living a pure and holy life. In 1 Peter 1:14-16, we are told to "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" This passage reminds us that as believers, we are called to a life of holiness and purity. We are to strive to be like Christ in all that we do, and to avoid the sins and temptations of this world.


Another way we can show others the truth of God's word through our actions is by living a life of love. In John 13:34-35, Jesus tells us, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." This passage reminds us that love is one of the most important ways we can show others the truth of God's word. We are to love one another as Christ loved us, and in doing so, we will be a shining example of the love of God to the world.


In addition to living a pure and loving life, we also need to be an example in our speech. In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul writes, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." This passage reminds us that our speech should be wise and gracious, and that we should always be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have in Christ. Our words should reflect the truth of God's word, and be a testimony to others of the love and grace of God.


In faith, we also need to be a good example. In Hebrews 11:1, it is written "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This verse reminds us that as believers, we are called to have faith in God, even when things are difficult or uncertain. We should trust in God's plan and His promises, even when it seems like everything is falling apart. We should be a shining example of faith to those around us, and show them that with God, all things are possible.


Finally, we should be an example in our conduct. In James 2:14-17, it is written "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." This passage reminds us that our faith should be evident in the way we live our lives. We should not just talk about our faith, but we should also show it through our actions. We should serve others and care for those in need, and in doing so, we will be a living example of the love and compassion of God to those around us.


In conclusion, as Christians, we are called to be living examples of the truth of God's word. We should strive to live a pure and holy life, full of love, wisdom, and grace in our speech, faith, and conduct. By doing so, we will be a shining example of the love and grace of God to those around us, and will bring glory to His name.



Prayer:


Heavenly Father, we thank you for the privilege of being able to show others the truth of your word through our actions. We ask for your guidance and strength as we strive to live a pure and holy life, full of love and grace in our speech, faith, and conduct. Help us to be a shining example of your love and grace to those around us, and to bring glory to your name. 


In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.