Power Of Evangelism Series

POWER OF EVANGELISM

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 2:1-2; 10

Introduction: Last week, Martin was kind enough to bring us a message on the Joy of Evangelism. In fact, in further support of his message last week; 1 Samuel 2:1 says, “My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,” Why? “Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” I wanted to complement Martin’s message this week, so today’s message is entitled the Power of Evangelism.

Propositional Statement: Although God has entrusted us with the assignment of evangelism; people do not become saved because of us. Jesus is the true power in evangelism. It is only through Jesus that we will conquer our fear. Jesus is the ‘annointed horn’ of 1 Samuel 2. “Hannah’s prayerful song eloquently affirms core concepts of Israelite faith: the Lord is the great judge and overseer of human destinies and a rewarder of those who earnestly seek him (cf. Heb 11:6). He is the source of empowerment and victory for those who fear him, but for all others he is the overpowering authority who dispenses fearful judgment (Robert D. Bergen, vol. 7, 1, 2 Samuel, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1996),75).”

I. Overcoming Fear

A. Six Reasons to Be Fearful- In Share Jesus Without Fear, William Fay gives only six reasons why people are afraid to witness. Some are afraid of rejection, some are afraid of what their friends might think, some are afraid to share their faith at work, some think that they don’t know enough of the Bible, and some are afraid of losing relationships with friends and relatives. There are answers to all these fears; but overall, some rationalize that they just don’t have the gift of evangelism or that it is just too difficult. If you are curious about the answers to these questions, then please join us in a study of sharing your faith on Sunday nights for the next several weeks at 6:00 PM. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” And in the strength of the Lord Jesus, you can share your faith and even rejoice in it!

B.One Reason to Not Be Fearful- When we do follow the command of Jesus to ‘Go’ and make disciples, we sometimes think that it is dependent on us whether or not someone gets saved. We need to get away from the mentality that allows us to think of evangelism as a contest, where people are really not people anymore. People do not become saved because we persuade them. They do not get saved because they come forward in church at the invitation time. Even if I were to create the greatest sermon in attempts to convince people of the truth of Christianity; it would not be what gets people saved. What I would accomplish in a message, God accomplishes in silence.

They get saved because they have faith that Jesus Christ died on a cross for their sin, and that by being their substitute in that death and burial; that Jesus was raised to life so that they could be delivered.

“In fact, if we have ‘won’ someone to Christ, then he or she is probably not saved. It is said that D.L. Moody, the evangelist, was riding on a train after a crusade. An old drunk came up to him and said, “You know, Mr. Moody, I’m one of your converts.” Mr. Moody looked him in the eye and said, “Son, I’m afraid you are one of mine, because you are obviously not a convert of Christ’s.” Moody understood the difference (William Fay, Share Jesus Without Fear, Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishing, 1999,17).” Frankly, you are simply being obedient when you share your faith.

Transition: Incidentally, if anyone rejects the message that you bring; they are not rejecting you, they are rejecting the love of God and gift of God’s Son. With the love of God comes the righteousness and holiness of God; which is an accountability that people simply would rather deny. Jesus assured us that this would be the case when he said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also (John 15:20).” Again, your success in sharing your faith is not dependent upon whether people become saved; but is dependent upon your sharing the message. “There are two kinds of people in this building today, those who talk about the lost, and those who talk to the lost (William Fay, Share Jesus Without Fear, Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishing, 1999, 8).” Romans 10:14 says, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? (NASB) How will anybody know about Jesus if you do not tell them?

II. To those Who Contend with the Lord (1 Samuel 2:10) In 1 Samuel 2, not only does Hannah express her confidence in God; but also expresses a future expectation of strength and security. Show the difference between the present words of Hannah and the future promises of God to judge and anoint. 1 Samuel 2:1-2-in the present) (Verse 10 in the future) There are two main ideas here in verse 10. The first is judgment and the second is exaltation.