Week 3: February 21-27
Romans Road
This year our church is focusing on evangelism. Typically, our first fear in sharing the gospel is being unsure if we know how to do it right. This is an understandable fear! We are afraid that we might lead someone the wrong way, say the wrong thing, or not be able to answer a person’s questions. We must first remember where fear comes from – it stems from Satan and our sinful flesh, not from God. “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Tim. 1:7). First John tells us that perfect love casts out fear. Our love for others and our understanding of God’s love for us should make all fears melt away. But we should also take time to be prepared and know our Bibles.
One way that we can be prepared is to understand the gospel and memorize Scripture. In Luke 12 Jesus tells us not to fear, for the Holy Spirit will “teach” us what to say in speaking about Christ. I strongly believe that the Spirit uses the Scripture that we have read and studied to help us clearly present the gospel. As a child you may have memorized the “Romans Road.” This is not necessarily a method for sharing the gospel, but it is a simple way to remember some key verses about the gospel. Even before you have these verses memorized, you can mark in your Bible next to each verse the reference for the next verse so you can follow these references when you are sharing the gospel.
Our Sin Problem
Romans 3:23 (ESV) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
We must establish that every man has a sin problem (see also Romans 3:10).
Sin’s Punishment
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We establish that this “sin problem” deserves a severe punishment (see also Romans 5:12). However, we are not left without hope.
Christ’s Atonement
Romans 5:8 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus’s death on the cross is the greatest expression of God’s love. Because of Jesus death, our sins can be covered and we can enjoy eternal life with God.
Our Response of Faith
Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Jesus saves us when we humble ourselves, believe in His saving work, and call on him as Lord and Savior (see also Romans 10:13).
As you memorize these verses, take time to read the passages around them. The only weakness with using the Romans Road as a “method” is that we may use these few verses out of context and use them as a “sales pitch” for the gospel. Knowing the Romans Road is merely a great starting point. Memorize other verses. Learn the context and what God is saying in the book of Romans as a whole. Take time to follow the cross-references in the margin of your Bible. Become a student of God’s word – this is the way to become an “expert” in sharing your faith!
Pray Together
- Pray that God will help you overcome fears in sharing the gospel and help you memorize His Word so you can share it with others.
- Pray that God will create an opportunity for a Gospel conversation this week!
- Pray that God will develop in us a culture of prayer and dependence on Him to do the work that we endeavor to do.
Further Reading
- Read I John 4:7-21 and see how love overcomes fear.
- Read Luke 12:4-12, a passage about fear and sharing Christ with others.