Preschool
For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
Tell What the Lord Has Done for You
Memory Verses
Primary
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
Junior
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
Background Scripture: Mark 5
Lesson Scripture: Mark 5:1-9, 18-20
Introduction
For a Christian, there should be a sense of urgency to share the good news of God’s salvation, but how is this done, and what shall be said? Who is qualified? If you have received the saving gift of salvation, you are qualified! Share with the one nearest you; share your experience of deliverance; share how God opened your eyes. Share what He is teaching you; talk about your relationship with God. What is holding you back? Start talking and sharing today!
Key Verse
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom. 10:15).
Lesson Scripture
Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
Studying the Lesson
Jesus entered the places where men and women lived and worked, went where the religious elite gathered for discussions, and spoke where common people could hear Him. He stopped where industrious fishermen labored early in the morning and welcomed the sick even though the workday was over.
Once, when Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee, He encountered a man living among the dead, bound tightly in despair and violence. Jesus turned this man’s living death into health and productivity. He did not have the power to overcome his darkness, but Jesus met him in his pathetic state and vanquished the evil spirits, freeing him of their control.
The man’s appreciation was unbounded. He wanted to be near and learn from Jesus, but He did not grant his wish in the manner he expected. Jesus rather told him, “Go home and tell your friends,” and he obeyed. He told about his experience with Jesus to the people he knew. His friends were amazed and became convinced of Jesus’s authority from God over the evil spirits. His message of Jesus, who gave him his hope and deliverance, harmonized with his new life and character.
Practical Truths for Today
What has God done for you? Is it difficult to know how to share it? If we find this question perplexing, let us look inward and seek renewed vision. While we were strangers to God, we were controlled by sin and without hope. Only after recognizing the great deliverance that we have received are we able to impart it to others (Eph. 2).
God has committed much to his children, and we shall explain to God what we did with his gifts (Luke 12:48). He has given us his Son and his love, salvation, and grace. He has given us his Word; He has given us life, family, and friends. Daily, He gives us experiences. No one can suggest that He has not given more than we deserve. He has given us all things that are useful for life and a proper relationship with Him (2 Pet. 1:3).
Christ blesses the poor in spirit, the sorrowing, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for doing right. These blessings are incomprehensible: God’s kingdom, victory, comfort, and mercy. God gives us the right to call Him Father!
Too often, we assume we understand what we have been given and become careless in our relationship with God. Jesus explained that he who has been forgiven little, loves little (Luke 7:47). If there is little inspiration to tell others of God’s grace and freedom, let us look within. Our vision clears as we gaze in wonder upon Jesus, the One who takes away sin and shame.
Imagine the man from Decapolis going home and broadcasting what Jesus did for him, explaining his grim situation, sparing no detail. He was lost and helpless, evil spirits controlled him, and he was unable to escape from his bondage. Why would he expose his shameful past and deplorable situation? Because the more honestly he described himself, the more glorious, attractive, and beautiful his powerful Savior appeared.
When we tell others what God has done for us, we show we are aware of God working in us. In thankful service to Him, we lift Him up. We point others to the One who found us when we were desperate. He has answers for our questions, difficulties, needs, and inabilities. He gave us real life when He removed the sin burden. Earthly life becomes more understandable when we have eternal life abiding within.
We are unable to share a gospel with others beyond what we have personally experienced. How has the gospel changed you? God’s salvation changes lives!
We can easily see the man from the tombs had a story to tell. He was a proper bearer of God’s good news. Perhaps we feel a lack in those qualities. Some might say, “God didn’t save me from a dark place or dramatically change my life. He didn’t change my health, finances, or family situation. Is it possible that I am not experiencing God’s power? I live in peace. I enjoy the fellowship of believers, the warmth of social friendship and the privilege of spiritual brothers and sisters who care for my welfare. I know these are God’s blessings, yet I am at loss to find a fervent need to tell others.” May God open our eyes to see that He has miraculously saved us from unimaginable horror, the darkness of eternal death, and the ravages of sin. In saving us, He has brought us to Himself. Deep peace, eternal newness of life, and the light of his righteousness are found with Him. He gives the courage to confess sin and to live in light and truth along with joy in suffering, love for enemies, and true purpose in life.
Joy is a compelling witness to an authentic Christian experience. When God’s messenger tells others of his Father’s love and greatness, it brings conviction. It can spawn a hunger for a relationship with Jesus. We may not realize the power of our sincere words. In relating with others, let us obey the impulse of God’s love that will honor Him and not ourselves. We do not need to know how effective we are; let us tell others about our Father’s love and give the fruit to Him.
Preach the gospel to everyone. When necessary, use words. Actions must back up our words because they show our true motives. Nevertheless, Paul reminds us that people need to hear the gospel (Rom. 10:14).
Feed others from the portion God gives you. The Bible contains wisdom, grace, power, hope, light, and instruction in bountiful supply. What God gives us is ours to share. Our own needs have been filled by that which we have personally understood and applied to our own lives. Sharing what we have experienced deepens and matures us and can take us from an intellectual understanding to a practical application of spiritual things.
Questions
- Is sharing personal testimonies easier or more difficult than sharing the universal concepts of salvation and doctrine? Why or why not?
- How can we offer Jesus as the real solution to hurting, confused, or tormented people?
- How is our impulse to share God’s love with others related to our personal relationship with God?
- If we are unnerved by sharing the gospel, is there a remedy? Are we missing something?
- Discuss: The gospel message is about more than the benefits of a church home. How does sharing the gospel message of salvation differ from holding forth the blessings and security found in God’s church?
Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).