Text: John 1:43-46
Memory verse:
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
Revelation 2:4 NKJV
It is understandable when someone hides a business secret, which he knows could negatively impact his business if it is open to everyone. But why would someone who was almost dying of thirst before he suddenly stumbled into a spring of water hide such information from his friends and neighbours who are also dying of thirst?
Now, let’s consider two reasons today why some people keep silent and don’t share the good news of salvation, which they have benefited from and starve others of the gospel riches which they may be feasting upon.
Firstly, it may be that they are no more feasting on the gospel but starving themselves. They might have enjoyed the joy of salvation in the past. David prayed thus, after he lost his joy of salvation, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, …” (Psa 51:12). This condition of spiritual famine could happen as a result of sinful habits, unrepentant hearts, negligence, and bitterness. Such people have nothing to share with others since they have lost their fervour and first love (Rev 2:4). In the past, they were quick to preach to everyone they ever met, went about with tracts to share, and even went on personal evangelism. In the past, they used their social media platforms to share the good news of salvation, but today, it is all about themselves. Those who are enjoying the blessings of salvation and know the implications of dying in sin will tell others, like Philip did, according to our text. Have you lost your first love? Is your passion for souls still the same as it used to be?
Another reason why some keep silent is fear. The fear could be the fear of being rejected, of failure, of being ridiculed, of being short of what to say and so forth. The first thing the angel said at the announcement of the birth of Jesus was “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10). If you see your message as good news, you will not fear to deliver it. People are usually afraid to break bad news but excited to announce good news. God frowns at fearful attitude. Thus, He made the fearful or the cowardly as the first in the list of those that will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 21:8). You can conquer that fear through prayer, faith, perseverance, and practice.
Friends, don’t permit any excuses for being silent. Tell someone about Christ and break the silence today.
Prayer points
1. Father, please restore my first love, the joy of my salvation, and my passion for soul winning, in Jesus’ name.
2. I renounce the spirit of fear, and I refuse to permit it to silence me from preaching in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. Bad news comes with fear but good news with joy, so I won’t be afraid to share the gospel.
2. I can’t appreciate and share something that I am no longer enjoying, so returning to my first love is a priority.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng