Empowering Ordinary People to Share Extraordinary Grace
Summary
The sermon begins with the speaker reflecting on the common experience of feeling enthusiastic about God's grace and redemption after a worship conference, but also acknowledging the fear and hesitation that often arises when it comes to sharing their faith with others. The speaker, an introverted pastor, shares their own struggles with evangelism and aims to teach the audience how they can overcome their fears and actively participate in spreading the name of Jesus. The sermon is introduced as the "ordinary person's guide to changing the world" or the "introvert's guide to evangelism." The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and explains that it is a way for believers to let others know about Jesus. They encourage both believers and non-believers to engage in prayer and assure the non-believers that this message will provide insight into the heart of the friend who invited them.
The speaker shares a personal story about a moment when they were hurting and praying for help. They then connect this story to the idea that ordinary people can be used to do extraordinary things if they are willing. The speaker mentions that God is on a mission to rescue people from darkness and bring them into the kingdom of the beloved Son, Jesus Christ. They emphasize that every human being is broken because of sin, but Jesus Christ gave his life to save us and transfer us to safety, life, and eternity with God. The speaker highlights the book of Acts, where God tells his people that they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and to the ends of the earth. They emphasize that God delights in using ordinary people to do his extraordinary work, and being in Christ gives our lives meaning and purpose as we share the message of Jesus Christ with the world.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith through actions and words. They mention the popular quote from Saint Francis, "Preach the gospel and when necessary use words," but argue that words are indeed necessary in order to effectively communicate the message of the gospel. The speaker encourages believers to walk wisely and set an example through their actions, so that others may be drawn to the message. They also emphasize the importance of speaking graciously and with gentleness, always being ready to give an answer but doing so in a kind and attractive manner. The speaker references G.K. Chesterton, a writer known for his profound apologetics, as an example of someone who spoke with wisdom and attracted others to Christianity.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's sinfulness and the need for repentance. They explain that although this message may be offensive to some, it can be presented in a gracious way that allows people to see the grace of Jesus and desire it for themselves. The speaker also highlights the concept of being winsome in sharing the gospel, meaning to approach each person individually and understand their specific struggles and brokenness caused by sin. They mention an anecdote about Billy Graham meeting Winston Churchill, where Graham humbly recognized his role as a minister of the basic message of Jesus, rather than trying to act as an equal or impose his own opinions.
The sermon concludes with the speaker discussing the story of a man who was convicted by the fact that he was wasting his time on trivial matters while others were passionately pursuing their faith. This conviction led him to seek out the preaching of Ambrose, not initially for spiritual reasons, but to study oratory. However, as he listened to Ambrose, he kept hearing about the beauty and grace of Jesus and how even someone like him could be forgiven. This recognition of the power of the gospel in the life of another person named Anthony, along with the prayers of his mother, eventually led him to release his sin and shame to Jesus and come to faith in him. The speaker expresses excitement about what God will do in Washington DC as his timid and trembling people walk this ancient path with him.
Key Takeaways:
- Prayer is a powerful tool for believers to let others know about Jesus. It is a way to communicate with God and ask for His guidance and strength. It is also a way to express gratitude and acknowledge God's goodness in our lives. The speaker encourages believers to pray continually, persistently, and steadfastly, using the example of the persistent widow in Luke 18. #!!07:10!!#
- God delights in using ordinary people to do His extraordinary work. Every human being is broken because of sin, but Jesus Christ gave His life to save us and transfer us to safety, life, and eternity with God. Being in Christ gives our lives meaning and purpose as we share the message of Jesus Christ with the world. #!!04:26!!#
- Words are necessary to effectively communicate the message of the gospel. Believers are encouraged to walk wisely and set an example through their actions, so that others may be drawn to the message. Speaking graciously and with gentleness is important, always being ready to give an answer but doing so in a kind and attractive manner. #!!32:41!!#
- Acknowledging one's sinfulness and the need for repentance is important. Although this message may be offensive to some, it can be presented in a gracious way that allows people to see the grace of Jesus and desire it for themselves. Being winsome in sharing the gospel means approaching each person individually and understanding their specific struggles and brokenness caused by sin. #!!37:30!!#
- The power of the gospel can transform lives. The speaker shares the story of a man who was convicted by his trivial pursuits and was drawn to the preaching of Ambrose. As he listened to Ambrose, he kept hearing about the beauty and grace of Jesus and how even someone like him could be forgiven. This recognition of the power of the gospel, along with the prayers of his mother, eventually led him to release his sin and shame to Jesus and come to faith in him. #!!43:04!!#
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 4:2-6 (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. Walk in 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."
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. Luke 18:1-8 (ESV)
> "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."' And the Lord said, 'Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Colossians 4:2-6 instruct believers to do in their prayer life and interactions with others?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the mission given to the followers of Jesus?
3. In the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, what lesson does Jesus teach about prayer?
4. How does the speaker describe their personal struggle with evangelism and what steps do they suggest to overcome it? [06:14]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for steadfast and watchful prayer in Colossians 4:2-6? How does this relate to the speaker's message about the importance of prayer in evangelism? [07:10]
2. How does the concept of being witnesses "to the ends of the earth" in Acts 1:8 apply to ordinary believers today? What does this imply about the role of every Christian in spreading the gospel? [03:26]
3. What does the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 reveal about the nature of God and the importance of persistence in prayer? How can this parable encourage believers who feel hesitant about sharing their faith? [08:29]
4. The speaker mentions the importance of speaking graciously and with gentleness. How does this align with the instructions in Colossians 4:6? Why is this approach significant in evangelism? [31:43]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. How can you incorporate more steadfast and watchful prayer as described in Colossians 4:2-6? What specific steps will you take this week to pray more earnestly for opportunities to share the gospel? [07:10]
2. Think about a time when you felt hesitant to share your faith. What fears or concerns held you back? How can the example of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 inspire you to be more persistent and bold in your prayers and actions? [08:29]
3. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you walk wisely and set an example through your actions and words, as instructed in Colossians 4:5-6? What specific actions will you take to build a relationship with them and share the gospel? [21:24]
4. The speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking graciously and with gentleness. Think of a recent conversation where you could have been more gracious. How can you improve your communication to be more attractive and kind, especially when discussing your faith? [31:43]
5. The speaker shared a story about a man convicted by his trivial pursuits who was drawn to the preaching of Ambrose. Reflect on your own life. Are there any trivial pursuits that are distracting you from your faith? What changes can you make to focus more on your relationship with Jesus and sharing the gospel? [43:04]
6. How can you be more intentional about creating opportunities for spiritual conversations in your daily life? Think of a specific place or context (e.g., workplace, neighborhood, social group) where you can start building relationships and sharing your faith. [13:03]
7. The speaker mentioned the importance of being winsome in sharing the gospel. How can you better understand the specific struggles and brokenness of those around you to effectively share the message of Jesus? What practical steps will you take to approach each person individually and with empathy? [36:03]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer in Evangelism
Prayer is not just a personal communication with God, but also a powerful tool for evangelism. It is through prayer that believers can express their gratitude, seek guidance, and intercede for others. It is a way to let others know about Jesus and His love for them. #!!07:10!!#
1 Timothy 2:1 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who does not know Jesus? How can you commit to praying for them this week?
Day 2: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Work
God delights in using ordinary people to do His extraordinary work. Despite our brokenness due to sin, Jesus Christ gave His life to save us and transfer us to safety, life, and eternity with God. This gives our lives meaning and purpose as we share the message of Jesus Christ with the world. #!!04:26!!#
1 Corinthians 1:27 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."
Reflection: What is one way you can use your ordinary life to do God's extraordinary work this week?
Day 3: The Necessity of Words in Evangelism
While actions are important in demonstrating our faith, words are necessary to effectively communicate the message of the gospel. Believers are encouraged to speak graciously and with gentleness, always being ready to give an answer but doing so in a kind and attractive manner. #!!32:41!!#
Colossians 4:6 - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Reflection: What is one opportunity you have this week to share the gospel through your words?
Day 4: The Grace of Repentance
Acknowledging our sinfulness and the need for repentance is a crucial part of our faith journey. Although this message may be offensive to some, it can be presented in a gracious way that allows people to see the grace of Jesus and desire it for themselves. #!!37:30!!#
Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and turn to God? How can you take steps towards repentance today?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel has the power to transform lives. The story of a man who was drawn to the preaching of Ambrose and eventually came to faith in Jesus demonstrates this power. This recognition of the power of the gospel, along with the prayers of his mother, led him to release his sin and shame to Jesus. #!!43:04!!#
Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."
Reflection: How has the gospel transformed your life? Who is one person you can share this transformation with this week?
Quotes
"Preach the gospel and when necessary use words... that's like saying order food and when necessary use words... hey no learn sign language use it use communication to get a message across." [30:43]
"Always with grace... that you have a gracious way of talking to people... the way you speak to people is kind... your words aren't the thrust of a sword but they're like the wise words that bring healing." [31:43]
"We are all ambassadors of great movies and music and restaurants and we want to be ambassadors of the greatest of all kingdoms, Jesus, but we're scared sometimes." #!!05:47!!#
"Paul starts us with we pray earnestly... you pray continually... persist and persevere in prayer... keep going... if an unjust judge will answer that kind of persistence how much more a god of justice will he answer the prayer of his kids." #!!08:03!!#
"But by the grace of God, Jesus Christ has interposed his precious blood that you can be made clean and right and holy before God, but you must repent because you're a sinner and can't fix yourself." #!!35:30!!#
"We are winsome so we might win some. So I don't just have a gospel message I throw at everybody, I get to know you, and the more I understand how the brokenness of sin that impacts us all plays out in your life, I can apply the balm of the gospel to your particular wound." #!!36:36!!#
"I don't know what opportunities God's going to give you, but God loves to do extraordinary things through very ordinary people." - #!!39:07!!#
"He recognized the power of the gospel in the life of Anthony and when he released his sin and shame to Jesus and came to faith in him, he told a crowd of people, 'I am here because of the preaching of Ambrose, the life of Anthony, and the prayers of my dear mother.'" #!!43:04!!#
"We pray, we walk, we speak, and God opens doors, and I'm excited to see what he'll do in Washington DC as his timid trembling people walk this ancient path with him." #!!43:04!!#
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