All this week we have been giving consideration to spreading the gospel to a world in desperate need for it. What should motivate us to do our best to tell the wonderful story about Jesus to the lost? We have looked at four things. The command from above, the call from without, the compelling from within, and the cry from beneath. As I wrap up my thoughts on this important subject, I want us to consider the care we should have for the gospel itself.

As you preach the gospel to those without, be it to friends, family, or anyone else, never forget the importance of the message that you are spreading. The message is not yours; it is God’s. Paul was thankful to the brethren at Thessalonica for receiving the gospel as the Word of God because that is exactly what it is (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Since the gospel is the Word of God, we must be sure that we are very careful not to tamper with it when we preach it to others.

Galatians 1:8-9 (ESV)
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

This is so important that Paul felt it was worth repeating. You can go very quickly from helping God win souls, to losing your own soul, if you preach a gospel that is different from the one that Paul and the other apostles preached. Sadly, Paul had to write these words to the brethren at Galatia because they had been infiltrated by false teachers who were preaching a corrupt gospel. Judaizing teachers were mixing the gospel with laws from the old covenant, primarily the need to be circumcised, that was threatening, not only their own salvation, but that of the Galatians. The saints at Galatia were deserting Christ by accepting this perverted gospel (Galatians 1:6). This was not an uncommon development in the first century. Many were adding foreign elements to the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:17 (KJV)
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

The word “corrupt” here refers to a petty retailer who adds a foreign element to his product to gain a profit dishonestly. Paul is warning the church of those who do that to the Word of God. Notice he refers to the many who were already doing that. It is a little surprising that there was already, as early as the first century (while the apostles were still living), many who had corrupted the Word of God. These false teachers were not careful with the gospel. Instead, they handled it dishonestly. While souls would be lost because of their carelessness with the Word of God, they would not escape condemnation themselves.

2 John 1:9 (ESV)
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

This is a warning to all of us. While we are commanded to preach the gospel to the lost, we better make sure that it is the gospel, and only the gospel, that we are preaching. Be careful not to add to, or take away from, the gospel of Christ. Proceed carefully, for as Paul said, when we preach the gospel to others, we do not want to be disqualified ourselves (1 Corinthians 9:27).

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.