Our Mission Week 4

# Our Mission: Telling the Truth of God's Salvation

In the fourth week of our mission series, we delve into the critical importance of truth-telling within the Christian faith. Using the story from **2 Kings 7** as a foundation, we explore how sharing the truth of God's salvation is not just a privilege but a duty.

## The Story of the Four Lepers

The sermon recounts the story from **2 Kings 7:3-10**, where four lepers, outcasts from their community, stumble upon the abandoned camp of the Arameans. God had caused the Arameans to flee, leaving behind all their provisions. The lepers, initially keeping the discovery to themselves, eventually realize the importance of sharing this life-saving news with their city.

- **2 Kings 7:3-4**: The lepers face a dire choice—stay and die, enter a besieged city and die, or surrender to the Arameans, who might spare them. - **2 Kings 7:5-8**: Upon discovering the deserted camp, they find food, clothing, and wealth, recognizing the abundance of God's provision. - **2 Kings 7:9**: They acknowledge their moral responsibility to share the good news, fearing the question, "Why didn't you tell us?"

## The Mission of Truth-Telling

The story of the lepers is a powerful metaphor for the Christian mission. Just as the lepers found salvation and abundance, Christians have found salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes:

- **Truth and Freedom**: Truth-telling is essential because it offers freedom to those who hear it. Without sharing the truth, people remain "trapped in the dark city," unaware of the salvation available to them. - **Mission of the Church**: The overarching mission is to make friends, meet needs, and make disciples. This involves sharing the truth of the human condition and the transformative hope found in Jesus Christ. - **Avoiding Regret**: By sharing the truth, believers avoid the regret of having someone ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" This question signifies a missed opportunity to guide someone to freedom.

## Application to Our Lives

The sermon challenges us to reflect on our position in the story:

1. **Outside the City Gates**: Some may still be seeking answers from the world, unaware of the salvation offered through Christ. 2. **In the Camp**: Believers enjoying the blessings of salvation but keeping it to themselves. 3. **On the Road to the City**: Those who actively share the truth of God's salvation, fulfilling their mission.

## Conclusion

The call to action is clear: we must not remain silent. The truth of God's salvation through Jesus Christ is a "day of good news" that we are compelled to share. By doing so, we not only fulfill our mission but also experience the joy and freedom of knowing we have done our part in God's plan.

The sermon concludes with an invitation to reflect on where we stand in our journey of faith and encourages us to step boldly into the mission of truth-telling for the glory of God and the good of those we love.