Who's Your One? Wk3

The Importance of One

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INTRODUCTION:

We’re prone to think of “one” as small and insignificant. Who wants just one cookie? What is the value of only one dollar? But the Bible consistently speaks of one: one pearl of great price, one lost sheep, one wayward son.

Disciples of Jesus often overlook the value of one. One invitation to church, one message of hope, one neighbor, one coworker, one friend. Can you name one person who has come to Christ through your invite and witness?

The gospel makes this all possible. It’s “the power of God for salvation” (). Paul, in the same passage, said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.”

MAIN TEXT:

John 1:45–46 ESV

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!” (, , CSB)

Matthew 13:45–46 ESV

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it (, CSB).

PASSAGE OUTLINE:

I. COMMIT TO BEING AN INTENTIONAL WITNESS.

This will require intentionality on your part. It will not just happen. It will require accountability for you to stick to your commitment. You will need to have partners who join you in the mission. You will also need maturity as a disciple maker in order to persevere in the mission and point others to the life-transforming hope of the gospel. Those who accept Christ’s identity will also embrace this important mission—sharing Jesus with others.

II. GO AND TELL.

1. Each disciple, Christ-follower (church member) invites one unchurched (unsaved) person to breakfast, lunch or dinner this year. Share your testimony, and tell the gospel story.

2. Invite one family in your neighborhood to your home. Choose one of your family members to tell his/her story of coming to Christ.

3. Invite one unchurched (unsaved) person to attend church with you. Andrew invited Peter to come meet Jesus.

CHALLENGE:

• Each one, bring one.

2 Corinthians 3:2–3 ESV

You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2 CorinthiansYou yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts (, CSB).

III. RECOGNIZE AND REPENT OF EXCUSES.

1. SPIRITUAL LETHARGY

This takes place when we fail to obey. A lack of growth inevitably leads to a diminished desire to share Christ with others.

2. GROWING INCLUSIVENESS

“All religions lead to God” is a prevailing opinion. Sometimes this view affirms Jesus is not the only way to salvation, but He can be found in other “good religions.” It’s a subtle belief that somehow “good” followers will make it to heaven outside of true Christian conversion.

3. DISBELIEF IN HELL

This undermines the urgency of placing one’s faith in Christ alone. One must escape the wrath of God, and Jesus is the only refuge.

4. BUSYNESS

The unchurched need us to tell them about Jesus. This needs to be on our to-do list. What priority do you give to reaching the lost?

5. FEAR OF REJECTION

Research shows that only one in four unchurched persons will be resistant to faith discussions; 75 percent

are open. The few with an antagonistic attitude are not rejecting you personally; their anger is merely a reflection of something in their past.

6. A DESIRE TO BE TOLERANT

The gospel is, in some sense, intolerant. The one true God insists there can be no other gods. He is a jealous God. The Christian message speaks of a “narrow way” and “no other name under heaven” and “I am the way…”

7. LOSING THE HABIT OF WITNESSING

For many reasons, you may have quit witnessing. Witnessing is a discipline. It can be regained!

8. LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY

When you have someone holding you accountable, it can increase your zeal for witnessing.

9. FAILURE TO INVITE

When was the last time you invited an unchurched person to church? Have you offered to take someone to church or meet them? It’s such a simple gesture that can have a significant outcome.

10. CHURCH NOT INTENT ON REACHING THE LOST.

It is said it takes 85 church members to reach an unsaved person. What a terrible ratio. Churches must regain their passion for the lost.

CONCLUSION:

1. Will you be intentional?

2. Will you be accountable?

3. Will you be mature as a disciple maker?

Will you be obedient enough to speak to just one?

Pray for just one?

Who’s Your One?