Empowered to Share: The Call to Evangelism
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and welcome to Liberty! My name is Zach, and I am the campus pastor at Liberty in Smithfield. Today, we are continuing our series called "Follow Me," where we explore what it means to follow Jesus in the 21st century. This morning, we will focus on the discipline of evangelism, a crucial aspect of discipleship that Jesus emphasized from the very beginning.
Jesus called His first disciples with the words, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18-19). This mandate is not just for pastors or missionaries but for every believer. When you follow Jesus, you become a disciple, and being a disciple means becoming a disciple-maker. Sharing your faith is not a graduate-level task; it is foundational to following Jesus.
In the book "Share Jesus Without Fear," the author emphasizes that if new believers are discipled without the requirement of sharing their faith, they will lose their passion. Jesus often sent people back to their communities immediately after transforming their lives, urging them to share what He had done for them. This immediate sharing keeps the passion and zeal fresh.
We must understand that the power to share our faith comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). This power is not about our eloquence or social skills but about God's Spirit working through us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses, giving us the strength and wisdom to speak and opening people's hearts to the gospel.
Our message is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). The gospel is news that must be proclaimed. While our good works can beautify the message, they cannot replace it. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).
Living a life that reflects the gospel is crucial. Our morals and actions should align with our message. The world is watching to see if our lives match our words. Hypocrisy can be a significant stumbling block for non-believers. We must live with godly sincerity and authenticity, showing the world real peace, joy, and hope.
Evangelism starts at home and extends outward in concentric circles. Begin by sharing the good news with your immediate family, then your extended family, friends, coworkers, and finally, strangers. Remember, 90% of the people pastors interact with are already Christians. You have unique opportunities to reach people your pastors may never meet.
There are many methods for sharing the gospel, from personal testimonies to acts of kindness. The best method is the one you will use. Be prayerful and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, adapting your approach as needed. God can use any method to bring people to Him.
Finally, consider how your witness could be the answer to someone else's prayer. Somewhere, a parent, sibling, or friend is praying for a loved one to come to Christ. Your faithful witness could be the answer to that prayer. So, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Mandate of Evangelism: Jesus' call to "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" is a mandate for all believers, not just pastors or missionaries. Sharing your faith is foundational to discipleship and should be integrated into your life from the beginning. This immediate sharing keeps the passion and zeal fresh, preventing the misconception that evangelism is only for the "professionals." [41:12]
2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The power to share our faith comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be His witnesses. This power is not about our abilities but about God's Spirit working through us, giving us the strength and wisdom to speak and opening people's hearts to the gospel. [50:23]
3. The Necessity of the Gospel Message: Our message is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. While our good works can beautify the message, they cannot replace it. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Therefore, we must proclaim the gospel with our words, as it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. [54:04]
4. Living a Life that Reflects the Gospel: Our morals and actions should align with our message. The world is watching to see if our lives match our words. Hypocrisy can be a significant stumbling block for non-believers. We must live with godly sincerity and authenticity, showing the world real peace, joy, and hope. This authentic living can be a powerful testament to the truth of the gospel. [01:08:41]
5. The Role of Prayer and Adaptability in Evangelism: Be prayerful and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, adapting your approach as needed. God can use any method to bring people to Him. Consider how your witness could be the answer to someone else's prayer. Somewhere, a parent, sibling, or friend is praying for a loved one to come to Christ. Your faithful witness could be the answer to that prayer. [01:05:09]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [39:39] - Introduction and Series Overview
3. [41:12] - The Mandate of Evangelism
4. [46:10] - Evangelism Starts at Home
5. [49:12] - The Church as a Marina
6. [50:23] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
7. [51:54] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
8. [52:44] - The Power of the Gospel
9. [53:26] - The Necessity of Words
10. [54:04] - Faith Comes by Hearing
11. [55:31] - The Importance of Sharing Christ
12. [57:31] - Different Methods of Evangelism
13. [58:12] - Practical Tips for Evangelism
14. [59:14] - Motivated by Love
15. [01:03:09] - Sharing Your Testimony
16. [01:05:09] - The Role of Prayer and Adaptability
17. [01:06:08] - The Importance of Morals
18. [01:08:41] - Living a Life that Reflects the Gospel
19. [01:10:08] - Let Your Light Shine
20. [01:12:08] - Being a Light for Christ
21. [01:13:08] - The Power of Witnessing
22. [01:14:41] - The Day of Salvation
23. [01:15:47] - Who Are You Following?
24. [01:17:29] - Invitation to Respond
25. [01:19:33] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 4:18-19 (ESV) - "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'"
2. Acts 1:8 (ESV) - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
3. Romans 1:16 (ESV) - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus promise to make His disciples when He called them in Matthew 4:18-19?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will believers receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what will this enable them to do?
3. In Romans 1:16, what does Paul say about the gospel and its power?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the call to be "fishers of men" in Matthew 4:18-19 apply to modern-day believers? ([41:12])
2. What does it mean to receive power from the Holy Spirit, and how does this power manifest in the life of a believer? ([50:23])
3. Why is it important to proclaim the gospel with words, and not just through good works, according to Romans 1:16 and the sermon? ([54:04])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How can you start sharing your faith within your immediate family and close friends? ([46:10])
2. Have you ever felt inadequate to share your faith? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom in these moments? ([50:23])
3. Think about a time when you saw someone’s actions not align with their words. How did it affect your perception of their message? How can you ensure your life reflects the gospel authentically? ([01:08:41])
4. Identify one person in your workplace or community who may not know Christ. What is one specific way you can share the gospel with them this week? ([47:43])
5. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in evangelism? ([01:05:09])
6. What are some practical ways you can show kindness and love to others as a method of evangelism? ([59:46])
7. Consider the idea that your witness could be the answer to someone else's prayer. How does this perspective change your approach to sharing your faith? ([01:13:39])
Devotional
Day 1: The Mandate of Evangelism
Jesus' call to "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" is a mandate for all believers, not just pastors or missionaries. Sharing your faith is foundational to discipleship and should be integrated into your life from the beginning. This immediate sharing keeps the passion and zeal fresh, preventing the misconception that evangelism is only for the "professionals." [41:12]
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 in your immediate circle can you share your faith with today? How can you start a conversation about Jesus with them?
Day 2: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The power to share our faith comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be His witnesses. This power is not about our abilities but about God's Spirit working through us, giving us the strength and wisdom to speak and opening people's hearts to the gospel. [50:23]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom in your daily interactions? Can you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in a specific conversation today?
Day 3: The Necessity of the Gospel Message
Our message is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. While our good works can beautify the message, they cannot replace it. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Therefore, we must proclaim the gospel with our words, as it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. [54:04]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the gospel message into your conversations today? What specific words or phrases can you use to clearly communicate the good news of Jesus Christ?
Day 4: Living a Life that Reflects the Gospel
Our morals and actions should align with our message. The world is watching to see if our lives match our words. Hypocrisy can be a significant stumbling block for non-believers. We must live with godly sincerity and authenticity, showing the world real peace, joy, and hope. This authentic living can be a powerful testament to the truth of the gospel. [01:08:41]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where your actions do not align with your faith? What steps can you take today to live more authentically and reflect the gospel in your daily life?
Day 5: The Role of Prayer and Adaptability in Evangelism
Be prayerful and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, adapting your approach as needed. God can use any method to bring people to Him. Consider how your witness could be the answer to someone else's prayer. Somewhere, a parent, sibling, or friend is praying for a loved one to come to Christ. Your faithful witness could be the answer to that prayer. [01:05:09]
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: Who in your life might be praying for a loved one to come to Christ? How can you be a faithful witness to that person today, and what specific prayers can you offer for guidance and opportunity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The world is looking for something real. They are trying to find meaning and purpose. They're trying to find joy in all kinds of empty pursuits. And when they can't find what they're looking for, the world, they just escape to the distraction of entertainment. They try to just push it aside. But the restlessness lingers. That search for meaning. Those questions about the deepest things of life. Who are we? How do we get here? What's my purpose? Those things linger in the soul. And you have an opportunity every day." [01:09:09]
2. "Anytime you're trying to show somebody love. Just put that card with you. You buy them a meal. Put that card with it. You get something for them. You try to help them in some way. You just give them that card. And say I just want you to know Jesus loves you. I did that for you. Because not just I love you. God loves you. It's just a tool that we're trying to give you. To help you do this very thing." [01:00:40]
3. "When you love something. It doesn't take much for you to talk about it. And I guess one of the biggest things. More than just any particular method. Or strategy for sharing the gospel. What you need to understand. Is that you are already an evangelist. For what you love. You are already an evangelist. You are. For whatever it is that you love most." [01:01:11]
4. "The light shines. So that people can see something else. And you need to shine as a light for Christ. But it's not for us. People just see how awesome we are. Because we're not. It's so that people might see how awesome God is. So that they might see your good works. And do what? Glorify your Father who's in heaven. We're shining God's light. So that people could see God. Through our lives. Imperfectly as we do it. We can be a light for Jesus. He wants us to shine as lights. In a dark world." [01:12:08]
5. "No matter how far away you feel from God. I want you to know. No matter your past. No matter your sins. Christ died for you. In this way. God demonstrated his love for us. And that while we were still sinners. Christ died for us. It was right there in our sin. Not when we cleaned ourselves up. But when God loved us in our sin. He said. I want to save him. I want to save her. He sent his son for you. He has a grace that is greater than all of your sin." [01:15:12]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Take heed. Lest you unsay with your life. What you say with your words. And be the greatest hindrance. To the success of your own labors. He said. One proud word. One needless contention. One covetous. Action. May cut the throat of many. A sermon. The people you know. They're not going to turn to Jesus. If they see that it's obvious. He hasn't made a real difference in your life. And so we have to. Live in a way. That shows we belong to Christ." [01:08:10]
2. "And so even if you master one method. It's important to be sensitive to the situation. Sensitive to the Holy Spirit. And willing to adapt. As the moment calls for it. And that means we must be prayerful. Prayerful throughout the whole process. Sharing Jesus without fear. That book says. The more we pray. The more coincidences happen. I wonder how that works. The more we're prayerful. The more we have these coincidences in our lives. To share about Christ. You see God is working. And he is directing our steps. And he's bringing people into our lives. And sometimes. It's the inconveniences that become the opportunity. To share Christ." [01:05:09]
3. "Our morals. Because you see the world is watching. To see if our lives match our message. And one of the biggest reasons. People give for not becoming a Christian. Is because of the hypocrisy. Of the Christians they've known. I'm sure you've heard this. Maybe you've wrestled with this yourself. You know just because some fans. Act like fools. That doesn't keep you from rooting for your favorite team. Right? And in a similar way. Don't let a Judas. Keep you from following Jesus yourself." [01:06:08]
4. "You work with people every day that your pastors will never meet. God has chosen you, yes, you, to be his representative wherever you are. He has put you in that workplace. He has placed your kid on that sports team. He has brought those clients into your business, and you will have interactions and relationships that your pastors will not have. And Jesus wants you to do that. He wants you to shine his light right there, wherever you are." [47:43]
5. "The power we need comes from the Spirit of God. You know, Jesus said, I will make you fishers of men. You will receive power. Do you sense the certainty of that? That if you would step out and do what God's calling you to do, the power is going to be there when you need it." [51:05]
6. "Our works can beautify the message of the gospel. But they cannot replace the message of the gospel. Our works are not sufficient to communicate. Jesus died. Jesus died for sinners. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus offers grace to anyone who will commit their life to him. That's why Romans goes on to say in Romans 10. Faith comes by hearing. And hearing through the word of Christ. Faith comes by hearing. Which means someone has to be speaking. Someone has to be sharing." [54:04]
7. "What we need most is not a new method. But a new passion for Christ. Where is the passion for Jesus? We're passionate about something. And you know all the causes in this world. That people are passionate about. You don't have to wonder. They are going to put it right there out there for you. Aren't they? What are you passionate about? If you're passionate about Jesus. That's going to be coming out in your life. What we need is not a new method. It's a new passion for Jesus." [01:02:10]
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