SHARING THE GOSPEL AT WORK

A. Transition to the New Lesson

The lesson then turned to sharing the gospel at work.

The idea is to think about those people with whom we come into contact on a regular basis.

Beyond family, some of the people we have the most contact with are those we work with.

B. Matthew 10:16

The workbook begins with Matthew 10:16.

Jesus said He was sending His disciples out as sheep in the midst of wolves.

C. Meaning of Sheep and Wolves

Jesus was speaking to His disciples.

A wolf represents danger.

A wolf is a predator.

A wolf is one that wants to do harm.

The Bible often uses that image:a. Jesus spoke of wolves in sheep’s clothing.b. Paul warned the Ephesian elders that savage wolves would come in among them.

By contrast, sheep are defenseless.

They represent innocence and harmlessness.

A sheep against a wolf does not stand a chance by itself.

D. What This Means for Christians

If Christians are going out as sheep in the midst of wolves, then that suggests they will be persecuted, mistreated, and spoken against.

The Lord was very plain with His disciples about the kind of world they were going into.

VI. Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

A. Wise as Serpents

Jesus said His disciples were to be wise as serpents.

It was admitted that one may not naturally think of a snake when thinking about wisdom.

But there is a shrewdness about a serpent.

The point is that since Christians are sheep in the midst of wolves, they must be wise in how they behave.

B. Ways Christians Must Be Wise

Christians must be aware that wolves are there.

They must keep their eyes open.

They must understand that there are people who would deliberately do harm.

Where possible, they should seek to avoid such people.

There is wisdom in knowing when to walk away.

Reference was made to Matthew 7:6:a. Do not cast your pearls before swine.

There is also wisdom in what is said and in when it is said.

Some people would love to twist something a Christian says.

So the Christian must know not only the right thing to say, but the right time to say it.

C. Illustration of Awareness

An illustration was given from Alabama.

There had once been word that a lion had gotten loose and was wandering around the county.

If people knew a lion was out there, then when they stepped outside they paid attention.

If they heard something in the bushes, they got a flashlight and looked carefully.

Why?a. Because they knew there was danger.

The same principle applies when Christians move through a world filled with wolves.

D. Innocent as Doves

Jesus also said Christians must be innocent as doves.

That means they do not respond the way wolves respond.

They do not answer evil with evil.

They do not seek to do harm just because harm is done to them.

The word “innocent” also suggests purity and being unmixed.

There may be a temptation in the presence of wolves to compromise or stoop to their level.

But the Christian must maintain purity even while living in a wicked world.

VII. The First Key to Workplace Evangelism: Let Your Light Shine

A. Matthew 5:13–16

The first major point in the discussion of workplace evangelism was that it really begins by being salt and light.

Matthew 5:13–16 was read from the Sermon on the Mount.

B. We All Have Influence

The passage teaches that we all have influence.

The question is not whether we have influence.

The question is what kind of influence we have.

C. Adorning the Doctrine of Christ

Reference was made to Titus 2.

Christians are to adorn the doctrine of Christ.

The word “adorn” means to make beautiful.

The point is that our lives should make the gospel attractive.

Our conduct should serve as an advertisement for the doctrine of Christ.

If people do not see Christ living in us, then our invitations to study or to attend services are likely to be rejected.

But if they see in us someone truly living the gospel, then a door may open.

VIII. Ways to Let Your Light Shine in the Workplace

A. Do Not Respond Wrongly to Mistreatment

One suggestion made was that Christians should not respond wrongly when others are mean, dishonest, or unfair.

If others mistreat us, we must not answer in a sinful way.

B. Treat Others With Respect

Another answer given was to treat others with respect.

This applies to supervisors, coworkers, and customers.

Reference was made to Colossians 3:22 and 1 Timothy 6:1.

When someone in the workplace is respectful in how he talks about his boss, how he deals with authority, and how he handles disagreement, that stands out.

C. Be Fair

Another answer given was fairness.

Christians should avoid favoritism.

Whether dealing with those over them, under them, or beside them, they should seek to be fair.

D. Work Hard

Another way to let one’s light shine is simply by working hard.

The Christian should not seek to do the bare minimum.

He should not have the attitude, “That’s not my job.”

Whatever his hand finds to do, he should do it mightily.

If he is told to sweep out a corner, he ought to sweep it like it has never been swept before.

He should be dependable and honest.

E. Use Pure Language

Another point made was purity of language.

When others are telling filthy jokes and engaging in dirty speech, the Christian should refuse to be part of that.

F. Do Not Be a Constant Complainer

Another point emphasized was avoiding constant complaining.

Some people, whenever asked how they are doing, launch into a long list of complaints.

That spirit harms influence.

If all people see in us is discontent and negativity, then when we invite them to study, they are not likely to want what we claim to have.

G. Show Contentment and Peace

By contrast, if people see us going through sickness, family difficulty, and other hardships with peace and contentment from the Lord, that may intrigue them.

They may wonder how a person can face those things with such steadiness.

That may open the door to talk about one’s relationship to the Lord.

H. Show Compassion and Maintain Convictions

The Christian should have compassion toward others.

He should also refrain from doing what the world around him does.

An example was given of making it known in the workplace that no matter what others are doing, the Christian does not drink alcohol.

That kind of faithful conviction makes one stand out.

I. Summary of the Point

All of these things together amount to simply living the Christian life at work.

The Christian must not be one person at church and another person at work.

If he is not living the Christian life, then invitations to study will likely be rejected.

So workplace evangelism begins with letting one’s light shine.

IX. A Balanced Perspective

A. Being Honest About Struggles

There was also discussion about balance.

It was acknowledged that there is nothing wrong with being open about one’s struggles.

Christians are human.

They face battles like everyone else.

B. Avoiding a Habitual Spirit of Complaint

At the same time, there is a difference between letting others know you are struggling and being the kind of person who is always complaining.

That kind of constant discontent does not help evangelism.

The goal is for people to see both our humanity and our hope.

X. The Value of Questions in Sharing the Gospel

A. Source of the Material

The majority of the lesson was said to come from a book called Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.

It was noted that the author was not a member of the church, but that the material contained good information.

B. Questions Are Our Friends

The major point taken from that material was this:a. Questions are always our friends.

Before discussing specific questions, it was pointed out that Jesus Himself used questions frequently.

This method did not begin with a modern writer.

It is a biblical method.

XI. Jesus Used Questions Frequently

A. Luke 20:1–8

Reference was made to Luke 20:1–8.

The day before, Jesus had cleansed the temple.

When He came back the next day, His enemies asked Him:a. By what authority are You doing these things?b. Who gave You this authority?

Jesus responded by saying that He would ask them a question.

He asked whether the baptism of John was from heaven or from men.

By doing that, He shifted the burden from Himself to them.

He also exposed their hypocrisy.

In a roundabout way, He answered their question, because if they answered honestly about John, they would have their answer about Jesus.

B. Luke 20:20–24

Another example was Luke 20:20–24.

Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Caesar.

Rather than immediately answering, He asked about the coin and whose inscription it bore.

By answering His question, they helped answer their own.

C. Mark 2:1–12

Another example was Mark 2.

When the paralytic was brought to Jesus, He first said, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

The scribes reasoned in their hearts that only God can forgive sins.

Jesus then asked them which was easier to say: “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”

The point made was that a question causes people to think.

A statement may not demand much engagement, but a question makes the listener reason.

XII. Benefits of Asking Questions

A. Questions Get People Thinking

One benefit of questions is that they force people to think.

B. Questions Shift the Burden of Proof

Another benefit is that they shift the burden of proof.

If someone makes a statement, a question can place the responsibility back on that person to explain.

C. Questions Gather Information

Questions also help gather information.

Sometimes when sharing the gospel, the problem is that we do all the talking and get very little feedback.

Questions help us understand where the other person is.

D. Questions Give Us Time to Think

Questions also give us time to think.

Instead of immediately reacting, a question gives us an opportunity to gather information and formulate the best response.

That can keep us from “shooting from the hip.”

XIII. Illustration: Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Use of Questions

A. Their Zeal

Jehovah’s Witnesses were mentioned as an example.

Though what they teach was identified as religious error, they are zealous about sharing their message.

B. Their Typical Method

When they come to the door, the first thing they usually do is ask a question.

Often it is something like:a. “Have you ever wondered what’s going to happen to all of this?”

By asking a question, they get the person thinking and invite a response.

C. Lesson to Be Learned

The point was not to approve of their doctrine.

The point was that they understand how to open a discussion.

Questions are effective.

Christians should learn from that tactic while using it in the service of truth.

XIV. Important Questions to Ask

A. “What Do You Mean by That?”

One important question is:a. What do you mean by that?

This helps us correctly understand what someone is saying.

An example was given of talking to someone who says Jesus is “a son of God.”

A person may already suspect what is meant, but it is better to ask and let the person explain in his own words.

The same applies if someone says baptism is important.

The better question is:a. “What do you mean by important?”

That may reveal that the person believes baptism is merely an outward sign rather than essential to salvation.

The value of this question is that it prevents assumptions and clarifies the other person’s actual view.

B. “How Did You Come to That Conclusion?”

Another important question is:a. How did you come to that conclusion?

This helps identify not only what a person believes, but why.

Many people hold beliefs without really knowing why they hold them.

By asking this question, the Christian learns where to begin, and the other person is also made to think through his own reasoning.

Other forms of this same kind of question were suggested:a. Why do you say that?b. What are your reasons for holding that view?c. Where does the Bible say that?

XV. Illustrations of Clarifying Questions

A. Denominational Beliefs

An illustration was given of talking with a denominational friend about baptism.

If he says baptism is important, that does not necessarily mean agreement exists.

The Christian should ask what the person means by “important.”

That will reveal whether the person believes baptism is necessary or merely symbolic.

B. Faith Only

If someone says the Bible teaches salvation by faith only, one should ask how he came to that conclusion.

That may bring out the passages or assumptions behind his belief.

C. Unbelief

If someone boldly says there is no God, a Christian should ask what exactly is meant by that and what proof supports that conclusion.

That both shifts the burden of proof and helps reveal where the discussion needs to begin.

XVI. Opening Doors With Simple Questions

A. Natural Opportunities

It was also pointed out that simple questions may open doors naturally.

For example, a Christian might mention beginning a Bible reading program on January 1.

That may lead to asking someone:a. Do you read the Bible?b. How often do you read?

Those kinds of questions may open doors of opportunity in a very natural way.

XVII. Choose the Right Time in the Workplace

A. Remember You Are Being Paid to Work

A very practical point was made about workplace evangelism.

A Christian must remember that in the workplace he is being paid to do a job.

The employer does not expect him to neglect his duties in order to sit down and talk religion during work time.

B. Use Wisdom

There may be opportunities while traveling together, eating lunch, or during appropriate moments in the workday.

But the Christian must still be a good employee.

If one gets fired for not doing his work, then he loses the opportunity to influence and teach others there.

So workplace evangelism must be handled with wisdom.

XVIII. Questions Help Lead People to Truth

A. Drawing Out What They Already Know

Sometimes questions are effective because they help people recall what they already know.

This can be useful with those who were raised in the church or with those who have fallen away.

Instead of merely telling them what the truth is, questions may help draw them to that conclusion.

B. Example of Teaching by Questions

Reference was made to a study method that begins with simple questions.

For example:a. Is all worship acceptable to God?b. From Cain and Abel, the answer is no.

Then one may ask what belongs on the Lord’s table.

Then ask whether it would be right to place something else there.

The point is that these questions help establish principles, such as Bible authority, so that later issues can be understood more clearly.

C. Why This Helps

This can be more effective than simply saying, “That’s wrong.”

It helps the person reason through the truth himself.

XIX. The “Have You Considered?” Approach

A. Questions Must Eventually Lead to Teaching

There comes a point where questions have done their work and the Christian must move forward into actual teaching.

B. A Helpful Transition

One suggested approach is to say:a. “Have you considered...?”

Have you considered what the Bible says in this passage?

Have you considered this evidence?

C. Why This Is Effective

That approach may be more effective than bluntly saying, “That’s wrong.”

It gives the person room to think and come to a conclusion.

It encourages genuine conviction rather than mere outward pressure.

D. The Goal Is Genuine Conversion

A warning was given that the goal is not to trick people into being baptized.

Some may boast of clever methods to get people into the water.

But that is not the true goal.

The goal is real conversion based on understanding and conviction.

Otherwise, one may be baptized and then disappear, showing no true change.

XX. Rejoicing When Souls Obey the Gospel

A. Introduction to the Next Lesson

The closing part of the class began introducing the next lesson.

The Ethiopian eunuch was mentioned.

When he was baptized, he went on his way rejoicing.

Luke 15 was also referenced:a. When the lost sheep was found, there was rejoicing.b. When the lost coin was found, there was rejoicing.c. When the prodigal son returned, there was rejoicing.

The angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents.

John 4:34–38 was also mentioned:a. He who sows and he who reaps rejoice together.

B. Christians Must Take Time to Rejoice

The point made was that Christians should take time to rejoice when one is saved by the blood of Christ.

It can be easy to see someone baptized and not really be moved by it.

That ought not to be the case.

C. Warning Against Indifference

It was said to be troubling when, in some situations, someone comes forward to be baptized and people choose to leave rather than stay.

The issue was not emergency situations or unavoidable circumstances.

The issue was an indifferent attitude that says:a. “I’ve got somewhere else I want to be.”

If that is the attitude, it suggests that the person does not really appreciate what is taking place when a soul obeys the gospel.

D. The Father of the Prodigal Son

Luke 15 was again used to illustrate the right attitude.

When the lost son returned, the father rejoiced.

He killed the fatted calf and made merry because the son was lost and is found.

That should be the attitude of God’s people when someone obeys the gospel.

XXI. Conclusion

A. Sharing the Gospel at Work Begins With Character

The class emphasized that sharing the gospel at work begins with being salt and light.

It begins with living the Christian life before others.

B. Sharing the Gospel at Work Requires Wisdom

Christians are sheep among wolves.

Therefore they must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

They must choose the right words and the right time.

C. Questions Are Powerful Tools

Questions help us understand others.

Questions make people think.

Questions help gather information and open doors.

Questions were used effectively by Jesus and can be used effectively by Christians.

D. The Goal Is Genuine Conversion

The aim is not pressure, trickery, or shallow responses.

The aim is to lead people honestly and carefully to the truth of the gospel.

E. Souls Saved Should Lead to Rejoicing

When someone obeys the gospel, the people of God should rejoice.

The lost has been found.

A soul has been saved.

That is always cause for joy.