Sermons From Galatians - Sacrifices In Evangelism (4:12-15)

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                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                   Sacrifices In Evangelism (4:12-15)

INTRODUCTION

1. In writing to the Galatians, Paul reminds them of their shared
   history...
   a. How he first came to them in preaching the gospel - Ga 4:12-14
   b. How he was confident they were willing to sacrifice for him - Ga
      4:15

2. This passage describes a sentimental argument by Paul...
   a. One of several arguments (personal, scriptural, practical,
      sentimental, allegorical)
   b. Defending justification by faith in Christ rather than by the Law
      of Moses

3. This passage reminds me of the need for sacrifice in evangelism...
   a. Not just by those willing to preach the gospel
   b. But also by those willing to support preachers

[The spread of the gospel can be hindered if we do not appreciate the
necessity for sacrifice.  Who needs to be willing to sacrifice in
evangelism?  Most understand the need to sacrifice...]

I. BY THOSE WHO PREACH

   A. THEY MUST BE WILLING TO GO...
      1. As Jesus commanded - Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15
      2. Otherwise how shall people hear and believe? - Ro 10:13-14
      3. Thus the gospel must be preached to all nations - Mk 13:10; cf.
         Isa 49:6

   B. THEY MUST BE WILLING TO ENDURE...
      1. Paul certainly did - 2Co 11:23-29; 2Ti 2:10; 3:11
      2. He wrote that Timothy must be willing to endure - 2Ti 1:8;
         2:3; 4:5
      3. Those who preach today must often endure:
         a. The inconvenience of frequent moves
         b. The loss of benefits often provided in many secular jobs
         c. The dangers of traveling in unsafe places
         d. The resistance and even persecution by unbelievers
         e. The lack of understanding by immature or false brethren

   C. THEY WILL BE REWARDED...
      1. In heaven if not on earth - Mt 5:10-12
      2. But often even on earth - Mk 10:28-30

[Most who preach the gospel understand the need to sacrifice and do so
willingly.  But there is also a need to sacrifice...]

II. BY THOSE WHO SUPPORT

   A. THEY MUST BE WILLING TO SEND...
      1. Otherwise how shall preachers preach? - Ro 10:14-15
      2. Just as the early churches did
         a. Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch - Ac 11:22
         b. Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas - Ac 13:1-2
         c. Philippi supported Paul in Thessalonica - Php 4:15-16
         d. Churches supported Paul in Corinth - 2Co 11:8-9
      3. For they understood that such workers were worthy of support
         a. As Jesus had taught his disciples - Mt 10:10; Lk 10:7
         b. As Paul taught the Corinthians - 1Co 9:7-14

   B. THEY MUST BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE...
      1. They are stewards also
         a. Just as preachers are stewards of the gospel - 1Co 4:1
         b. They are stewards of their possessions - 1Pe 4:10
      2. Stewards are expected to be faithful - 1Co 4:2
         a. To minister with the ability God provides - 1Pe 4:11
         c. For which they will one day give account - cf. Mt 25:14-30
      3. Some believe preachers should be willing to sacrifice more than
         others
         a. Should the 'quartermasters' at the base be squandering what
            may have been given them to support the 'soldiers' at the
            front?
         b. Should we not all have the same willingness to sacrifice if
            the need is there?
         c. If brethren 'at the base' sacrificed as much as they expect
            of those who are 'at the front', would there not be more
            good things being done?
      4. We may serve different roles, but we should have the same sense
         of sacrifice! - 1Pe 4:11
         a. Serving with the same zeal ("as with the ability which God
            supplies")
         b. Striving for the same goal ("that in all things God may be
            glorified")

   C. THEY WILL BE REWARDED...
      1. For they are fellow workers for the truth - 3Jn 1:5-8
      2. In receiving and sending those whom Christ has sent, they
         receive Christ - Mt 10:40
      3. They will receive the same reward as those who proclaim - Mt
         10:41-42

CONCLUSION

1. The gospel spread around the world in the first century...
   a. As Paul wrote to the brethren at Rome - Ro 10:17-18
   b. As he wrote to the brethren at Colosse - Col 1:23

2. The gospel continues to be spread in countries around the world...
   a. Wherever preachers are willing to make sacrifices to go
   b. Wherever brethren are willing to make sacrifices to send them

May the "Sacrifices In Evangelism" exemplified by the early Christians
inspire us today...!
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