4 Steps for Successful Evangelism

I. Introduction

A. Illustration – Three reasons it is hard to fully follow Jesus in this world: Personal comfort, financial security, and social harmony (https://thecripplegate.com/3-reasons-its-hard-to-follow-jesus/)

B. For Paul, all of that was taken away and he was left with Jesus and following Him

C. Context – Paul and Silas were working in Philippi. They were followed by a fortune teller who continuously called out, “These men are the servants of the most high God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” After days of this Paul cast a demon out of her. Her owners got mad and imprisoned Paul for “disturbing the city”.

D. 4 Steps for faithfully walking through any circumstance

II. Pray (25-26)

A. Explanation

1. Paul and Silas are shackled in prison, so what do they do? They prayed and sang hymns to God – It was a midnight worship service among the prisoners at the jail

2. God shows up – Earthquake, foundations of the prison were shaken, all the doors opened, everyone’s chains were unfastened

3. The scene was set by their prayer and singing

B. Application

1. Prayer is a high priority in the Healthy Christian Walk

2. Great things happen when we assume the posture of prayer and worship

3. Paul and Silas weren’t worshiping because they were in prison. Who would do that? They did it because this was their life. In every situation, they were in prayer and singing God’s praises

4. Do we live this way? Do we pray without ceasing? Do we pray that God will do great things even when we are going through difficult times? Would we have prayed if we were thrown in prison? Would we have praised God in that moment?

5. If we are to be a part of God’s work we must be in prayer and constant connection with God, praising Him.

III. Meet a need (27-28)

A. Explanation

1. The jailer woke and saw that the prisoner doors were open – Assuming the prisoners had escaped

a. As the jailer, keeping the prisoners confined was his biggest responsibility

b. The penalty for losing a prisoner was enduring the penalties of the prisoners he lost

c. In this case, it was Paul and Silas along with several other

d. Being midnight and the lights not yet lit, he would not have been able to see well enough to know they were still there

2. The jailer was probably motivated by the stoic traditions which held that it is better to take your own life than to endure the pain of punishment

3. Paul cried out, “Do not harm yourself for we are all here.” – This is the graciousness of Paul who, in this moment has not fled, but stays for the good of the jailer

B. Application

1. Why is Paul more concerned with the jailer’s situation than his own? Because he imitates Christ and Christ loved him when He didn’t deserve it

2. We must see people as valuable – people who need help

3. We are called to love others as Christ loves them

IV. Faithfully share the gospel (29-32)

A. Explanation

1. The jailer rushed in with fear – He was in such a dire situation moments ago that he was willing to end his life

2. But now the circumstances changed because Paul graciously stayed there

3. The jailer’s response was to bow before Paul and ask how he could be saved

4. This is a wide-open door for the gospel – Would you know what to say?

5. Paul gives the basics of the gospel – Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - The jailer is already at the point of understanding his need

6. They shared the same word with all who were in the house

B. Application

1. We have the basic language that was expressed, but we know from Paul’s other speeches and preaching that he fully shares the whole gospel: God’s perfection, our sin, Jesus’ redemption through the cross, salvation by grace through faith

2. Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

3. There is no gospel apart from the true gospel and it is our place to share it

4. The Philippian jailer could never have found salvation apart from Paul sharing with him

V. Rejoice in salvation (33-34)

A. Explanation

1. The jailer washed their wounds, and they baptized him and his family

a. This was their personal profession of faith and response to their salvation

2. The jailer fed them – an act of kindness and fellowship that never could have happened before God’s work. He was a jailer, and they were prisoners

3. And they rejoiced along with his entire salvation

a. This would include worship and praise

b. But it would also include preparation for future growth

B. Application

1. For Paul, there was no greater thing than to see people come to faith in Jesus

2. They were excited about this newfound faith

3. It was not because it would be easy – this pagan city had rejected Paul and his teaching

4. The Jailer rejoiced because he found the truth and knew that no matter what may come his way, he knew His Savior

VI. Conclusion

A. What is your next step in drawing nearer to Jesus?

1. You may need what the Philippian jailer needed – Jesus

2. You may be like Paul and need to practice walking with Jesus

2. The Recipe Card

A woman spent years perfecting her favorite cookie recipe and often told friends about how good it was. But when someone asked her to share the recipe so they could make it themselves, she hesitated, saying, “I’m not sure you’d bake it as well as I do.”

Application: Many believers talk about the gospel’s power but hesitate to share it because they fear others might not "get it right." Evangelism is about planting seeds, trusting that God will grow the fruit, even if the process looks different than we expect.

5. The Lifeguard Who Won't Swim

Picture a lifeguard who sees someone drowning but stays on the shore, calling out, “Good luck! I hope you figure it out!” This lifeguard might know how to save people but chooses to stay comfortable and avoid risk.

Application: Many Christians know how to share their faith but are unwilling to step out of their comfort zones. Evangelism requires action, not just knowledge.

2. The Farmer’s Preparation

A farmer doesn’t just throw seeds onto dry ground and hope for a good harvest. First, they till the soil, remove rocks, and ensure the ground is ready. Prayer is like tilling the soil—it prepares hearts to receive the seed of the gospel.

Application: Healthy evangelism begins with prayer, asking God to prepare the hearts of those we will share with and soften their resistance to His truth.