Passage: Spiritual Disciplines | Lesson 05
Spiritual Discipline of EvangelismDanny Orh | April 12, 2015
Opening Questions:
We've all heard the phrase "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."
-What does this presuppose?
-What does this imply?
-Why did the original author say this?
-What scriptures are there to support or refute this?
This statement is often wrongly attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi and is a common cliché among Christian evangelicals. Many have said this without understanding what we’re saying or claiming about how the Gospel is shared. When we say, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary,” we are presupposing that words are not necessary to preach the gospel. Is this true? Let’s look into scripture to find our answer.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” - Romans 10:14-15
The word “preach” here assumes that hearing comes from preaching. The act of preaching involves the vocal proclamation of truth, and requires us to use words in order to proclaim this truth.
Those who share this cliché are trying to express that believers should live life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, which is true, but when we expect our lives to be the very thing that proclaims the gospel, that is when we fall short of evangelizing. And we especially do not want to hide any laziness to proclaim behind a cliché that seemingly excuses us from proclaiming the gospel if we live good enough lives.
The original author of this statement probably intended no harm, but we must test everything against the word of God to understand what it is we are teaching and what it is we live by.
What is Evangelism?
Evangelism is the spreading of the gospel by announcement, proclamation, and/or preaching of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The word “evangelism” comes from the Greek word “euaggelion”, meaning “the good news” or “gospel”.
Why do we need to evangelize?
1. Matthew 9:37-38
The harvest is plentiful
2. Matthew 28:18-20
We are commanded by Christ
3. John 10:15-16
Success s guaranteed
4. John 14:6
Jesus is the only way
5. Acts 1:8
You were given the Holy Spirit for this purpose
6. Romans 10:14-15
People will not be saved without hearing
7. Philemon 6
Evangelism is necessary for your own growth in Christ
How can you evangelize?
1. Pray
God is the only One who can change hearts. Evangelism starts with prayer. Pray for those who you may be ministering to. Pray for God to give you opportunities to share the gospel with others.
2. Be Intentional
Plan and make effort to share the gospel with others. To often we try to wait and see if opportunities come up when haven’t put any thought into how God may be providing those opportunities.
3. Follow Up
Evangelism may require you to share the good news more than one time. You may have to follow up when people have questions or if they do not understand the first time. Continue to pray for those who you minister to. Continue to follow up and show them the love of Christ.
4. Trust God
God is One who is might to save. We must continue to place our faith and trust in the One who saves people.
Application: Ask yourself, How can I make an evangelistic impact on the world, from the office, from the classroom, or from within my very own home.
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