Overcoming Fear in Evangelism
Notes
Transcript
Last week, we looked at the woman at the well and how evangelism should be a natural part of our everyday lives. This week, we will focus on overcoming fear in evangelism.
In the New Testament, Jesus sends His disciples out as sheep among wolves (Luke 10:3). Imagine sheep trying to evangelize! They are not intimidating, yet Jesus uses this imagery to show that sharing the Gospel does not require aggression or dominance. Instead, we share with gentleness, love, and authenticity—like sheep seeking to build relationships, not enemies.
Have you ever hesitated to share your faith because of fear? Maybe you worried about saying the wrong thing, being rejected, or offending someone. If so, you’re not alone! Even great men of faith, like Timothy, struggled with fear in evangelism. But today, we’ll see that God has given us everything we need—power, love, and self-discipline—to overcome that fear.
Consider the example of Adoniram Judson, who in the early 1800s felt called to Burma (modern Myanmar). Despite knowing no one there and facing almost certain hardship, he and his wife Ann left everything familiar to share the Gospel. During their mission, they endured imprisonment, disease, and the death of loved ones. In his first six years, Judson had only one convert. Yet he persisted in the face of overwhelming fear and opposition. After 25 years, there were 63 churches and over 7,000 baptized believers. Judson once said, 'The future is as bright as the promises of God.' His story reminds us that fear is temporary, but the impact of courage in evangelism can last for generations.
Like Judson, we may not be called to a foreign mission field, but we are all called to be faithful where God has placed us. This brings us to Paul’s encouragement to Timothy—a reminder that fear does not come from God. Instead, He has given us the power to boldly share the Gospel, just as Timothy was called to do
In our passage today, Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given him a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). This passage encourages us to boldly proclaim the Gospel, despite any fear we may have. Fear does not define our ability to evangelize—God’s empowerment can transform even the most hesitant believers into confident witnesses for Christ.
God equips His people with strength, love, and self-discipline, enabling us to step outside our comfort zones to fulfill the Great Commission. Throughout Scripture, Jesus exemplifies overcoming fear through His ministry. The New Testament continually encourages believers to rely on Christ’s strength to face challenges. His sacrificial love is the ultimate expression of power and courage, enabling His followers to take bold steps in their witness.
God’s Power Replaces Fear
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Fear is a natural human response, but as Christians, we are not called to be governed by it. The Greek word Paul uses for "fear" here is deilia (δειλία), which conveys cowardice or timidity rather than a reverent fear of God. This isn’t just nervousness, but a fear that holds us back from doing God’s will. Paul contrasts this with the dunamis (δυνάμις) of God—divine power that enables us to overcome fear and witness boldly. God isn’t just asking us to be a little braver—He is filling us with His supernatural power to share the Gospel with boldness. This empowerment allows us to share the Gospel with confidence, trusting in Christ, who faced fear on our behalf.
A child at a fireworks show may be terrified of the loud sounds, but a loving parent whispers reassurances, holding them close. Just as a child gains confidence from a parent’s embrace, we can find courage in God's promise: "Fear not, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10). His presence is our greatest assurance.
There are three quck, memorable applications that we can use:
🔹 **1. Pray for Boldness** – Like the early church in **Acts 4:29**
- Start a “Gospel Opportunities” prayer journal with 5 names.
- Partner with another believer to pray for courage.
- Memorize **Isaiah 41:10** and pray it before interactions.
🔹 **2. Start Small** – Share your testimony naturally
- Use transition phrases: _“That reminds me of something in the Bible…”_
- Express gratitude with a spiritual dimension: _“I thank God for this opportunity.”_
- Aim to be **one degree more open** about your faith than feels comfortable.
🔹 **3. Trust God’s Power** – The Holy Spirit is your helper **(Luke 12:11-12)**
- Evangelism is a **process**, not a one-time event.
- Focus on **listening first**, creating space for questions.
- Prepare a **60-second testimony** you can share naturally.
Now that we've explored some practical ways to apply these principles, let's take a moment for personal reflection. I've prepared a guided exercise to help you identify your specific fears about evangelism and connect them with God's promises. You'll find this in your bulletin (or on the screens). Take a few minutes now to begin this reflection, and I encourage you to complete it during the coming week.
These blanks are for you to fill in with specific names of people you're committing to reach out to this week. For example:
Under 'Praying for an opportunity to share with,' you might write 'my coworker John' or 'my neighbor Sarah'
Under 'Inviting someone to church,' you could write 'my brother who's going through a divorce'
Under 'Sharing how God has worked in my life,' you might note 'my friend who's facing similar health challenges'
The 'Other' line allows for any additional commitment that fits your situation"
The worplace might seem especially challenging for evangelism, but consider how Daniel maintained his witness in Babylon without compromising his effectiveness. He was excellent in his work, consistent in his character, and clear about his convictions when the moment called for it.
2. Proclamation Without Shame
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel. The message of Christ may face opposition, but we are called to embrace it with boldness. The world may reject the Gospel, but our confidence comes from knowing that Christ has already secured victory. When we proclaim His truth, we align ourselves with His mission. The Gospel is not only worth sharing but also worth suffering for. Christ’s sacrifice should inspire confidence, not hesitation. We should rely on His strength to endure difficulties and stand firm in our faith.
3. The Power of the Gospel
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
Paul elaborates on the transformative power of the Gospel—offering salvation and new life. Christ’s work abolishes the power of sin and death. This truth should be at the center of our evangelistic conversations. Our witness is compelling when it is rooted in Christ’s redeeming grace.
4. Entrusted with the Gospel
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
Paul saw evangelism as a divine mandate, not just an obligation but a privilege. We, too, are entrusted with the Gospel. It is Christ’s faithfulness that forms the foundation of our courage and witness.
7. Cultural Objections Section
7. Cultural Objections Section
As we prepare to share this gospel that has been entrusted to us, we must be ready to engage thoughtfully with the questions and objections our culture raises.
Have you ever had someone say, ‘I think all religions are basically the same?’ When people say all religions are essentially the same, we can gently point out that while religions share some ethical teachings, they make fundamentally different claims about reality. Jesus didn't claim to be merely a good teacher but the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). We need not apologize for this exclusive claim, but we can share it with humility, acknowledging that we follow Christ not because we're superior but because we've experienced His grace.
'Christians are judgmental and intolerant'This objection often comes from painful experiences with religious hypocrisy. We can acknowledge past failures while clarifying that authentic Christianity calls us to love others without approving all behaviors. Jesus demonstrated this balance perfectly—extending compassion to sinners while calling them to transformation. Our challenge is to maintain both truth and grace, as Jesus did.
'If God is good, why is there suffering?'This profound question deserves more than pat answers. We can share that Christianity doesn't minimize suffering but provides the most compelling explanation for it: a good world broken by human rebellion, yet with a God who entered our suffering in Christ. Rather than offering theories from a distance, God stepped into our pain at the cross. Your personal story of finding God's comfort in difficulty can be powerful here.
'Science has disproven religion'Many assume science and faith are incompatible, but this creates a false dichotomy. Science addresses the 'how' questions about our physical universe, while faith addresses the 'why' questions of meaning and purpose. Many leading scientists throughout history and today maintain deep Christian faith. We can invite people to consider that faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory.
The key in addressing these objections isn't winning arguments but engaging in respectful dialogue that opens doors rather than closes them. Remember Peter's advice to 'always be prepared to give an answer... with gentleness and respect' (1 Peter 3:15)."
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we conclude today, remember that fear in evangelism is normal—even the greatest apostles and missionaries experienced it. But God's power, love, and sound mind are greater than our fears. The same Holy Spirit who emboldened Peter to preach at Pentecost lives in you.
Leader: Lord, when we are afraid to speak Your truth,
Congregation: Remind us that You have not given us a spirit of fear.
Leader: When we worry about finding the right words,
Congregation: Fill us with Your power, love, and self-discipline.
Leader: When rejection and ridicule threaten our witness,
Congregation: Help us remember that You were rejected for our sake.
Leader: When the task seems too great for our limited abilities,
Congregation: Show us that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Leader: When we hesitate to share the hope within us,
Congregation: Grant us boldness beyond our natural capacity.
Leader: When we see a world that needs Your redemption,
Congregation: Open our eyes to the harvest fields before us.
Leader: When opportunities arise to speak Your name,
Congregation: May we never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
Leader: When we encounter those who don't yet know You,
Congregation: Help us to love them with Your perfect love.
Leader: Lord, make us faithful witnesses,
Congregation: Until all have heard the good news of salvation.
All Together: For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
This week, I challenge you: Step out in faith. Take one bold step beyond your comfort zone. Whether it’s praying for a lost friend, sharing your testimony, or inviting someone to church—trust that God’s power, love, and self-discipline will go with you. What would happen if every person in this room took just one bold step of faith this week? What if we truly lived as though God’s power was greater than our fears? Evangelism is not about being perfect—it’s about being present. Let’s go out and share the greatest news the world has ever known!
