Embracing Our Divine Calling to Evangelism
Summary
In our journey through Ephesians 4, we have uncovered the profound truth that each one of us has been called by God. This calling is not a mere suggestion; it is a divine summons to live a life that reflects the purpose and intentionality with which God has crafted us. As we delve into the depths of this scripture, we recognize that our calling is accompanied by gifts, specifically mentioned in verses 11 and 12, which include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts are not for our glory but for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.
The gift of evangelism, which we focus on today, is not confined to the few with a public platform or a particular eloquence. It is a gift that God has distributed generously among His people, and it is a gift that can manifest in the most ordinary of circumstances. Evangelism is not about a title or a position; it is about a burden to reach those who do not yet know the love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.
The essence of evangelism is sharing the good news, and this good news is the antidote to the bad news of our sin-stained condition. Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, died on the cross, and rose again, proving His authority over sin and death. This is the message we are called to share, and it is a message that brings hope, reconciliation, and purpose.
As we consider the gift of evangelism, we must also recognize that it is not the sole responsibility of the evangelist to share the gospel. Every believer is called to be a witness. However, those with the gift of evangelism have a unique passion and ability to recognize God-ordained moments, adapt the message to the listener, and creatively communicate the love of Christ in a way that resonates with the individual's experience.
Key Takeaways:
1. The calling of God upon our lives is not a passive concept but an active, purposeful directive that we must embrace with our whole being. This calling is not limited to a select few but extends to every believer, affirming that we all have a divine purpose in the Kingdom of God. [49:33]
2. The gifts given by Christ to the church, including evangelism, are not for personal aggrandizement but for the edification of the body and the advancement of the Kingdom. When we exercise our gifts, we contribute to a mature, vibrant community of faith that reflects the fullness of Christ. [50:14]
3. Evangelism is not confined to the methods of the past or the styles of well-known evangelists. It is a personal calling that can be lived out in everyday interactions, where our unique personalities and experiences become the conduit for sharing the transformative power of the gospel. [50:56]
4. The gift of evangelism is not about having all the answers or presenting a polished argument. It is about being present, listening, and sharing from our own journey with Christ. Authenticity in sharing our struggles and how God has met us in them can open doors to deeper spiritual conversations. [51:35]
5. We must rely on the Holy Spirit in our efforts to share the gospel. It is not by our strength or eloquence that hearts are changed, but by the Spirit's power. As we seek His guidance daily, we will be equipped and emboldened to share the hope we have in Christ. [52:08]
In conclusion, the gift of evangelism is a treasure that we hold in earthen vessels. It is a gift that, when exercised in the power of the Holy Spirit, can change lives, transform communities, and bring glory to God. Let us, therefore, embrace our calling, develop our gifts, and share the good news with boldness and love.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:1-13
2. 1 Timothy 2:3-6
3. Acts 1:8
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:1, what does Paul urge believers to do? How does this relate to the concept of calling mentioned in the sermon? [33:01]
2. What are the specific gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, and what is their purpose according to verse 12? [35:06]
3. In 1 Timothy 2:3-6, what does Paul say about God's desire for humanity? How does this align with the message of evangelism discussed in the sermon? [43:01]
4. How does Acts 1:8 describe the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism? Why is this significant for believers? [56:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to live a life "worthy of your calling" as described in Ephesians 4:1? How can this be practically applied in daily life? [33:01]
2. How do the gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 contribute to the edification of the church? Why is it important for these gifts to be exercised within the community? [35:06]
3. In what ways does the message in 1 Timothy 2:3-6 challenge or encourage believers to engage in evangelism? How does this passage shape our understanding of God's heart for the lost? [43:01]
4. How can believers rely on the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 1:8, to effectively share the gospel? What are some practical steps to seek the Spirit's guidance in evangelism? [56:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How are you currently living out your calling as described in Ephesians 4:1? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this calling? [33:01]
2. Think about the gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. Which of these gifts do you feel you might have, and how can you begin to develop and use this gift for the edification of the church? [35:06]
3. The sermon emphasized that evangelism is not just for those with a public platform. How can you incorporate evangelism into your everyday interactions? Can you think of a recent opportunity where you could have shared the gospel? [40:06]
4. The concept of adapting the gospel message to the listener was highlighted in the sermon. How can you adapt your approach to sharing the gospel based on the unique needs and experiences of those you interact with? [50:00]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of authenticity in sharing our struggles and how God has met us in them. Can you think of a personal story where God has worked in your life that you could share with someone who is struggling? [54:02]
6. How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life to recognize God-ordained moments for evangelism? What specific prayer or practice can you incorporate to be more attuned to the Spirit's leading? [56:15]
7. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What specific steps can you take this week to build a relationship with them and share the hope and love of Christ? [40:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Purpose
God's calling on our lives is an active, purposeful directive that we must embrace with our whole being. This calling is not limited to a select few but extends to every believer, affirming that we all have a divine purpose in the Kingdom of God. Understanding this calling is the first step in recognizing the unique role each person plays in the grand narrative of God's plan. It is not a passive waiting for direction but an active pursuit of the passions and opportunities God places before us. This divine purpose is not just about what we do but also about who we are becoming in Christ. It is a journey of transformation, where our character is molded to reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. As we step into our calling, we find that our lives become a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, drawing others to the hope we have found.
"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches." (1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV)
Reflection: What specific aspect of your life right now might God be using to shape you for your divine purpose? [49:33]
Day 2: Gifts for Edification, Not Aggrandizement
The gifts given by Christ to the church, including evangelism, are not for personal aggrandizement but for the edification of the body and the advancement of the Kingdom. When we exercise our gifts, we contribute to a mature, vibrant community of faith that reflects the fullness of Christ. These gifts are a means through which we can serve one another and build each other up in love. They are not badges of honor or status but tools for ministry, designed to help the church grow in unity and faith. As each person contributes their God-given abilities, the church becomes a beautiful tapestry of grace, where every thread is essential and valued. This perspective shifts the focus from self to service, from individual achievement to collective growth, and from personal success to the flourishing of the entire community.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to serve someone in your community this week? [50:14]
Day 3: Everyday Evangelism
Evangelism is not confined to the methods of the past or the styles of well-known evangelists. It is a personal calling that can be lived out in everyday interactions, where our unique personalities and experiences become the conduit for sharing the transformative power of the gospel. This means that the good news of Jesus Christ can be shared in the workplace, at the grocery store, or even within our own families. It is not about having a grand stage but about being faithful in the small moments, recognizing that every conversation is an opportunity to reflect Christ's love. By being intentional and authentic in our relationships, we can demonstrate the gospel in action, showing others the difference Christ makes in our lives.
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your daily life could benefit from hearing your personal testimony of faith? [50:56]
Day 4: Authenticity in Sharing Our Journey
The gift of evangelism is not about having all the answers or presenting a polished argument. It is about being present, listening, and sharing from our own journey with Christ. Authenticity in sharing our struggles and how God has met us in them can open doors to deeper spiritual conversations. People are often more impacted by our vulnerability and the reality of our faith journey than by flawless rhetoric. This approach allows us to connect on a human level, showing that Christianity is not about perfection but about a perfect Savior who meets us in our imperfection. By sharing our stories, we invite others to see the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.
"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV)
Reflection: Can you think of a recent struggle where you experienced God's presence, and how might you share this experience with someone as an encouragement? [51:35]
Day 5: Relying on the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
We must rely on the Holy Spirit in our efforts to share the gospel. It is not by our strength or eloquence that hearts are changed, but by the Spirit's power. As we seek His guidance daily, we will be equipped and emboldened to share the hope we have in Christ. This reliance on the Holy Spirit ensures that our evangelistic efforts are not driven by our own agenda but are aligned with God's will. It is the Spirit who opens hearts and minds, who convicts and comforts, and who ultimately draws people to Himself. Our role is to be faithful in sharing the message and to trust that the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
"And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:1-2 ESV)
Reflection: How can you more intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your conversations about faith today? [52:08]
Quotes
"God has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. To find your purpose, understand the gifts that God has given you." [34:43](Download | )
"Every single follower of Jesus is called to share this news. Every one of us. Turn to the person next to you and say, everybody." [47:17](Download | )
"Evangelists are burdened to reach people not following Jesus. They love sharing the gospel and equipping others to do so." [41:00](Download | )
"Those with the gift of evangelism understand the importance of adapting the message to the people they're talking to." [51:35](Download | )
"God may gift you with evangelism. That doesn't mean that you're fulfilling it, that you understand it, that you're exercising it, that it's fully developed." [41:50](Download | )
"Seek the Spirit. You can't do this in your own strength. You need the Holy Spirit." [56:08](Download | )
"When more and more people at Journey discover their gift and start stepping into this gift, we will consistently have people coming to know Jesus better." [58:02](Download | Download Cropped Video)
"Each one of these five gifts has a distinct viewpoint. But put together, they vividly show off God's glory." [37:03](Download | )
"An evangelist is someone who is uniquely gifted by God with a distinct viewpoint of evangelism." [47:17](Download | )
"Jesus is the giver of good and perfect gifts. His wisdom is way beyond our wisdom, and his thoughts are way beyond our thoughts." [36:11](Download | )
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