Perfect Example of Intentional Evangelism
Perfect Example of Intentional Evangelism
John 4:1-26
Introduction: Please turn to John 4:1-26…
There are times, as I study to preach to you that the Lord preaches to me. As I attempt to address certain subjects or passages, God will show me that I need some improvement in the area myself…This sermon is one of those times.
Fishing illustration—My buddy Woody and I used to fish. One summer, in High School, we fished almost everyday for 2 months. During that summer we learned something, there was this rock in one corner of the lack and, if you were able to cast underneath it, you could catch a fish almost every time. It was almost too easy. As easy as it was, the fish didn’t just jump into our boat. We had to make the attempt to catch them….
Evangelism is like fishing, to catch fish we must intentionally fish for them…they’re not going to just jump in our boat…We must make up our minds that we are going to intentionally share Christ with someone…
That’s the example that Jesus gives us in the passage that we are going to look at tonight…
John 4:1-26
Jesus intentionally encountered this woman.
o Intentional means “done with purpose” or “to consciously decide to do something”.
This woman met the messiah because He chose to encounter her. He made the conscience decision to speak to her and tell her about the “Living Water”.
We as Christians must be more intentional in our evangelism.
How should we intentionally encounter lost people?
There are at least 4 principles that we can see in Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman…
1. Don’t hesitate to cross social, cultural, and economic boundaries
Let’s look at Jesus’ example:
3 social boundaries that Jesus crossed -
- She was a Samaritan (explain)
- She was a woman
- She was an “sinner” (explain)
There are two types of people: saved and unsaved! The gospel knows no boundaries.
Illustration—I had a friend in High School named Scott. Scott and I were on different ends of the spectrum. (describe Scott: wore baggy clothes…a lot of black… big afro…piercing…)
We were able to be friends because of mutual respect and understanding. We accepted our differences and got past them.
There is a balance that we must find…the balance between isolation and assimilation. We ought to be in the world, but not of the world.
2. Be gracious
To be gracious is simply to show a person love and concern regardless of who they are or what they’ve done.
Jesus’ example…
What goes through your mind when you encounter…
a. …a mother whose never been a wife?
b. …a homeless person whose obviously drunk?
c. …a young adult with piercing and tattoos?
d. …a teenager with an ungodly message on his t-shirt?
e. …a girl whose skirt is a little too short?
Do you have love for them? Do you show them grace? Jesus did.
He never excused sin, but he didn’t allow it to hinder his relationships either.
This is the opposite of what the religious leaders did. Their attitude is the one that Jesus was teaching against in Matthew 7:1-5 when he said…“Judge not, that you be not judged.”
There is a balance between being permissive and being harsh & unloving.
Important principle—It is necessary for us to differentiate between lost and saved, good and bad, clean and unclean, BUT it is not necessary for us to be hatful and condemning. Show Grace!
3. Initiate the conversation
Jesus’ example…
How are we going to share the gospel if we don’t initiate the conversation?
Quick Tips: Start by introducing yourself…quickly find something in common with the person...try and meet a need they have…
This is going to take courage… (I still get scared: Mexican…Hospital visit)
4. Know your message*
Jesus was confident when he approached this woman because he knew the message he wanted to share.
If we are going to get serious about evangelism, we must learn to articulate the gospel!!
What if we took a test right now?!
There are many gospel presentations that you can learn and use…
¨ LIFE outline
¨ Roman Road
¨ Gospel tracts
¨ Evange-cube
Regardless of what outline or device you use, BE READY!!
Conclusion: Romans 3:23-25—
Non-Christian—Listen to me. For this is the message that brings life.
Christian—Listen to me. For this is the message that you are to preach.
(23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(24) and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood,
to be received by faith.
Invitation to come to Christ…