SF286 - The Secret to Soulwinning (Acts 8)
ACTS 8:26‑40
INTRODUCTION
MINDING OUR BUSINESS
Commenting on Moody's method of dealing with unbelievers, Joseph B. Bowles says, "Going home one night, that well‑known soul winner put his hands on the shoulders of a man leaning against a lamppost and asked him if has was a Christian. The fellow raised his fists and angrily exclaimed, 'Mind your own business!' 'I'm sorry if I've offended you,' said Moody, 'but to be very frank, that IS my business!' Then he left quietly, knowing that little more could be done at the moment.
About 3 months later the evangelist was aroused from sleep one night by a knock at his door. 'Who's there?' he called. Not recognizing the voice that answered, he inquired, 'What do you want?' 'I want to become a Christian,' was the reply.
Opening the door, Moody was confronted by the one who had so bitterly resented his witnessing. He said he was sorry for the way he had acted, and that he had experienced no peace in his soul since their original encounter. Seizing the opportunity, Moody led him to Christ.
Later the man became a teacher in the North Market Sunday School, and proved to everyone the sincerity of his decision."
Three principles about soul winning
1A. God Picks the Preacher
Notice the kind of person God uses to share His gospel.
1B Philip was working, be working where you are. (8:12)
Ø God normally uses busy people.
Ø Philip was in the midst of a great revival.
Ø We listen to our commander more in the midst of the battle.
2B. Philip was willing, be willing to go wherever God would send you. (8:26-27a)
Some one has said God is not as concerned about our ability as He is our availability.
God uses clean vessels.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NASB) 20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Obedience is the proof of our love.
John 14:15 (NASB) 15“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
3B. Philip was watching, be watching for opportunities to share the gospel. (8:29)
Ø Philip was in tune with the Holy Spirit
Ø We need to be “soul-conscious”
Ø Expect God to use you.
2A. God Prepares the Prospect
1B. By his past experiences (8:27)
Ø His social background
Ø His religious background
He lived up to the light he had.
2B. By his present situation (8:28)
Ø Unfulfilled ‑ thirsty
Ø Searching
3A. God Performs the Process
1B. By the presence of His witness (8:29‑31)
Ø It is important to live your witness.
Ø It is equally important to share your witness.
2B. By the proclamation of His Word (8:32‑35)
Romans 10:12-17
Ø It must center on Scripture (8:30-34)
Ø It must center on Jesus Christ. (8:35)
3B. By the power of His Spirit (8:36-40)
Titus 3:4-7 (NASB) 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Application
Why Did You Not Come Sooner?
In October 1857, J. Hudson Taylor began to minister in Ningpo, China, and he led a Mr. Nyi to Christ. The man was overjoyed and wanted to share his faith with others.
"How long have you had the good tidings in England?" Mr. Nyi asked Hudson Taylor one day. Taylor acknowledged that England had known the Gospel for many centuries.
"My father died seeking the truth," said Mr. Nyi. "Why didn't you come sooner?"
Taylor had no answer to that penetrating question.
How Long Have You Known The Gospel?
How Far Have You Shared It Personally?
THE SECRET TO SOUL WINNING
ACTS 8:26‑40
1A. God ________________________ the Preacher
1B Philip was ___________________, be working where you are. (8:12)
2B. Philip was ____________________, be willing to go wherever God would send you. (8:26-27a)
Ø God uses _____________________ vessels.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NASB) 20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Ø Obedience is the proof of our love.
John 14:15 (NASB) 15“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
3B. Philip was __________________, be watching for opportunities to share the gospel. (8:29)
2A. God ________________________ the Prospect
1B. By his _________________ experiences (8:27)
2B. By his ___________________ situation (8:28)
3A. God __________________________ the Process
1B. By the ______________________ of His witness (8:29‑31)
2B. By the proclamation of His _________________ (8:32‑35)
Romans 10:12-17
Ø It must center on Scripture (8:30-34)
Ø It must center on Jesus Christ. (8:35)
3B. By the _____________ of His Spirit (8:36-40)
Titus 3:4-7 (NASB) 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.