27/09/2026
EAGLEβS DIET BIBLE STUDY
PART 3
TOPIC.JESUS IS MY MESSAGE
Bible Text: 2 Corinthians 4:1β10
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)
> "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."
INTRODUCTION
As Christians, Jesus Christ should be the centre of everything we preach, teach and do. Our lives should point people to Jesus, not to ourselves.
Making Jesus our message means that our words, actions, character and lifestyle should reveal who Jesus is. People should see His love, humility, holiness and compassion through us.
A Christian may preach eloquently, sing beautifully or pray powerfully, but if people only see the person and not Jesus, the purpose of the ministry is being missed.
In today's teaching, we will examine the barriers, requirements, benefits and consequences of making Jesus our message.
1\. BARRIERS TO MAKING JESUS MY MESSAGE
Barriers are things that prevent us from representing Jesus properly.
1\. Pride and self-glorification β 2 Corinthians 4:5
When we desire people to praise us instead of glorifying Jesus, pride becomes a barrier.
We must understand that we are only vessels; Jesus is the message.
2\. Fear of rejection β Romans 1:16
Some Christians are afraid to talk about Jesus because they do not want to be mocked, rejected or persecuted.
We must never be ashamed of the gospel.
3\. Sin and ungodly living β 2 Timothy 2:19
When our lifestyle contradicts what we preach, our testimony becomes weak.
For example, a Christian who preaches love but lives in hatred is not properly representing Christ.
4\. Love of money and worldly recognition β Matthew 6:24
When money, popularity and material possessions become more important than Jesus, we can lose focus on the gospel.
5\. Lack of knowledge of God's Word β 2 Timothy 2:15
We cannot effectively preach a Jesus we do not know.
Studying the Bible helps us understand His teachings, character and purpose.
6\. Discouragement and persecution β 2 Corinthians 4:8β9
Challenges, suffering and opposition can discourage us from preaching Christ.
However, Paul reminds us that although we may be troubled, we are not abandoned by God.
Teaching point: Anything that takes the attention away from Jesus and places it on ourselves can become a barrier to our Christian witness.
2\. WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE JESUS MY MESSAGE?
1\. A genuine relationship with Jesus β John 15:5
Before we can effectively tell others about Jesus, we must know Him personally.
Christianity is more than attending church; it involves a daily relationship with Christ.
2\. Knowledge of the Word of God β Joshua 1:8
We must study and meditate on the Scriptures so that our message is based on God's truth rather than personal opinions.
3\. The power of the Holy Spirit β Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit gives us boldness, wisdom and power to witness for Jesus.
Without His help, we may depend entirely on our human abilities.
4\. Humility and a servant's heart β 2 Corinthians 4:5
Paul described himself as a servant for Jesus' sake.
We must be willing to serve others rather than seek positions, titles or recognition.
5\. A godly character β Matthew 5:16
Our conduct should agree with our message.
We must demonstrate honesty, forgiveness, compassion, patience and love.
6\. A consistent prayer life β Colossians 4:2β4
Prayer strengthens our relationship with God and opens doors for the gospel.
7\. Willingness to endure hardship β 2 Corinthians 4:8β10
Making Jesus our message does not mean that we will never experience difficulties.
We must remain faithful even when circumstances are challenging.
Teaching point: To make Jesus our message, we must know Him, live like Him and depend on the Holy Spirit to reveal Him through us.
3\. BENEFITS OF MAKING JESUS MY MESSAGE
1\. God receives the glory β Matthew 5:16
When people see Christ through our lives, they are encouraged to glorify God rather than praise us.
2\. Souls are brought to Christ β Romans 10:14β15
Our preaching and testimony can help others hear the gospel, believe in Jesus and receive salvation.
3\. We become effective ambassadors of Christ β 2 Corinthians 5:20
We represent Jesus wherever we go, whether at home, in church, at work or in our communities.
4\. We experience spiritual growth β John 15:4β5
As we remain in Christ and practise His teachings, our faith and character develop.
5\. We receive strength during difficulties β 2 Corinthians 4:8β9
Our commitment to Jesus helps us remain hopeful during trials because we know that God has not abandoned us.
6\. We become instruments of encouragement β 2 Corinthians 4:6
God can use our words and actions to bring the light of Christ to people experiencing spiritual darkness.
7\. We look forward to eternal rewards β 2 Timothy 4:7β8
God promises a crown of righteousness to those who faithfully persevere in Christ and long for His appearing.
Teaching point: The greatest benefit of making Jesus our message is that God is glorified and people are directed towards salvation through Christ.
4\. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT MAKING JESUS OUR MESSAGE
1\. Misleading people β Galatians 1:6β9
When we replace the gospel with personal opinions, false teachings or messages centred entirely on ourselves, we risk leading others away from the truth.
2\. Losing our spiritual focus β Hebrews 12:2
When Jesus is no longer the centre of our lives, we can become distracted by worldly achievements and personal ambitions.
3\. Becoming proud and self-centred β Proverbs 16:18
When we take the glory that belongs to God, pride can lead to spiritual failure.
4\. Weakening our Christian testimony β Matthew 5:13β16
If our lifestyle does not reflect Jesus, people may find it difficult to take our Christian witness seriously.
5\. Missing opportunities to lead others to Christ β Mark 16:15
When we neglect the responsibility of sharing the gospel, opportunities to reach people may pass us by.
6\. Facing accountability before God β 2 Corinthians 5:10
Every believer will give an account to Christ. We should therefore be faithful in the responsibilities He has entrusted to us.
Teaching point.
A message that does not point people to Jesus may attract attention, but it cannot replace the saving gospel of Christ.
LESSONS FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1β10
| Verses | Lessons
| 1 | Do not lose heart in the ministry God has given you.
| 2 | Reject dishonesty, hidden sin and manipulation of God's Word.
| 3β4 | Spiritual blindness prevents some
| 5 | Preach Jesus Christ, not yourself.
| 6 | God brings spiritual light into our hearts through Jesus.
| 7 | We are ordinary vessels carrying God's extraordinary treasure.
| 8β9 | Difficulties and persecution cannot separate us from God's sustaining presence.
|10 | Our lives should reveal the life of Jesus, even through suffering. |
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Ask yourself these four questions:
* When people listen to me, do they hear more about Jesus or about my personal achievements?
* Does my lifestyle agree with the gospel I preach?
* Am I willing to represent Jesus even when nobody recognises or appreciates me?
* What can I change today so that my family, friends and community will see more of Jesus in me?
CONCLUSION
Beloved, Jesus is not merely part of our message; He is the centre of our message.
We are the vessels, but He is the treasure. We are the messengers, but He is the message. We are the servants, but He is the Lord.
Our responsibility is not to make ourselves famous but to make Jesus known.
Remember: When people encounter you, let them see Jesus, hear Jesus and experience the love of Jesus through your life.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of knowing and representing Jesus Christ. Remove every form of pride, fear, selfish ambition and worldly distraction that prevents us from making Jesus our message. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, give us boldness to preach Your Word and help us to live lives that glorify You. May our words, actions and character continually reveal Jesus to the world. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
EAGLE'S DIET β THE EAGLES EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
