Risking Comfort: Engaging the Lost for Christ
Summary
In our new sermon series entitled "Risk," we delve into the critical need for the American church to awaken to its mission. The burden on my heart is to share with you the importance of engaging with those who do not know Jesus and to challenge us to step outside our comfort zones. We must not barricade ourselves within the church walls but instead, risk living in relationship with those outside.
We explore five priorities for followers of Jesus: allowing Jesus to guide our lives, knowing and applying Scripture, living in community with other believers, engaging with non-believers, and multiplying generations of Jesus followers. The focus, however, is on the latter two, which often pose the greatest challenge due to the inherent risks involved.
Jesus' ministry exemplified engagement with those in need, as seen in Matthew 9:35-38. He had compassion on the crowds and urged His disciples to pray for more workers for the harvest. Similarly, in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. This is not an optional part of our faith but a direct command from our Lord.
The series aims to equip us to put into practice the principles we know we should follow. We are reminded that we cannot ignore our mission, and we must be proactive in seeking opportunities to share the good news. Colossians 4:2-6 provides a blueprint for engaging with non-believers, emphasizing prayer, wisdom, making the most of every opportunity, and gracious conversation.
We are called to live wisely, ensuring our actions do not hinder our witness for Christ. We must be alert to opportunities God provides and be ready to step through open doors. Our conversations should be gracious and attractive, not condoning sin but pointing people to the hope found in Jesus.
As we embark on this journey, I challenge each of us to ask God to reveal "who is my one?"—the one person we will commit to engaging with spiritually over the next four weeks. This act of obedience and risk-taking can transform our communities and bring the lost to Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Engaging with non-believers is not just a good practice but a command from Jesus. We must overcome our fears and excuses to fulfill this mission, trusting that Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the age. [47:54]
- Prayer is the starting point for mission. By devoting ourselves to prayer with an alert mind, we open our hearts to God's leading and prepare ourselves for the opportunities He will provide to share the gospel. [58:12]
- Living wisely among non-believers is crucial. Our lives are a testament to our faith, and we must ensure that our actions do not contradict the message of Christ we aim to share. [01:06:22]
- Making the most of every opportunity means being ready to share our faith when God opens doors. We must be willing to step out in faith, even when it's uncomfortable or inconvenient. [01:07:31]
- Our conversations with non-believers should be gracious and attractive, reflecting the love and truth of Christ. We can stand firm in our beliefs without being abrasive, thus drawing others to the hope we have in Jesus. [01:11:51]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 9:35-38 - "Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, 'The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.'"
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"
3. Colossians 4:2-6 - "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds in Matthew 9:36, and what did He instruct His disciples to do in response? ([46:21])
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands His disciples to take? ([47:25])
3. In Colossians 4:2-6, what are the four key instructions Paul gives for engaging with non-believers? ([57:10])
4. What are the five priorities for followers of Jesus mentioned in the sermon, and which two are emphasized as the most challenging? ([41:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the need for more workers in the harvest in Matthew 9:37-38? How does this relate to our current mission as a church? ([46:31])
2. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge our comfort zones, and what does it mean to "make disciples of all nations"? ([47:25])
3. What does it mean to "live wisely among those who are not believers" as stated in Colossians 4:5, and why is this important for our witness? ([57:33])
4. The sermon mentions that engaging with non-believers requires risk. What are some of the risks involved, and why might these be difficult for us to take? ([43:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea of "risk" in your own life. What specific fears or excuses have you used to avoid engaging with non-believers? How can you overcome these? ([43:15])
2. Jesus had compassion on the crowds and saw them as sheep without a shepherd. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion for those who do not know Jesus in your daily life? ([46:24])
3. The sermon challenges us to ask, "Who is my one?"—the one person we will commit to engaging with spiritually over the next four weeks. Who is your one, and what steps will you take to reach out to them? ([01:13:15])
4. Colossians 4:2-6 emphasizes the importance of prayer in our mission. How can you devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart this week? What specific prayers will you pray for opportunities to share the gospel? ([57:10])
5. The sermon highlights the need for our conversations to be gracious and attractive. Think of a recent conversation with a non-believer. How could you have made it more gracious and attractive? What will you do differently next time? ([01:06:03])
6. Living wisely among non-believers means ensuring our actions do not hinder our witness. Identify one area of your life where your actions might contradict your message. What changes will you make to align your actions with your faith? ([01:06:22])
7. Making the most of every opportunity requires readiness. What practical steps can you take to be more prepared to share your faith when God opens doors? ([01:07:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Commanded Engagement with Non-Believers
Engaging with non-believers is not an elective aspect of Christianity; it is a mandate directly from Jesus Christ. Believers are called to step beyond the comfort of their faith communities and connect with those who have not yet encountered the transformative love of Jesus. This engagement is not about merely adding numbers to the church but about being instruments in God's redemptive plan for humanity. It requires courage, a willingness to face potential rejection, and a deep trust in the presence of Jesus, who promised to be with us always.
"Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b) This assurance should embolden believers to take the necessary risks in obedience to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations. The presence of Jesus is the constant companion and source of strength as believers reach out to those who are still searching for hope.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who does not know Jesus, and how can you begin to engage with them this week in a meaningful way? [07:40]
Day 2: Prayer as Mission's Foundation
Prayer is the bedrock upon which mission work must be built. It is through prayer that believers align their hearts with God's will and gain insight into His divine plan. Devoting oneself to prayer with an alert mind opens the door to recognizing the opportunities God provides to share the gospel. It is not enough to be aware of the need for mission; one must actively seek God's guidance and be prepared to act when He calls.
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2) This verse reminds believers to be vigilant in their prayers, always giving thanks and looking out for the moments when God moves them to witness. Prayer is not passive but an active, dynamic part of living out one's faith.
Reflection: How can you incorporate a dedicated time of prayer for mission into your daily routine, and what specific aspects of mission work will you pray for? [58:12]
Day 3: Wise Living Among Non-Believers
The life of a believer is a living testimony to the faith they profess. Living wisely among non-believers means that every action, every decision, should reflect the character of Christ. This is not about perfection but about authenticity and consistency. The way believers conduct themselves can either draw others towards Christ or push them away. Therefore, it is crucial to live in a manner that is above reproach, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through everyday life.
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." (Colossians 4:5) Wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical, affecting how one interacts with those who are not part of the faith community. Time is a precious commodity, and believers are called to use it wisely, especially in their relationships with non-believers.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where your actions might be misrepresenting your faith, and how can you begin to align your behavior with the wisdom of Scripture? [01:06:22]
Day 4: Seizing Opportunities to Share Faith
Making the most of every opportunity means being vigilant and ready to share one's faith whenever God opens a door. It is about being proactive rather than reactive, seeking out chances to talk about Jesus rather than waiting for them to appear. This requires a level of spiritual readiness and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God is leading the way and that the Holy Spirit will provide the words when the time comes.
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6) This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared to respond to others about one's faith. Gracious speech is key, as it reflects the love and respect that should characterize every interaction.
Reflection: Can you identify an upcoming event or situation where you might have the opportunity to share your faith, and how can you prepare for this moment? [01:07:31]
Day 5: Gracious Conversations Reflecting Christ
Conversations with non-believers are not just about imparting knowledge or winning arguments; they are about demonstrating the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to engage in dialogue that is both loving and honest, standing firm in their convictions while showing genuine care for the person they are speaking with. This balance is not always easy to maintain, but it is essential for conversations that are truly reflective of Christ's character.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6) This instruction from Paul to the Colossians is a timeless reminder of the power of words. Conversations should not compromise the truth, but they should always be delivered with grace.
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation you had with a non-believer. How could you have made your words more gracious and reflective of Christ's love? [01:11:51]
Quotes
"Begin praying. Begin to talk to God about people who don't know Jesus. Begin to talk about God asking him to give you courage to be able to have the courage necessary to risk conversations with people who don't know Jesus." [58:11]
"Devote yourself to prayer. It's one thing for us to say, I'm not good at this. It's another thing to say, Lord, I'm devoted to this. I want you to help me. Devote yourself to prayer." [58:29]
"We are devoted to all kinds of things. What is it that you are devoted to? I am extremely concerned at the pace that we are living life. You're consumed with so many things, but you're not consumed enough with Christ." [59:14]
"Being alert to the things that are happening. So I'd ask you, begin praying with alertness, asking God to help you. Be in tune with his will for your day today. Pray for opportunities." [01:02:14]
"I want you to begin asking the Lord. We have a phrase around here that we learned this fall from a friend of ours. I want you to begin asking yourself, who is my one? Jesus, who is my one?" [01:13:09]
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