Evangelism

Intro

We desire to exercise ourselves to become godly (1 Tim 4:7-8)

Each of these disciplines or exercises build on each other

Train ourselves in the exercise of evangelism

DISCUSSION

We are expected to evangelize

Ought to be teachers (Heb 5:12); ought—under obligation

Commanded Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15; 2 Tim 2:2

We are to declare the praises of Him who called us (1 Pet 2:9)

What is evangelism?

εὐαγγελίζω: to proclaim good news, announce good tidings Lk 2:10

Work of the NT church (Acts 8:4)

Many ways to contribute to evangelism—teaching, financial support, connecting prospects with one who can teach, praying for evangelistic efforts—none should be used in isolation; basketball player can’t have only one skill; develop in all areas of the game; so too with personal evangelism

Hindrances to Evangelism

Lack of knowledge

Brand new Christian may lack biblical knowledge but knows what he did to be saved (G.P.S. here)

The seasoned Christian ought to know (Heb 5:12)

Not a person who knows enough but we can know enough to teach the lost—I don’t know is a great and honest answer.

Fear of failure

“I’ll say the wrong thing” or “I’ll not be able to convince them to be baptized”

Tendency to avoid things we believe we will fail at

Power in the Word not in us—our ability to say the right thing (Rom 1:16; Is 55:10-11)

Edison and Babe Ruth accomplished greatness because they failed to fear failure.

Pray for boldness, confidence (Acts 4:29)

do it scared (1 Cor 2:2-5)

Bushel over our lights (Mt 5:14-16)

2 Cor 4:3 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:”

World will not see a difference in us if we are in sin

We will not see the world’s darkness if we are in the dark ourselves

2 Cor 2:14-16 what kind of fragrance does our Christianity put off? do people see an attractive, joy in us? has something robbed your “happy”?

Motivations to Evangelize

I like to know the reasoning behind a particular exercise—planks will improve your core, help avoid back pain

Sharing the Gospel is following Jesus (Mt 4:19)

To be Christian, Christ-like, need to actually do the things He did.

He talked to people about their souls; so should we

The terror of the Lord (2 Cor 5:10-11)

The Love of Christ (2 Cor 5:14-15)

The evidence compels us (Acts 4:20; Amos 3:8)

the grace of God (Eph 3:8)

Discipline to Evangelize

Spontaneous evangelism happens but it's sporadic

Plan for when those moments arise

Have a card or track with you or in your car

Time

If we don’t have time to evangelize, what are we doing?

80/20 training emphasizes doing most training at low intensities; only 20% at high intensity; most recreational athletes train too hard and either get hurt or burn out before seeing any progress

Tendency to do this in evangelism—make a big push, door-knocking campaign with Gospel meeting; new program at church—quickly momentum dissipates; back to little to no evangelism

The tortoise won the race. Focus on small things we can do on a consistent basis (Zech 4:10)?

Ways to train your evangelism muscles

Take one track home today. Read it and give it to someone you think could use it—even if it is a member of the church

Leave a track or invitation to services for the waiter at a restaurant along with your tip (but tip well)

WBS courses/correspondence courses

Talk to someone—ask them how you can pray for them

EXHORTATION

Training ourselves for godliness means engaging in the exercise of evangelism

Evangelism is expected…will you obey the Commission?

Do you believe God can help you overcome the things that hinder you from evangelism?

Will you plan to evangelize?

Lk 19:10—evangelism is the most Christ-like thing you can do. Will you be like Christ?

He came to save sinners…is there anyone here that needs saving?