Will You Not Tell It Today

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Will You Not Tell It Today

A Sermon based on the hymn by J. G. Dailey

Introduction

“Will You Not Tell It Today” is a hymn that lays a gentle but urgent burden on every Christian’s heart. It asks not whether we are able to speak of Christ, but whether we are willing. The hymn appeals to our experience of Christ’s kindness, strength, and light. If we truly know the blessings of the Savior, how can we not speak of Him to others? If we have been redeemed from sin, how can we remain silent while others are still lost?

In Romans 10:14, Paul writes, “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” This isn’t just about pulpit preaching—it’s about you and me, telling what we know. In Psalm 107:2, we are told, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” And in 2 Corinthians 4:13, Paul says, “We believe, and therefore speak.” If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, that He has saved our soul, and that His grace can save others, then how can we be quiet?

This hymn presses us to act today—not tomorrow, not next week, but now. “Will you not tell it today?” is not a condemnation—it is a challenge. It assumes we love Jesus. It assumes we have felt His presence. And so it urges: Go share what you’ve received. There are lost souls waiting to hear. The question is simple. Will you not tell it today?

Stanza 1

“If the name of the Savior is precious to you,
If His care has been constant and tender and true,
If the light of His presence has brightened your way,
Will you not tell it today?”

This first stanza speaks to the closeness we have with Christ. If He is precious to us, if we’ve felt His care, if we’ve walked in His light, then our lives are already a testimony to His goodness. Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” If we’ve tasted and seen, then we have something others need. The presence of Christ in our lives should shine outward (Matthew 5:14–16). Evangelism is not just an obligation; it’s the natural overflow of a grateful heart. The question is: Will we speak up?

Stanza 2

“If your faith in the Savior has brought its reward,
If a strength you have found in the strength of your Lord,
If the hope of a rest in His palace is sweet,
Oh, will you not, brother, the story repeat?”

This stanza shifts from our emotional connection to our spiritual benefits. Faith in Jesus has eternal reward (Hebrews 11:6). Strength comes from Him (Philippians 4:13), and the hope of heaven is our anchor (Hebrews 6:19). If we enjoy these blessings, we should want others to enjoy them too. Romans 5:1–2 reminds us that we have peace with God and access to grace through Christ. These aren’t secrets—they’re the greatest gifts the world has ever been offered. So the hymn asks: Will you not repeat the story?

Stanza 3

“If the souls all around you are living in sin,
If the Master has told you to bid them come in,
If the sweet invitation they never have heard,
Oh, will you not tell them the cheer-bringing word?”

Here the focus turns outward. This is not about us, but about them—the souls who have not yet heard. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). We have the message that can change lives, but the message must be spoken. Many people around us have never heard the gospel clearly. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” That hearing must start with someone speaking. Will you not be the one to tell them?

Chorus

“Will you not tell it today?
Will you not tell it today?
If the light of His presence has brightened your way,
Oh, will you not tell it today?”

The chorus repeats the central call: Do it today. Time is passing. Life is a vapor (James 4:14). The fields are white for harvest (John 4:35). The night is coming when no man can work (John 9:4). If Jesus has brought light into your life, that light is meant to shine into others. The message is urgent, personal, and present. Don’t delay. Tell it today.

Will You Not Tell It Today Sermon Outline:

Introduction:

• Personal evangelism is every Christian’s calling (Romans 10:14)

• Speaking of Christ is the overflow of faith and love (2 Corinthians 4:13)

• The hymn challenges us gently but firmly: Will we speak?

Stanza 1 – Share Because He Is Precious:

• If Jesus is precious, His name should be on our lips (Psalm 34:8)

• His constant care deserves proclamation (Lamentations 3:22–23)

• His light should shine through us (Matthew 5:14–16)

Stanza 2 – Share Because You’ve Been Blessed:

• Faith brings spiritual reward (Hebrews 11:6)

• Jesus gives us strength (Philippians 4:13)

• Heaven is our promised rest (Hebrews 4:9–11)

• If you’ve received these blessings, share the good news

Stanza 3 – Share Because Others Are Lost:

• Souls around us are in sin (Ephesians 2:1–2)

• Christ commands us to go and tell (Mark 16:15)

• Many haven’t heard the gospel (Romans 10:17)

• The word of life brings true joy (Philippians 2:16)

Chorus – Share Because Time Is Short:

• Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2)

• Life is uncertain (James 4:14)

• We must work while there is time (John 9:4)

• If Christ has given you light, pass it on

Call to Action

If you know the peace, the strength, and the hope that Jesus gives, you are equipped to share it. You don’t need to be a scholar or a preacher—just a believer with a voice and a heart. Invite someone to a Bible study. Ask them to worship with you. Tell them what Christ has done for you. You know the story. You know the blessings. Will you not tell it today?

Scripture Reference List

Psalm 34:8 – Encouragement to experience and testify to the Lord’s goodness
Matthew 5:14–16 – Christians are lights in the world and must shine
Hebrews 11:6 – God rewards those who seek Him in faith
Philippians 4:13 – We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us
Hebrews 4:9–11 – There remains a rest for the people of God
Romans 10:14 – People can’t believe without hearing
Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing the word of God
Mark 16:15 – The Great Commission to preach to all the world
John 9:4 – We must work while it is day
James 4:14 – Life is a vapor—uncertain and short
Philippians 2:16 – Holding forth the word of life
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation
Ephesians 2:1–2 – The lost are dead in trespasses and sins

Song History

“Will You Not Tell It Today” was written by J. G. Dailey and set to music by James H. Fillmore, a noted composer and hymn writer whose music influenced many churches of Christ in the 19th century. This hymn has long been used as an invitation song because of its gentle, introspective appeal. Rather than accuse or demand, it reasons with the heart: If you know the goodness of Jesus, won’t you share it? It calls each of us to awaken to the privilege and urgency of speaking the name of our Savior today—before the day passes and the opportunity is gone.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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