We Can't Save Anyone But We Can Share the Gospel
The truth is that you and I can't save anyone, but we are to share the gospel.
I was about ten years old, and we were enjoying a summer beach vacation. I happened to look up and see a man far from the shore, beyond the break of the surf, waving his hands in desperation. He was barely noticeable and too far away audible. No one could hear his cry for help, but I could see that he was in trouble.
I ran to the lifeguard station and pointed to the man. The lifeguard rushed into action and brought the man safely to shore.
I was glad the lifeguard rescued the man, and after all of the commotion died down, I went back to playing in the sand.
A few weeks later, I was at a scout meeting, and I shared the story. The following week, our scoutmaster presented me with a special award for saving a life. I was confused and thought he had misunderstood the story so I tried to clarify it. "I didn't save the man's life; the lifeguard did."
My scoutmaster shared with me that I did save the man's life. But how? There was no chance that I could rescue the man, but I got the attention of someone who could.
You Can't Save Anyone But Jesus Can
There are various reasons that it can be intimidating to share the gospel. But for many people, their intimidation stems from a sense of inadequacy. We may feel unqualified, inept, and unable to share the gospel.
The truth of the matter is that we are inadequate, unqualified, inept, and unable to save someone's soul. But you and I are to share the gospel.
God is not calling you to save anyone. God calls us to bring attention to someone who can; Jesus Christ.
In Acts 3, an amazing miracle takes place at the hands of two otherwise inept men. But notice, Peter and John did not heal the man. If you read the story, they couldn't even afford to pay the man. All they did was get the man's attention and called out to the Savior.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 6:6b-10
Sharing the gospel is about being who you are, going where you go, meeting who you meet, using what you have, saying what Jesus said, and watching what God does. The power to rescue is not in you, it's in Christ. Use His Word. Rely on His power. You just deliver the message and watch what God does. Be a witness!
Bible Study and Challenge
Read Romans 1:14-18
- What does this passage teach us about the power of God in the gospel?
- What does this passage teach us about sin and the wrath of God?
- List some principles from this passage we should apply about sharing the gospel.
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