The Gospel is a Team Effort

The Gospel is work.

It requires intentional focus and labor.

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.Philippians 4:3

The finish line is in eternity.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:2 Timothy 4:6-7

Many Christians are unconcerned with eternity.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.Matthew 13:20-22

Many Christians are unequipped to share the Gospel.

The Gospel is teamwork.

The local church is God’s plan for changing the world.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Matthew 28:19-20

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.1 Corinthians 12:27

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.Romans 12:5

There are no unimportant team members.

But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:1 Corinthians 12:20-24

We need to ensure the health of the team and the strength of the community.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.John 15:12-13

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;Romans 12:10

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.Galatians 5:13

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;Ephesians 4:2

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.Ephesians 4:32

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Colossians 3:13

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.1 Thessalonians 5:11

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Hebrews 10:24-25

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.James 5:16

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.1 Peter 4:9

The cause of Christ is woefully understaffed.

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.Luke 10:2

The Gospel is eternal work.

How we steward to the Gospel can change where someone spends eternity.

How we steward to the Gospel will affect our rewards in eternity.

Is the Gospel a priority in my life?

What can I do this week for the faith?

Am I striving together or relaxing alone?

What does God require of me?