Embracing the Privilege of Evangelism
Summary
Evangelism is not a burden to be feared, but a privilege and calling for every follower of Jesus. In a world filled with uncertainty, pain, and spiritual confusion, God calls His people to be both salt and light—preserving what is good, illuminating what is true, and bringing hope to those who are lost. The reality is that many believers struggle with sharing their faith, often due to fear of rejection, feelings of inadequacy, or simply not knowing what to say. Yet, the need for the gospel remains as urgent as ever, with people all around us searching for meaning, hope, and truth.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 remind us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves, creates thirst, adds flavor, and heals. In the same way, our lives are meant to preserve God’s truth, stir up a longing for Christ in others, bring the flavor of God’s goodness into a tasteless world, and offer healing to the broken. Light, on the other hand, helps us see, reveals what is lost, and illuminates truth. When we walk in the light of Christ, we not only find our own way but also help others find theirs. Our faithfulness, even if it never makes headlines, can be the very thing that leads someone else to life.
Evangelism is simply sharing the good news of Jesus with the goal of leading others to faith in Him. It’s not about having all the answers or never being afraid; it’s about loving people enough to point them to the One who can save and transform them. This is why the “Prayer Dare Share” challenge is so important: praying daily for those who are lost, daring to invite them into Christian community, and sharing the gospel whenever the opportunity arises. God has entrusted us with this mission, and it is a privilege to participate in His work of changing lives for eternity. So, let’s be salty and stay lit—living lives that reflect Christ and invite others to know Him.
Key Takeaways
- Evangelism is a privilege, not a pressure. God invites us to participate in His mission of reaching people, not because He needs us, but because He loves us and wants us to experience the joy of seeing lives transformed. When we see evangelism as a privilege, our motivation shifts from obligation to gratitude and love. This perspective frees us from fear and empowers us to step out in faith. [34:45]
- Being salt and light is about presence and influence, not perfection. Jesus calls us to preserve what is good and illuminate what is true, even as we acknowledge our own imperfections. Our authenticity—how we handle failure, pain, and questions—often speaks louder than our words. God uses ordinary, imperfect people to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others. [16:58]
- The light of Christ in us reveals what is lost and guides others home. Just as physical light exposes what is hidden and helps us find what’s missing, spiritual light enables us to see the needs around us and respond with compassion. When we are attentive to God’s leading, He will direct us to those who are searching for hope, and our willingness to engage can be the turning point in someone’s spiritual journey. [19:28]
- Living a “no doubt” lifestyle creates spiritual thirst in others. When our lives reflect the joy, peace, and hope of Christ, people notice the difference. This distinctiveness is not about being loud or flashy, but about consistently living out our faith in everyday moments. Our actions and attitudes can stir up a longing in others to know the source of our hope, opening doors for meaningful conversations about Jesus. [26:04]
- Prayer is the foundation of effective evangelism. Before we speak to people about God, we must speak to God about people. Praying specifically and persistently for those who are far from Christ softens our hearts, aligns us with God’s purposes, and prepares the way for gospel conversations. When we combine prayer with bold invitations and faithful sharing, we can trust God for the results and rejoice in the lives He changes. [33:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Spring Break, Easter, and Church Family Updates
[02:51] - Praying for Amanda and Pastor Steve
[04:28] - Why Evangelism Feels Difficult
[09:37] - The Need for Evangelism Today
[12:26] - The Great Commission: Our Calling
[14:00] - Salt and Light: Jesus’ Metaphors
[16:58] - Light Helps Us See and Navigate Life
[17:41] - Light Reveals What Is Lost
[19:28] - Light Illuminates Truth and Guides Others
[20:26] - Living as a Source of Truth
[22:00] - Salt Preserves: Holding Back Decay
[24:32] - Salt Creates Thirst for God
[26:04] - Salt Adds Flavor: Living a Distinctive Life
[28:37] - Salt Heals: Bringing Hope to the Broken
[33:26] - The Prayer Dare Share Challenge
[34:45] - The Privilege of Evangelism
[38:06] - Invitation to Receive Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Be Salty, Stay Lit – The Privilege of Evangelism"
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 5, what are the main purposes of being “salt” and “light” in the world?
2. What are some of the reasons the pastor gave for why believers often struggle with evangelism? [04:28]
3. What are some of the practical effects of light and salt that the sermon described? (For example, what does salt do? What does light do?) [16:58]
4. How did the pastor define evangelism in this sermon? [09:37]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose the metaphors of salt and light to describe His followers? What do these images communicate about our role in the world? [14:00]
2. The pastor said, “Evangelism is a privilege, not a pressure.” How does seeing evangelism as a privilege change someone’s motivation or attitude? [34:45]
3. The sermon mentioned that “our authenticity—how we handle failure, pain, and questions—often speaks louder than our words.” Why might authenticity be so important in sharing our faith? [16:58]
4. The “Prayer Dare Share” challenge was introduced as a way to engage in evangelism. What is the significance of starting with prayer before moving to invitation and sharing? [33:26]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared that many believers feel unqualified or afraid to share their faith. What is one specific fear or obstacle that holds you back from evangelism? How could you take a small step to overcome it this week? [04:28]
2. Jesus calls us to be “salt” by preserving what is good and creating spiritual thirst. Can you think of a recent situation where your actions or words made someone curious about your faith? If not, what is one way you could “add flavor” to your environment this week? [26:04]
3. The sermon talked about living a “no doubt” lifestyle that reflects Christ. What is one area of your life where you could be more intentional about letting your light shine? [20:26]
4. The “Prayer Dare Share” challenge starts with praying daily for people who don’t know Jesus. Who is one person you can commit to pray for by name this week? How will you remind yourself to pray for them? [33:26]
5. The pastor encouraged us to “dare” someone to join us at church, not just invite them once. Who could you invite (or “dare”) to come with you to church or a small group gathering? What would it look like to lovingly persist if they say no at first? [33:26]
6. The sermon said, “Our faithfulness, even if it never makes headlines, can be the very thing that leads someone else to life.” Is there someone in your life who has quietly influenced your faith? How could you thank or encourage them this week? [20:26]
7. The pastor reminded us that evangelism is not about having all the answers, but about loving people enough to point them to Jesus. How can you show that kind of love to someone in your life this week, even if you feel unprepared to answer every question? [09:37]
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Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help you see evangelism as a privilege, to give you courage to be salt and light, and to open doors for gospel conversations this week. Pray specifically for the people you named in your discussion.
Devotional
Day 1: Called to Be Salt and Light in the World
Jesus calls every believer to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, meaning our lives are meant to make a visible difference in our surroundings. Just as salt preserves and flavors and light dispels darkness, we are to live in such a way that others see the hope, truth, and love of Christ through us. This is not about perfection, but about living a “no doubt” lifestyle that reflects Christ’s presence, so that when people look at us, they notice something different and are drawn to the source of our hope. Our actions, words, and attitudes should point others to God, making them curious about the faith that shapes our lives. [12:26]
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: In what specific way can you let your light shine or add “flavor” to your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week so that others notice Christ in you?
Day 2: The Great Commission—Our Mission to Go and Tell
Jesus gives every Christian the clear command to go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching them in His name, with the promise that He is always with us. This is not a suggestion but a commission, a calling to actively share the good news of Jesus with those around us. Evangelism is not reserved for a select few; it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer. We are not alone in this mission—Jesus Himself promises to be with us, empowering us to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate or afraid. [12:26]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: Who is one person God is putting on your heart to reach out to this week, and what is one step you can take to begin a spiritual conversation with them?
Day 3: The Power of Light—Guiding, Revealing, and Illuminating Truth
Light is essential for seeing clearly, finding what is lost, and revealing what is true. In the same way, the light of Christ in us helps us navigate life’s challenges, guides us to those who are hurting or searching, and allows us to reflect God’s truth to a world in darkness. When we walk in the light, our lives become a beacon for others—sometimes drawing them to ask questions or seek help when their own world grows dark. Our faithfulness, even in small things, can be the very thing God uses to lead someone else to hope and salvation. [20:26]
John 3:21 (ESV)
“But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Reflection: When was the last time someone came to you for advice or help because they saw something different in you? How can you be more intentional about reflecting Christ’s light to those around you today?
Day 4: Living Salty—Creating Thirst and Preserving What Matters
As salt, we are called to preserve what is eternal—God’s Word and people—and to create a thirst in others for the living water that only Jesus can provide. Our lives should make others curious about the hope and joy we have, causing them to “thirst” for what we possess. Just as salt makes us crave water, our words and actions should point people to the source of true satisfaction. We are also called to help preserve truth and hope in a world that is often spiritually decaying, standing firm in our faith and pointing others to the Savior who can heal and restore. [26:04]
Psalm 42:1 (ESV)
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”
Reflection: What is one way you can live today that would make someone else “thirsty” for the hope and peace you have in Christ?
Day 5: The Prayer Dare Share Challenge—Partnering with God in Evangelism
God invites us to join Him in the incredible privilege of reaching others for Christ through prayer, bold invitations, and sharing the gospel. The “Prayer Dare Share” challenge is a practical way to live out evangelism: pray daily for those who don’t know Jesus, dare to invite them to church or a spiritual conversation, and be ready to share your story or God’s story when the opportunity arises. Trust God for the results, knowing that He is the one who changes hearts. Rejoice in the privilege of being part of someone’s journey to faith, and never underestimate the impact of your prayers and persistence. [34:45]
Romans 10:13 (ESV)
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Reflection: Who is one person you can commit to pray for by name every day this week, and how can you take a step to invite or share with them before Sunday?
Quotes
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