His Way, His Word, His Wisdom

03 - Tools to Sharing the Good News

Ascension Sunday, 16 May 2021 | Church on the Park | Glen Gerhauser

[See How to Walk in the Spirit Part III & The Way to a Relationship with God for 01 & 02 of this short series, Tools to Sharing the Good News]

Text: “…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense [answer, apologia] to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and dreverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame” (1 Pe 3:15–16).

Theme: God’s way, word and wisdom will empower you to share his good news effectively.

Intro: Peter encourages us to always be ready to answer those who ask us about the hope within us. He further clarifies that it is not just what we say but how we say it. In other words, there is a way to share the Good News, and that way is consistent with our Lord’s character. Our goal is not to win arguments but to win hearts. Today, we will learn the way to share our faith, the words that are central to the Gospel message and the wisdom we need as we enter into deeper conversations with people.

1 - His Way (2 Kings 4:1-7; 1 Peter 3:15-16).

First, before we dive into 1 Peter 3:15-16, I want us to learn from the widow with the jar of oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). God’s way is that the miracle of multiplication only happens when you give what you have.

Don’t think how little you have, but rather how much you have. The widow had a little oil––that’s oil.

But she chose to believe God’s word to her. It’s only when she poured out what little she had that the oil began to multiply. You also have been anointed. You have the oil of God’s Spirit.

You have been specifically anointed for a purpose: to share the Good News (Isa. 61:1-4). As you give what you have received, the anointing will flow and multiply. The critical thing you need to look for is empty vessels.

An empty vessel is someone who is hungry, open and thirsty. In other words, they are ready to receive.

Some are not ready to receive.

For those not ready, we may sow a few seeds and move on. But there are others you are going to pour into, and you need to look for them.

Who are they?

If you don’t give what you receive, you will lose it.

God gives seed to the sower, not to the hoarder.

Miracles happen when you do God’s will––not just merely know about God’s will.

It’s in the doing––it’s in the pouring––it’s in the giving that God’s causes his Kingdom to spread and looks after you as well.

This leads us to the question: In what way do we give? In what way do we sow the Good News into others? (1 Peter 3:15-16).

1) With gentleness (that is, meekness)

2) With reverence (that is, with honour and respect)

In the fear of the Lord but also with a deep respect for the person you are speaking to because they are God’s creation. We respect non-believers; we don’t disrespect them and speak in insulting and hostile ways.

Please watch that you are not insulting people of other faiths or ways of thinking.

The Word of God may offend, but don’t be offensive in your way. Always be sensitive and at the same time standing on the side of God’s Word.

3) With a good conscience

Why?

Because your life itself is your greatest answer to what you believe. We need to embody the Good News. And if you sin, humble yourself quickly and look to the blood of Jesus to cleanse your guilty conscience. It’s our actions that are the biggest stumbling blocks for non-believers.

2) His Word (John 1:12-13).

The Way to a Relationship with God Infographic (be REAL)

1 - Jesus longs for you.

Realize Jesus longs for you

2 - Sin separates you.

Embrace the truth of God’s Word

3 - The cross reconnects you

Accept that Jesus dies to pay the penalty for your sins.

4 - Come to Jesus who loves you

Let Jesus draw you to him.

3) His Wisdom (Proverbs 11:23).

His the wisdom I have learned from many years of street witnessing and engaging people in conversation.

C - Christ-Centred

In your conversation, keeping coming back to Christ––who he is and what he has done and what he is doing.

It’s easy for the conversation and questions to drift off into religion, how bad the world is, and how hypocritical Christians are (John 4).

But remember, the Good News is all about Christ and him crucified.

H - Heart-Focused

Bring the conversation to the heart.

God wants to give them a new heart.

Watch that you don’t get stuck in reasoning and arguments.

People’s hearts need God.

The heart is broken and sinful and hurting.

Let the word you speak be directed to their hearts.

This is why it’s important to listen and ask questions.

R - Relational

Keep the message relational and focused on God who wants a relationship with them.

Get the conversation away from the abstract and theoretical and into the relationship God wants with them.

And be relational in your approach.

I - Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Let your words and actions be inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Be open to the gifts of the Spirit flowing through you.

God may prophetically reveal something to you that you can share with them.

This is what Jesus did with the woman at the well.

S - Share Scripture

Share Scriptures because God’s Word has power.

Faith comes by hearing, hearing God’s Word.

That’s why you want to know the Scripture well.

T - Turn to God & Your Testimony

Focus on turning people to God, the message of repentance in practical and simple language.

Also, it’s good to end by turning to God in prayer.

Pray God reveals himself to the person.

When someone is ready, lead them in a prayer of salvation. “Have mercy on me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

Always lead people from theory to turning to Jesus.

Last, Don’t forget to use your testimony.

Conclusion: Let’s try to put this into practice through a short workshop.