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Christian Living

Spiritual Life

General Bible Courses

Chapter 3: Friendship Evangelism

Overview

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:

· Intercession as a powerful weapon.

· The effect friendship can have in evangelism.

· Witnessing principles used by the apostle Paul.


AS A RESULT, you will be able to:

· Use spiritual warfare to defeat the enemy.

· Make friends readily with unbelievers.

· Incorporate Paul?s principles into your witnessing.

Effective Intercession

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 65-73.

Key Scripture: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

To assure us of His great love, God has declared that we are constantly on His mind. Psalm 139 describes His thoughts toward us as countless (vv. 17-18). Christ shows His love for us by His unceasing intercession before the Father (Rom. 8:34-39). God desires us to have that same love toward one another, believers and unbelievers alike. Our obedience in intercessory prayer is a reflection of the love we ourselves have experienced. Effectiveness in intercession, then, is determined by our obedience to pray how and when the Lord requires.

Faithful Intercessors

God desires us all to be faithful intercessors. The Bible contains many accounts of great intercessors. The first of note is the patriarch Abraham who interceded on behalf of the inhabitants of Sodom. He asked God to spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people. Because the Lord agreed, Abraham continued to bargain with Him. Finally they determined that the city would stand if God could find just ten righteous people. Although God finally destroyed Sodom because even ten could not be found, Abraham knew that God had listened and considered His prayers important (Gen. 18:22-33).

Moses repeatedly interceded on behalf of the rebellious Israelites. He prayed to the Lord, basing his faith on past experiences, such as when he spoke to God face to face (Num. 14). Samuel, the great prophet and priest, interceded faithfully for his people. On one occasion after they had sinned greatly, Samuel said, “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right” (1 Sam. 12:23). Samuel considered it a sin not to intercede on the behalf of others.

Jesus once revealed to Peter, “Satan has asked to sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31). But the Lord promised to intercede before the Father on Peter’s behalf. The apostle’s resultant responsibility was to pray for the strength of others (v. 32). Peter’s access to God was through Christ (John 14:6), who became our Intercessor through His death on the cross and resurrection (Isa. 53:12).

Spiritual Warfare

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed!” This adage is especially true regarding spiritual warfare, for the enemy is very real. Yet many believers are oblivious to the spiritual battles being fought around them daily. Some have succumbed to an “ostrich” mentality — hiding from the reality of such warfare. But God has put His Spirit in us to equip us to do battle.

The Old Testament books of Joshua and Judges are instructive regarding warfare. God led Israel into the Promised Land following her forty-year wandering in the wilderness. Joshua and the Israelites encountered numerous enemies in their attempt to secure Canaan. All of the Canaanites were not driven out, however. God had a reason for allowing some to remain: “He did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua. These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience)” (Judg. 2:23-3:2).

Israel’s warfare with the Canaanites is a picture of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in today. Each generation of Christians must actively battle for the kingdom, which Christ secured with His death on the cross. One day God will destroy all His enemies, but in the meantime He is teaching us how to fight for our home, church, nation, and world. By refusing to be trained, we may think that the Lord will not allow us into any hurtful situations. Yet Israel was defeated again and again when she failed to do battle God’s way. Therefore He has called His people to obey Him in all things. He is always concerned for our welfare, but knows that the character developed in us through these experiences has eternal dimensions.

Spiritual enemies are unseen, which makes them extremely dangerous if we try to fight them through the strength of our natural senses. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul declared, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (6:12). The only way to fight spiritual battles is with spiritual weapons. Christians must first know what they have available in their arsenal. Moreover, their weapons must be sharpened daily, for they become dull with disuse.

As Commander in Chief, God provides His soldiers with protective armor and precision-made weapons of warfare. Every piece of armor is designed for advancing. In God’s army, there is no provision for retreat. The reason: God knows that if our armor is in place and we advance into enemy territory according to His battle plan, no weapon can defeat us.

A mature Christian, in complete armor, has been given and trained to use two offensive weapons. The first is the sword of the Spirit — the Word of God. This weapon, when sharpened, divides, cuts, and destroys the enemy. The other weapon, often overlooked, is prayer — personal and intercessory (Eph. 6:18). Although we know the ultimate outcome of the war between God and Satan was settled before the creation of the world, we must participate in the battle at hand.

Tactics of the Enemy

Knowing our adversary and being aware of his tactics prepares us to be faithful soldiers in the army of the Lord. Listed below are some of his favorite weapons and how to overcome them:

Fear. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The way to overcome fear is given in the first part of the verse, “Be self-controlled and alert.” As we keep our eyes and ears alert to God’s voice, our heart and imagination cannot get out of control, opening the door to fear and confusion. Just remember: “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).

Confusion. “My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you” (1 Cor. 1:11). There are many sources of confusion in our lives, but it often comes because we allow it in. God expects us to maintain a sound mind, sound relationships, and sound doctrine. When we find ourselves in a state of confusion, we must turn to Him to identify the cause. God has the solution, and will replace our confusion with clear direction, peace, boldness, and strength. Remember: “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Cor. 2:12).

Deception. “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough” (2 Cor. 11:3-4). False teaching was a prevalent problem in the early church. In our day, too, cults and New Age thinking seek to infiltrate the church. We should study the counterfeit to be aware of its deceptive teaching, but we also need to study and respond to biblical truth. As we experience the reality of God, we will learn to discern the true from the false.

License. “Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:6-7). When we become Christians, we are made a new creation. Many of our attitudes and habits cannot carry over into this new life. They were crucified with Christ as we were raised in newness of life. Yet, as we grow, we sometimes find ourselves slipping into old patterns that are causing us to stumble. The answer, according to Paul, is “if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13).

Legalism. “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:6). Human nature desires to control its own destiny, circumstances, and relationships. This manifests itself clearly in our tendency to prefer rules of conduct to being led by the Spirit. We would rather have someone — a parent, pastor, or spouse — establish guidelines that, if met, will ensure and confirm our success as Christians. But Christ fulfilled the law, sending His Spirit to free us from its obligations. A new law — the law of Christ — has been put within us. The Spirit now reveals the thoughts and intents of our heart, calling us to even a higher standard of conduct. As St. Augustine said, “Love God, and do as you please,” for if we love Him, our one desire will be to please Him.

Condemnation. “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down’ ” (Rev. 12:10). Satan’s role as an adversary in heaven was permanently altered by Christ’s triumph on the cross. Divine justice was served, and the accuser was banned forever from the throne room of God. Cast to the earth, he now seeks to accuse the saints if they will listen. Because Christ has shed His blood and atoned for our sins, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). Thus we can ask Him for reassurance that we are now found in Him, not just positionally, but experientially as well.

The book of Daniel draws back the curtain on the unseen realm where God’s mighty host of angels and Satan’s demonic powers do battle. Once when Daniel was fasting and praying, a “man” appeared to him. As the prophet lay paralyzed with fear, the man revealed that he had come in response to Daniel’s prayers. He had been detained by the prince of Persia and would still be struggling if God had not intervened by sending Michael, one of his chief princes, to help. Through this vision (10:1-21), Daniel discovered several things:

· God responds to prayer immediately.

· Angels and demons struggle in the unseen world.

· The Lord brings strength with His answers.

· The Lord encourages us to boldness.

· Prayer brings angelic reinforcement.

· Intercession is extremely important and powerful.

Intrepid Intercession

Joy Dawson, in Principles For Effective Intercession, taught Christians unfamiliar with intercessory prayer how to intercede like Daniel. Using these practical scriptural principles, you, too, can intercede effectively with courage and confidence. (All scriptures are from the kjv.)

1. Praise God for who He is, and for the privilege of engaging in the same wonderful ministry as the Lord Jesus. Hebrews 7:25: “He ever lives to make intercession for them (his own).” Praise God for the privilege of cooperating with Him in the affairs of men through prayer.

2. Make sure your heart is clean before God, by having given the Holy Spirit time to convict, should there be any unconfessed sin. Psalm 66:18: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Check carefully in relation to resentment to anyone.

Notice the link between forgiveness and prayer in God’s Word. Matthew 6:12: When Jesus instructs the disciples how to pray He says, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” and IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the “Lord’s Prayer” He says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (verse 14).

Again in Mark 11:25, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Now notice the link between forgiveness and faith when we pray: Mark 11:24: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.”

Then comes verse 25, warning us to forgive anyone who has wronged us. Luke 17:3-5: “Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him. The apostles said to the Lord, ‘INCREASE OUR FAITH!’ and the Lord said, ‘if you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, “be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.’ ”

Job had to forgive his friends for their wrong judging of him, before he could pray for them. Job 42:10: “And God restored the fortunes of Job, when he prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Galatians 5:6: “Faith works through love.”

3. Acknowledge you can’t really pray without the direction and energy of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we know not how to pray as we ought.”

Ask God to utterly control you by His Spirit, receive by faith that He does, and thank Him. Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled with the Spirit.” Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”

4. Deal aggressively with the enemy. Come against him in the all-powerful Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the “sword of the Spirit” — the Word of God. James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

5. Die to your own imaginations, desires, and burdens for what you feel you should pray. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Lean not unto your own understanding.” Proverbs 28:26: “He who trusts in his own mind is a fool.” Isaiah 55:8: “My thoughts are not your thoughts.”

6. Praise God now in faith for the remarkable prayer meeting you’re going to have. He’s a remarkable God and will do something consistent with His character.

7. Wait before God in silent expectancy, listening for His direction. Psalm 62:5: “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.” Micah 7:7: “But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Psalm 81:11-13: “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would have none of me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. O, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!”

8. In obedience and faith, utter what God brings to your mind, believing. John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice . . . and they follow me.”

Keep asking God for direction, expecting Him to give it to you. He will. Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Make sure you don’t move on to the next subject until you’ve given God time to discharge all He wants to say to you regarding this particular burden; especially when praying in a group.

Be encouraged from the lives of Moses, Daniel, Paul, and Anna, that God gives revelation to those who make intercession a way of life.

9. If possible have your Bible with you should God want to give you direction or confirmation from it. Psalm 119:105: “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

10. When God ceases to bring things to your mind to pray for, finish by praising and thanking Him for what he has done, reminding yourself of Romans 11:36, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”

A WARNING

God knows the weakness of the human heart towards pride, and if we speak of what God has revealed and done in intercession, it may lead to committing this sin.

God shares His secrets with those who are able to keep them. There may come a time when He definitely prompts us to share, but unless this happens we should remain silent. Luke 9:36: “And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.” Luke 2:19: “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Feasting to Fasting

Fasting is the voluntary deprivation of food. This religious discipline, found in both the Old and New Testaments, serves various purposes:

· To show great sorrow for sin (Neh. 9:1-2).

· To commemorate the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31).

· To show devotion to God during national need (Ezra 8:21).

· To aid personal prayer and meditation (Dan. 9:3-4).

· To prepare for important decisions (Est. 4:16).

During His temptation Jesus fasted as a weapon against Satan. He went into the wilderness “full of the Holy Spirit” and returned after His fast “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:1, 14). The early church fasted before sending out Paul and Barnabas as missionaries (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting was also practiced before elders were appointed in the churches (14:23).

The Tool of the Fast

Fasting is an important accessory to prayer. It cleanses the physical body of impurities and clears the mind of extraneous thoughts, allowing the Holy Spirit to work within heart and mind. If fasting has not become a regular part of your spiritual discipline, here are some practical guidelines to help incorporate this powerful tool:

1. Begin with a partial fast (Dan. 10:3). Restrict your diet to certain things, such as fruit and/or juices only. This gives your mind and body a chance to adjust to a reduction in calories and to encourage yourself that you can succeed.

2. Undertake a twenty-four hour normal fast (Isa. 58:5). Fasting is usually for the duration of one day and consists of no food or drink, except water. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and illness. Missing only two meals — lunch and dinner — helps to prepare us physically and psychologically for longer fasts.

3. Pray often while fasting (Dan. 9:3-19). As much as possible, reserve fasting for times of solitude and prayer. There are times, however, when you may have to work or fulfill family duties while fasting. This time of fasting is no less important.

4. Fast consistently (Luke 2:37). Don’t wait for a crisis before undertaking a fast. Condition your body with consistent fasting so that you can concentrate and pray about any crisis that may arise.

5. Undertake extended fasts (Neh. 1:4). Any fast that lasts longer than twenty-four hours is an extended fast. It is good to periodically set aside a specific amount of time for fasting and prayer. Occasions such as facing a major decision or experiencing an intense spiritual attack are usually best for undertaking extended fasts. Prolonged fasts should be undertaken under medical supervision.

6. Participate in corporate fasts (2 Chron. 20:3). The Bible records numerous accounts of leaders calling for corporate fasts. Since the results are especially powerful, wise leaders should call for corporate fasting as part of the church’s ministry.

7. Watch your motives (Matt. 6:16-18). Avoid the temptation to let others know about your fasting since you can become proud of your spirituality. It’s very important not to look gaunt and disheveled when fasting.

Throughout His time on earth, Jesus demonstrated the importance of fasting and praying in His own life. His disciples followed His practical example — and so should we, as we desire to become faithful soldiers fit for service in His army (adapted from Before You Hit the Wall, pp. 77-84).

Key Concepts: [All answers above]

1. True or False. Moses based his faith on God’s promise to hear and respond.

2. (Samuel, Abraham) considered it a sin not to intercede on the behalf of others.

3. True or False. Christ earned the right to serve as our divine Intercessor.

4. The man in Daniel’s vision had come in response to his .

5. We cannot pray effectively without the and power of the Holy Spirit.

6. When we pray, we should have our (prayer list, Bible) ready so that God can give confirmation if He desires.

7. True or False. We should share every revelation that the Lord gives us in order to build the faith of others.

8. True or False. It is best to begin fasting with a partial fast, rather than an extended one.

9. The “normal” fast lasts for (8, 16, 24) hours.

10. True or False. Corporate fasting is not as powerful a tool as individual fasting.

Further Study: Read “II. Prayer and Encouragement,” pp. 1468-69 and “III. The Church at Prayer,” pp. 1476-78 in the IBC.

Mission in Action: God demonstrated to the missionaries in Kabul that Satan could not keep away anyone who seriously sought the Savior. Even a hard-nosed junkie could be won over by the gentleness and graciousness of the Holy Spirit (LDD, p. 71). Have you witnessed to someone who seems too tough to be saved? In what tangible ways can you show patience and gentleness in dealing with that person? What has been his or her response?

Friendly Fellowship

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 80-86; Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 55-73.

Key Scripture: “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly” (Luke 19:5-6).

Friendship evangelism is the one type of evangelism in which every Christian can participate with very little difficulty. Traveling to a distant country and receiving in-depth training are not requirements. The mission field is as close as our next-door neighbor — or perhaps a relative in our own home. Personal salvation and a desire to share the good news are our basic tools. A real love for people is crucial. Our acquaintances need to know that they are acceptable to us, even if they never accept Christ.

Our mission field consists of those we come into contact with, so we are witnessing at all times. Our extended neighborhood includes two general groups: (1) personal acquaintances that include friends, relatives, and co-workers; and (2) casual encounters such as business contacts, waiters, and passengers on planes. Although some may be unaware of their need, every one of our unsaved acquaintances is looking for the peace and joy found only in Christ. Therefore, it is not only neglectful to ignore their needs, but it is also disobedient. We have been commanded to be ready and available to the leading and direction of the Spirit at all times, including sitting in traffic and taking out the garbage.

Patterns of Friendship Evangelism

Now that we have learned who will benefit from friendship evangelism — and where to look for them — here are some important principles for getting started in friendship evangelism:

Pray regularly for three or four friends who are not Christians. Ask God for ways to serve your friends by getting involved in their lives. Perhaps it will mean inviting them to your home or helping them at work. Sometimes a small gift or a book is meaningful. The Lord will give you personal and creative ways to bless others.

Establish social relationships with the people you are praying for. Build friendships with them through activities you all enjoy. Develop mutual interests. If you don’t have non-Christian friends, begin now to develop some friendships. Ask the Lord to allow your path to cross someone you cannot only minister to, but who will bless you in return.

Get to know their objections to Christianity and give them thoughtful answers. Don’t be afraid to talk about what’s important to you. Cultivate an attitude of open inquiry and honest searching for truth. God has deposited the knowledge of Himself in all religions and cultures. Although He has uniquely revealed Himself through the Lord Jesus, there is much to learn from all faiths, cultures, and political perspectives. You may be surprised at how willing people are to talk with someone they disagree with for the benefit of being listened to and respected.

Invite your friends to activities and events with other Christians. Be sensitive to the types of events they would be most comfortable attending. Hopefully, they can see the love of Christ expressed between brothers and sisters in the Lord. Then be just as willing to attend activities and events with their friends. If something offends you, express your objections clearly and reasonably. However, don’t be afraid to challenge your own conceptions about what activities are acceptable to God.

If they show interest in spiritual things, offer to study the Bible with them. Your first step might be to purchase a Bible for them. Then, invite them to a small group Bible study. Often it is easier to let a third party be used by the Holy Spirit to bring out convicting scriptures or deal with touchy personal subjects. Later, be available to explain what was said. Witnessing is a process, taking time and energy, so don’t expect instant success.

Respond to the felt needs of your friends. What do they feel they need? Answers to questions? A job? Love and acceptance? Help with family problems? A sense of importance? Respond by getting involved. Affirm them by respecting their choices, ideas, and opinions. Pray with them and for them about their needs. Don’t try to correct them through prayer, but make yourself available as a partner on a journey of discovery. Become vulnerable and share your own needs. Let your life be a showcase of how God supplies (adapted from Wholehearted, pp. 178-79).

Successful friendship evangelism will develop only when we are willing to get personally involved in the lives of non-Christians. Our motivation is to witness faithfully to Christ through our lives. If our lives are shallow and ineffectual, our evangelism will reflect it. Our emphasis, then, must be on the quality of our life, not on words or techniques. Effectiveness depends on time spent developing our personal relationship with the Lord.

In the final analysis it is God who measures our evangelistic efforts — and His standards are quite different from ours. God will not judge us on the number of converts we have made; He is more interested in the positive impact our lives have had on those around us. Therefore, as we share the gospel, we must never forget that we are dealing with people, not statistics. As we respect and honor them, we please the Lord, who in turn delights in us. When we make this our priority, the words we speak will deeply touch the lives of those around us. We cannot help but make an impact on our community.

Cultivating Our Cul-de-sac

How can we tell when our friends are ready to hear the gospel? Joseph Aldrich in Gentle Persuasion, p. 161, suggests that people show they’re ready when:

— they enjoy being with their Christian friends.

— their religious background and experience ceases to be a hindrance.

— they have responded positively to the “seed planting” efforts of their Christian friends.

— they become aware that the gospel may contain solutions to their felt needs.

— they are curious about religious things.

— they are willing to speak of their own spiritual pilgrimage.

— they take the initiative to include you in their social activities.

— they are willing to participate in some harvest events.

To the novice, friendship evangelism sounds quick and easy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Getting involved in another person’s life is time-consuming and often draining, but extremely rewarding. However, there should be one small warning printed in the directions for friendship evangelism: This product is not designed for the impatient or the intolerant.

Key Concepts:

1. God designed in such a way that He won’t do it without us, and we can’t do it without Him. [BBA, 56]

2. The most effective way to move in supernatural evangelism is to exercise our . [BBA, 58]

3. True or False. Whenever we witness, we should both proclaim and persuade. [BBA, 59]

4. (Conviction, Proclamation) should always be the first step in the evangelistic process. [BBA, 61]

5. True or False. The awareness of hell should be our primary motivation for evangelism. [BBA, 63]

6. True is the natural outworking of true faith. [BBA, 66]

7. True or False. It is permissible to compromise the gospel message if we can win more converts. [BBA, 67]

8. Without God’s for the lost, our evangelistic efforts will become legalistic and stale. [BBA, 69]

9. True or False. Simply doing a good work for an unbeliever may open the door to the gospel. [BBA, 71]

10. It is only through God’s that we can be cleansed from defilement. [BBA, 72]

Further Study: Read “x. The Theme of His Ministry,” pp. 1399-1400 and “V. Renewal of Bonds Between Paul and the Corinthians,” pp. 1400-1403 in the IBC.

Mission in Action: With little money and few materials, Sally set out to make their new house at the Olfat into a home. She and Floyd desired to create an atmosphere of love and peace in which people would be touched with the reality of God’s love (LDD, p. 82). This is possible in the most modest of homes if the Holy Spirit resides there. In what ways does your home exude peace and love?

Paul's Principles

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 74-79; Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 37-53.

Key Scripture: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious….Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22-23).

Paul, like many great leaders, was multi-talented. One of his outstanding attributes was his ability to identify with any group — ethnic or otherwise. He confessed that to the Jew he became a Jew and to the Gentile he became a Gentile (1 Cor. 9:20-21). The reason for his identification was an urgency to reach all people with the gospel. Paul made it a point to attend the synagogue services first in every town he visited. There he reasoned with the Jews using their own Scripture to identify Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. Often the Jews violently opposed his message, so Paul began to preach to the despised Gentiles. He knew that every person — regardless of race, creed, sex, or social stratum — needed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Example

Paul motivated his followers by his own exuberance. As they observed his subjection to Christ, many were moved to follow his example (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul alluded to their exemplary evangelism in his first letter to the Thessalonians: “And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it” (1 Thess. 1:7-8).

Paul was determined to push the gospel boundaries further into the Gentile world. He desired to preach the Word where no one had ever heard it. Paul’s God-given yearning for expansion was equaled by a desire to unify — to form each nucleus of converts into a community of believers, or church. He knew their faith in Jesus Christ united them as one — the children of God (Gal. 3:26). Once the churches were formed, Paul demonstrated another facet of his personality. God had given him wisdom to delegate responsibility to leaders and pastors without legislating hard and fast rules, since the body of Christ is a living organism, not an organization. He encouraged young Timothy: “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:1-2).

Paul depended on God’s provision for his needs, including his provision for employment as a tentmaker. He believed that a workman was worthy of his hire, but he did not want anyone to think he was profiting from preaching the gospel. Paul’s gospel was simple, yet complete. He taught that Christ died for our sins and God raised Him to life. Those who experienced His resurrection life needed to share this Good News. After his conversion, Paul spent the rest of his life doing just that — effectively, efficiently, and eagerly! He never wavered, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Yet his motivation was love for Christ, not to be noticed or for reward in heaven. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him” (Phil. 3:8-9).

An Annotative Acrostic

Danny Lehmann in the study guide to Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pages 18-21, created the following acrostic as a guideline for “fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). By following this outline, you too can “bring ‘em back alive!”

Bible. Be prepared to give an answer for your hope (1 Peter 3:15).
Realize your limits. Use present opportunities (Col. 4:5).
Intercede for the unsaved (1 Tim. 2:1-5).
Never get romantic in a witnessing situation (2 Tim. 2:22).
Go with a plan for how to witness (Rom. 1:13).

Enjoy yourself. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh. 8:10).
Make friends with the unsaved (Matt. 11:19).

Bring practical accessories of Bible, pad, and pencil (2 Tim. 3:15-17).
Address and phone number of people you meet (Rom. 12:11).
Courtesy pays big dividends (1 Peter 3:1-2).
Keep alert and self-controlled (1 Peter 5:8).

Ask questions that pique their interest (John 4:7ff.).
Listen attentively to their needs (Prov. 18:13).
Invest in witnessing tools such as tracts, booklets (Isa. 55:2).
Vacate hostile arenas; avoid arguing (Acts 14:5-6).
Evaluate the fruit of your witnessing (Luke 13:6-9).

Ideal Identification

Many people can identify with others because they share some past experiences. But a Christian’s identification with a non-Christian does not depend only on shared experiences. It also depends on the Holy Spirit’s work in the hearts of people. Jesus provided the example for us to follow as He identified with lepers, women, and Samaritans. Without compromise, He entered their lives and shared their feelings — showing respect for them as He took time to listen. He always responded to their “felt needs” in wisdom and in love. Felt needs are problems that people need help in solving. They may range from such basic needs as food and housing to neighborhood security and support groups.

Floyd McClung told the following story to show the importance of reaching a person’s heart through a felt need:

Larry and Jan moved into a new apartment building about a year and a half ago. Soon they were busy introducing themselves to their new neighbors. Over time their friendly, outgoing attitude and their willingness to listen to their neighbors had an effect on the residents of the apartment building.

About nine months later, a couple from a neighboring apartment came to visit unexpectedly. With tears in their eyes they explained how the Jehovah’s Witnesses had come to their door wanting them to change their religion. They recognized that Larry and Jan were different from the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They had cared for them, respected them, listened and understood what they were feeling. As a result, this couple wanted to know more about Larry’s and Jan’s faith in God. The four of them now have a regular Bible study together.
(Wholehearted, p. 161)

Larry and Jan practiced friendship evangelism. Their lives had the same characteristics as light — silent, directional, and attention-getting. Furthermore, their light brought warmth to those around them. The source of that light was the Holy Spirit, who dwells within each of us. With his help, we too can identify with unbelievers in need and be used to affect their lives.

Key Concepts:

1. When communicating with the Jews and Greeks, Paul made a point of __________ with his audience. [BBA, 38]

2. It is (easy, difficult) to find the balance between identification with and separation from the world. [BBA, 39]

3. The Richardsons needed a key to unlock the true meaning of the gospel to the Sawi tribe. [BBA, 39]

4. Part of Paul’s success in Thessalonica can be traced to the factor. [BBA, 41]

5. True or False. Putting down another person’s beliefs is often perceived by them as an attack on who they are. [BBA, 43]

6. The consistency principle states that if we sow sparingly, we will reap (abundantly, sparingly). [BBA, 44]

7. Presuppositional is a tool that helps us discover what a person believes and why. [BBA, 46]

8. In witnessing, we must present the Jesus of (history, experience, both). [BBA, 47-48]

9. True or False. Sometimes other Christians can cause us to miss God’s will for our lives. [BBA, 50-51]

10. The is the expression of the kingdom of God on earth. [BBA, 53]


Further Study: Read “VI. Gentiles Enter the Kingdom,” IBC, pp. 1286-87.

Mission in Action: Floyd McClung shared how the “straights” of the Kabul church and the new Christian “freaks” of the Trail learned to be natural and care for one another. “They really did believe in the love of God which binds, heals and makes all men brothers, regardless of their background, social class or views” (LDD, p. 77). This was possible because both parties were disciples of Jesus. Is there some person or group that “turns you off”? What in their actions or behavior offends you? Remember that both of you are disciples of Christ.

Take the quiz

Quiz Instructions

Review Questions

1. True or False. Moses' faith was based on his understanding of the Ten Commandments.

True

False

2. True or False. Samuel considered it a sin not to intercede on the behalf of others.

True

False

3. The man in Daniel's vision came in response to his ...............

prayers

cries

4. It is impossible to pray effectively without the direction and power of the ________ __________.

Holy Spirit

Daily Devotionals

5. True or False. God may give confirmation through the Bible during our prayer time.

True

False

6. We ................. share every revelation from the Lord with others.

should

should not

7. True or False. Corporate fasting is very ineffective.

True

False

8. When Paul communicated with the Jews and Greeks, he ................ seek to identify with his audience.

did

did not

9. True or False. Putting down other people?s beliefs is often perceived by them as an attack on who they are.

True

False

10. The consistency principle states that if we sow sparingly, we will reap ...................

abundantly

sparingly

11. When witnessing, we must present the Jesus both of history and ......................

tradition

experience

12. True or False. Christians never cause other believers to miss God's will.

True

False

13. True or False. The church is the embodiment of the kingdom of God on earth.

True

False

14. God designed ................ so that He won?t do it without us, and we can?t do it without Him.

prayer

evangelism

15. True or False. Exercising our spiritual gifts is the most effective way to move in supernatural evangelism.

True

False

16. Sometimes we must both proclaim and ................ in evangelism.

convict

persuade

17. True or False. Our primary motivation for evangelism is the fear of hell.

True

False

18. It .............. permissible to compromise the gospel message if we can win more converts.

is

is not

19. True or False. Without God?s love for the lost, our evangelistic efforts will be legalistic.

True

False

20. True or False. Doing a simple good work for an unbeliever is never enough to open their hearts to the gospel.

True

False

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