1. Biblical Motivations for Sharing the Gospel Every Genuine Christian is aware that, in keeping with his abilities and opportunities, he is obligated to share the gospel with others. Mark 16:15; Romans 1:14-15; 2 Timothy 2:2; I Peter 3:15, etc. However, most members of the church do little by way of making and following concrete plans to share the gospel with the lost. They may cite many “reasons” for their neglect. First Century Christians could have cited the same “reasons;” yet they worked hard in evangelism, Acts 8:4. Our Problem? Too often we are poorly motivated!

2. A Statement of Fact: Unless they are properly motivated most people will leave undone things that ought to be done. – This fact was illustrated in the example of Jonah, Jonah 1:1-3; 4:1-2. – People must will to do what they ought to do, or else they will be extremely hesitant to do what they ought to do! Note Philippians 2:12-13.

3. Motivation Defined: Motivation (noun), “the act or process of furnishing with an incentive or inducement to action,” World Book Dictionary. Motivate (verb), “to provide with a motive or incentive, induce to act,” (ibid.). – Note: Many successful corporations are involved in motivational research; they know that if their employees are not properly motivated their performance will be lacking.

4. Two Primary Motivations for Obeying the Gospel: Fear of Punishment, Matthew 10:28. Hope of Reward, Matthew 11:28; Rev. 22:14. – However, with reference to sharing the gospel with the lost, there are other motivations in addition to the two just cited. Few people seldom act from a single motive. – The purpose of this lesson is not simply to state that we ought to share the gospel with others. This, we already know. The primary object is to present some of the motivations that should induce us to do this great work.

5. Some Motivations for Sharing the Gospel: Compassion for Lost Souls, Matthew 9:35-48. Irrepressible excitement about our own Salvation, Matthew 9:27-31. A Sense of Indebtedness, Romans 1:14-16. In these verses we note three I Am’s: – “I am a debtor,” v. 14. – “I am ready,” v. 15. – “I am not ashamed,” v. 16. cf. I Corinthians 9:16.

6. Some Motivations for Sharing the Gospel – Continued: A Determination to Defend the Glory of God, Acts 17:16-17. An Awareness of the Great Need to Share the Gospel, Romans 10:13-15. We are Commanded to Share the Gospel, 2 Timothy 2:2; I Peter 3:15. If we refuse: – We disobey God! – The blood of others may be upon us, Acts 20:27. Because of our Love for Others, I Thess. 4:13.

7. Conclusion: We have presented seven reasons for sharing the gospel with others; more could be cited. Surely if it behooves Christians to share the gospel with sinners, it behooves sinners to obey the gospel! 2 Thess. 1:8,9: “In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.”