Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, June 11, 2000, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

WORKING WITH GOD IN WORLD-WIDE EVANGELISM

By Michael D. O’Neal                  Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                  Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:9

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

Introduction: At the age of 12, Jesus said to Mary

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

The Father’s business is the most IMPORTANT business in the world. There is nothing more SIGNIFICANT than what GOD is doing. There is nothing more EXCITING than what GOD is doing!

What is that business? … Going after sinners! While Christ was on the earth, He walked among sinners. He converted sinners. Now the Bible says,

2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Our text says that we are laborers together with God. In getting the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are lost, we have the privilege of joining with the heavenly Father.

Tonight I want us who are saved to recognize our part in reaching the lost and to begin TAKING part in reaching them!

I. GOD’S PART IS PROVIDING SEED
OUR PART IS PAYING TO SOW IT

Philippians 4:14-19 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

A. Giving brings results – V. 17

B. Giving brings rewards – 1 Cor. 3:8

C. Giving brings rejoicing

II. GOD’S PART IS THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT;
OUR PART IS PREACHING THE SAVIOR

1 Corinthians 1:17-21 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

A. Notice the priority of it – V. 17

1. It is more important than baptizing people.
2. It is more important than getting new members.
3. It is more important than helping new converts or backslidden believers.
4. It is more important than making a living.

B. Notice the power of it – V. 18

1. Let’s preach the cross!
2. Compare this with Rom. 1:16

C. Notice the plan of it – V. 21

1. This “preaching” is not necessarily the preaching of one man behind a pulpit to a congregation ofpeople.
2. 2. It is the preaching of one-on-one, a soul-winner talking to a lost man, with an open Bible in his hand, leading him to faith in Jesus Christ.

III. GOD’S PART IS PARDONING SINNERS
OUR PART IS PRAYING FOR SOULS

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

A. We should pray for the chance to reach them

1. Paul prayed for open doors – Col. 4:3

B. We should pray for courage to tell them

1. The disciples prayed for boldness – Acts 4:29

C. We should pray for companions to help us

1. Jesus told us to pray for laborers – Matt. 9:38

IV. GOD’S PART IS A PERFECT SALVATION;
OUR PART IS PORTRAYING THE SON OF GOD

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

A. Lost people should see our compassion and concern – Ps. 126:5-6

B. Lost people should see our consecration and commitment – Matt. 5:16

C. Lost people should see our Christ and His cross – Acts 4:13; 8:5

Help Me To See

For lost and wandering sheep.
Help me to see the multitudes,
And weep as Thou didst weep.
Help me to see the tragic plight
Of souls far off in sin;
Help me to pray, to love, to go
Bring the wandering in.
From off the altar of Thy heart,
Takt Thou some flaming coal
And touch my life and give me, Lord,
A heart that’s hot for Souls
0 fire of love! 0 flame divine,
Make Thy abode in me;
Burn in my heart, burn evermore,
‘Till I burn out for Thee.

(Unknown)