If you DECLARE the gospel and don't LIVE IT - you will confuse people. If you LIVE the gospel and don't DECLARE IT - you will condemn people. -------------------------
When Paul and Silas were in the Philippian jail something amazing happened.
"...and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened." (Acts 16:26)
The jailer knew that if any of the prisoners had escaped he would pay with his own life. So rather than let that happen he was about to kill himself when Paul stopped him, letting him know that all were present and accounted for.
What happened next is also amazing. The jailer falls down before the prisoner. After witnessing everything that had just happened and certainly knowing about the demon-possessed girl in verses 16-18 (the reason for their imprisonment)...the jailer had one question.
"...Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)
Well...it is probably safe to say that none of us will ever experience prison chains falling off of our bodies. But as Christians we have been released from the chains of sin. I like how Charles Wesley put it in the old hymn And Can It Be?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature's night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light. My chains fell off; my heart was free .I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
Like the jailer who witnessed the prisoners being released from their physical bondage, the world needs to witness Christians who have been released from their bondage to sin. If we truly live the gospel it will be evident.
One way this is evidenced is by Christians living out the "one anothers."
When the world sees...
"...all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;" (1 Pet 3:8)
...they are seeing the freedom that only a Christian has to live and love God's way.
When a Christian is sinned against and the world sees...
"not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead..."(1 Pet 3:9)
...they are seeing the freedom that only a Christian has to truly forgive.
When the world sees a Christian suffer through a difficult situation with patience and self-control...
...they are able to see the freedom that only a Christian has to "let endurance have its perfect result." (James 1:4); as well as the fruit of the Spirit that can only be the result of God's grace in their life.
And so...as we strive together for the gospel more and more by living the gospel then maybe we will hear...
"What must I do to be saved?"
Then we can declare the gospel.
We must always be ready...
"...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" (1 Pet 3:15)
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