Ezekiel 33:711, The Purpose of Miracles (2)

We learned some warnings about miracles.  But now let’s further consider: if miracles are not required from people so that they will believe the gospel, what does Scripture teach us about people’s response to the gospel.

1)    It is normal to experience ridicule & rejection.  When Paul preached on Mars Hill in Athens, there were three responses: some ridiculed, some wanted to hear more, and some believed (Acts 17:32).  When Hezekiah sent to the remnant of the Northern Kingdom to come for Passover, he got a similar response: some ridiculed, but nevertheless, some came (2 Chron. 30:1-11).  In the Parable of the Sower (Mk. 4:1-9, 13-20) Jesus made the same point: seed falls on different types of soil (the souls of men) and, thus, brings forth different responses.

2)    Obedience to the great commission is not based on predictability of response but on God's sovereign command to go! Jeremiah 1:17-19: illustrates this through Jeremiah.  God said they will turn against you, but go anyway.  Ezekiel 33:7-11 illustrates this through Ezekial, who was like a Watchman.  You will be guilty if you don’t tell them, regardless of whether or not they heed your warning.  Paul gives us a “gospel” illustration of this, that   "It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1Cor. 4:1-2).

3)    The gospel purpose is served both in those who reject as well as in those who believe.  Isaiah said that God’s word will do it’s intended work, regardless of response (Isa. 55:10-11).  Paul preached the gospel to all, knowing it would be considered “foolish” and would cause Jews to stumble and Greeks to laugh; he also knew it would be God’s power to those who believed (I Cor. 1:18,23-24). In Phil. 1:27-29 Paul says the response to the gospel proves the lostness of those who reject it and the salvation of those who receive it.

4)    Note: if the excuse Moses gave for not returning to Egypt to lead Israel ("What is they don't believe me") was valid, Stephen would never have been martyred, Zechariah would have remained quiet (2 Chron. 24:20f), numerous martyrs would still be alive AND WE WOULD NOT HAVE THE GOSPEL!

5)    The servant of the Lord can take steps to gain a better hearing for the gospel.  He can pray (Ac. 4:29, for boldness; Col. 4:24, for open doors and clarity).  He can be clear.  He can seek for and use “common ground,” identifying with others as much as possible (“I was in a similar situation before I came to Christ”).  Stephen, a Hellenist Jew by upbringing, preached to Jews in a Hellenist Synagogue.  Paul on Mars Hill quoted Gentile philosophers rather than the Old Testament he used in the Synagogue.  Paul preached to people with fervency, as if it was important (2 Cor. 5:20).  Christians can live in this sinful world with the hope which they have in Christ.  This will attract some to ask them for a reason (1 Peter 3:1).