Empowered Evangelism: Overcoming Fear Through Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound journey of evangelism, focusing on overcoming fear and embracing our identity in Christ. We began by acknowledging the common fear associated with sharing our faith, whether it's fear of rejection, failure, or consequences. Despite these fears, we are reminded that we are new creations in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the ministry of reconciliation. This ministry is not just a task but a divine partnership with God, where we act as ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in this world.
We delved into the essence of evangelism through the story of Simon Peter in Luke 5. This narrative illustrates that evangelism is not about our techniques or eloquence but about the power of God working through us. Simon's experience of catching an overwhelming number of fish after a fruitless night of fishing serves as a metaphor for how God draws people to Himself. It's a humbling reminder that our role is to cast the net, but it's God's power that brings the harvest.
To overcome fear, we must first recognize our identity in Christ and rely on His strength rather than our own. Prayer and practice are essential in this journey. We discussed seven types of prayers that can aid in evangelism, including prayers for humility, a broken heart, being filled with the Holy Spirit, intercession, open doors for the gospel, and for God to draw people to us. These prayers align our hearts with God's and prepare us to step through fear with confidence.
Ultimately, the message is about embracing our role as ambassadors for Christ, trusting in His power, and stepping out in faith to share the gospel. It's a call to rely on God, knowing that He is the one who draws people to Himself, and to be faithful in our part of the ministry of reconciliation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity in Christ: As new creations, our identity is transformed, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the ministry of reconciliation. This transformation gives us a new purpose and the strength to overcome fear in sharing our faith. [10:13]
2. Divine Partnership: Evangelism is a partnership with God, where we act as ambassadors for Christ. Our role is to represent Jesus in this world, and it's His power that draws people to Himself, not our eloquence or techniques. [14:26]
3. The Power of God: The story of Simon Peter in Luke 5 illustrates that it's God's power that brings the harvest. Our responsibility is to cast the net, but it's God who draws the fish to the boat, reminding us to rely on His strength. [25:25]
4. Overcoming Fear: To step through fear, we must recognize our identity in Christ and rely on His power. Prayer and practice are essential tools in overcoming fear, aligning our hearts with God's and preparing us to share the gospel. [32:06]
5. Prayer in Evangelism: Seven types of prayers can aid in evangelism, including prayers for humility, a broken heart, being filled with the Holy Spirit, intercession, open doors for the gospel, and for God to draw people to us. These prayers prepare us to step out in faith. [36:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:25] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
[05:25] - Facing Fear in Evangelism
[08:00] - Our Identity in Christ
[10:13] - New Creation and Purpose
[12:34] - Ministry of Reconciliation
[14:26] - Ambassadors for Christ
[16:50] - Embracing Weakness
[20:35] - Evangelism Lesson from Luke 5
[23:21] - The Power of God in Evangelism
[25:25] - Techniques vs. God's Power
[27:33] - Testimony of God's Power
[29:48] - Realizing God's Presence
[32:06] - Humility and Reliance on God
[34:16] - Overcoming Fear with Prayer
[36:18] - Seven Prayers for Evangelism
[38:11] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:16-20
2. Luke 5:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ? How does this transformation impact our identity? [10:13]
2. According to the sermon, what is the role of an ambassador for Christ as described in 2 Corinthians 5:20? [14:26]
3. In the story of Simon Peter in Luke 5, what was the significant change that occurred when Jesus instructed him to cast the nets again? [23:21]
4. What are the seven types of prayers mentioned in the sermon that can aid in evangelism? [36:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our identity as a "new creation" in Christ help us overcome the fear of sharing our faith? [10:13]
2. What does it mean to be in a "divine partnership" with God in the ministry of reconciliation, and how does this affect our approach to evangelism? [12:34]
3. How does the story of Simon Peter in Luke 5 illustrate the concept that evangelism relies on God's power rather than our own techniques? [25:25]
4. Why is prayer considered an essential tool in overcoming fear and aligning our hearts with God's purpose in evangelism? [34:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own fears about sharing your faith. What specific fears do you face, and how can recognizing your identity in Christ help you overcome them? [05:25]
2. As an ambassador for Christ, what practical steps can you take this week to represent Jesus in your community or workplace? [14:26]
3. Think about a time when you relied on your own strength rather than God's power in a challenging situation. How can you shift your focus to rely more on God in future evangelistic efforts? [25:25]
4. Choose one of the seven types of prayers mentioned in the sermon. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine to prepare your heart for evangelism? [36:18]
5. Identify a person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific actions can you take to build a relationship with them and create opportunities to share the gospel? [14:26]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt weak or inadequate in sharing your faith. How can embracing this weakness allow God's strength to work through you? [16:50]
7. Consider the story of Nick from the sermon. How can his experience encourage you to step out in faith, even if you feel unprepared or anxious? [29:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
As believers, we are transformed into new creations in Christ, which empowers us to overcome fear and fulfill our divine purpose. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in our identity. We are no longer defined by our past or our fears but by the new life we have in Christ. This new identity equips us with the strength and courage to share our faith, knowing that we are backed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Embracing this identity means recognizing that our worth and purpose are rooted in Christ, enabling us to step out in faith and engage in the ministry of reconciliation with confidence. [10:13]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed your past fears or failures to define you? How can you embrace your new identity in Christ today to overcome these fears?
Day 2: Partnering with God in Evangelism
Evangelism is not a solo endeavor but a divine partnership with God. As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to represent Him in the world, relying on His power rather than our own abilities. This partnership means that while we are responsible for sharing the message, it is ultimately God who draws people to Himself. Our role is to be faithful in casting the net, trusting that God will bring the harvest. This understanding frees us from the pressure of relying on our eloquence or techniques and allows us to focus on being faithful representatives of Christ. [14:26]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your own abilities to God's power in your efforts to share the gospel? What steps can you take to become a more faithful ambassador for Christ?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Power for the Harvest
The story of Simon Peter in Luke 5 serves as a powerful reminder that it is God's power that brings the harvest. Our responsibility is to cast the net, but it is God who draws the fish to the boat. This narrative illustrates that evangelism is not about our techniques or eloquence but about the power of God working through us. By trusting in God's power, we can overcome the fear of failure and rejection, knowing that the outcome is in His hands. This trust allows us to step out in faith, confident that God will work through our efforts to draw people to Himself. [25:25]
John 6:44 (ESV): "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than trusting in God's power? How can you begin to trust God more fully in your evangelistic efforts?
Day 4: Overcoming Fear Through Prayer and Practice
To overcome fear in evangelism, we must recognize our identity in Christ and rely on His power. Prayer and practice are essential tools in this journey. By aligning our hearts with God's through prayer, we prepare ourselves to step through fear with confidence. Practicing sharing our faith helps us become more comfortable and effective in our efforts. By focusing on our identity in Christ and relying on His strength, we can overcome the fear of rejection, failure, or consequences and boldly share the gospel with others. [32:06]
Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV): "And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Reflection: What specific fears hold you back from sharing your faith? How can you incorporate prayer and practice into your daily routine to overcome these fears?
Day 5: The Role of Prayer in Evangelism
Prayer is a vital component of evangelism, aligning our hearts with God's and preparing us to step out in faith. There are seven types of prayers that can aid in evangelism, including prayers for humility, a broken heart, being filled with the Holy Spirit, intercession, open doors for the gospel, and for God to draw people to us. These prayers help us to rely on God's strength and guidance, ensuring that our efforts are in line with His will. By incorporating these prayers into our daily lives, we can become more effective and confident in sharing the gospel with others. [36:18]
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: Which of the seven types of prayers do you feel most drawn to incorporate into your evangelistic efforts? How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine to support your role as an ambassador for Christ?
Quotes
Talking about Jesus can be a very fearful thing. And as an evangelist who trains people to share their faith, I have found the main reason that people don't share the gospel is fear. We have fear of rejection and fear of failure, and in some instances, fear of consequences. [00:04:09] (37 seconds)
But we have this awesome power inside us by the Holy Spirit. So that God will get the glory and not us. Para que Dios reciba la So I want to explore three questions today in this talk. Así que quiero en esta charla. The first question is who are we in Christ? [00:06:51] (29 seconds)
When we come to faith in Jesus everything is new. Cuando venimos a fe en Cristo todo es hecho nuevo. Our sin record is washed away. And we are righteous before God by faith in Christ. We have a new life with a new power within us. [00:09:31] (27 seconds)
So God has a purpose for us and it's right there in that verse. Paul says all things are of God. And the purpose he has for the church, the reconciled ones, the new creations, is this. It's the ministry of reconciliation. And it says right there in that verse that he gave it to us. [00:10:58] (36 seconds)
Church, if we don't speak, they won't hear. And if they don't hear, they won't get saved. And our church will stay this size. But it's more than about the size of our church. This is about the salvation of lost people. If we don't speak, they won't hear. [00:14:10] (34 seconds)
What is an ambassador? An ambassador is someone who represents one ruler or a government to a foreign land. So who is the ruler that we're representing? We represent Jesus. And what is the foreign land? The foreign land is this world. We are representing Jesus to this world. [00:15:23] (42 seconds)
Because when you're weak, he can be strong. So let's look at how faith sharing really works to understand it's okay to be weak. So we'll look at the second question, which is how does evangelism really work? So for this question, I want you to open your Bibles to Luke chapter 5. [00:17:28] (37 seconds)
And then something happened which I call the aha moment in the life of anyone being trained to share their faith. Do you see it? ¿Lo puedes ver? All the fish come to the boat and Simon is humbled. Simon knows o lo lo lo that there's someone in the boat with him that's all -powerful. [00:22:47] (41 seconds)
It's the power of God that draws the fish to the boat. a la barca. And if you get nothing out of what I say except that one point, keep that point. Y si se olvidan It's the power of God that draws the fish to the boat. It's not our faith sharing techniques or how well we execute them. [00:25:05] (30 seconds)
The point is when we're humble that's when we rely upon him and not on ourselves. So the way that we step into our calling as an ambassador for Christ is to realize it's his power that saves and not ours. So now we've seen how evangelism really works. [00:32:26] (35 seconds)
The biggest thing you can do to overcome the fear is to pray and trust the Lord. Yeah, that's point six. Good. Okay. And prayer is often the thing we neglect in evangelism. I don't know about you, but my prayer times look like this. [00:33:52] (30 seconds)
The third type of prayer is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ask the Lord every day to fill you with the Holy Spirit. it's His power that draws the fish to the boat, we need that power. The fourth type of prayer is prayer of intercession. [00:36:10] (29 seconds)
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