Summary

This sermon concludes the 'Ghosted' series by examining how Christians have 'ghosted' their responsibility to share the gospel. Using the story of four lepers in 2 Kings who discovered the enemy camp was empty but initially kept the good news to themselves, the pastor challenges believers to stop keeping the gospel to themselves. He draws parallels between ancient Athens and modern culture, showing how Paul boldly shared the gospel despite opposition. The message emphasizes that Christians have become too comfortable and distracted by lesser things (sports, entertainment, material pursuits) while neglecting the Great Commission. The pastor calls for believers to accept God's calling to be witnesses daily and to rely on God's power to share the life-changing gospel with those around them.

Intro Prayer

Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside any distractions or preoccupations and focus on Your truth. We pray that Your Holy Spirit would work in each of us, showing us areas where we may have become complacent in sharing Your love with others. Give us ears to hear, hearts to receive, and the courage to respond to whatever You're calling us to do. We surrender this time to You and ask that You would speak to us in ways that transform our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing you're looking forward to this week, and what's one thing you're dreading?

Key Verses

1. 2 Kings 6:26-30
2. 2 Kings 7:3-9
3. 2 Timothy 1:6-8
4. Acts 17:22-31
5. Romans 1:16

Questions

1. Have you ever felt 'surrounded on all sides' like the lepers in the story? How did you handle that situation?
2. When you wake up in the morning, do you still believe that God has miraculous power to work in your life and the lives of others?
3. The pastor mentioned that we often get distracted by 'lowercase g gods' like sports, entertainment, or material pursuits. What distractions tend to pull your focus away from sharing the gospel?
4. Do you still believe in the power of the gospel to transform lives the way you did when you first became a Christian? Why or why not?
5. The pastor shared excuses people make for not sharing the gospel: 'That's not my gift,' 'I don't have time,' 'I don't know any non-Christians.' Which of these resonates most with you, and why?
6. Can you remember the day you first believed in the gospel? How did that experience change you, and how can you reconnect with that passion?
7. Paul used culturally relevant examples when speaking to the Athenians. How can we relate the gospel to the concerns and interests of people in our culture today?
8. The pastor used the analogy of a bucket being filled with water (representing the Holy Spirit). How full is your 'bucket' right now, and what do you need to do to keep it filled?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus and intentionally look for an opportunity to share a meal with them or spend quality time listening to their story. Ask God to give you wisdom about how to naturally share what He has done in your life during that conversation.

Key Takeaways

1. Christians have 'ghosted' their responsibility to share the gospel, becoming too comfortable and distracted by lesser priorities
2. The gospel has the power to address every human need - identity, purpose, peace, and salvation - that people are searching for in other places
3. We must daily accept God's calling to be witnesses and rely on His power rather than our own abilities
4. Not everyone will accept the gospel when we share it, but that doesn't excuse us from the responsibility to share it
5. We need to spend more time with Jesus daily to be filled with the Holy Spirit's power for evangelism

Ending Prayer

Father, thank You for this time together and for the reminder that You have called each of us to be part of Your Great Commission. Help us to stop making excuses and start looking for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. Fill us fresh with Your Holy Spirit each day so that we have the power and courage to be Your witnesses. Show us how to love our neighbors well, to listen to their stories, and to share meals and meaningful conversations with them. We don't want to ghost our community any longer - we want to be present, loving, and bold in sharing what You've done in our lives. Give us wisdom to know how to relate Your truth to the people in our culture who are searching for answers. Help us remember that the gospel is powerful enough to transform any life, just as it has transformed ours. In Jesus' name, Amen.