Evangelism Depends On You Series

Evangelism Depends on You

1 Corinthians 9:16–27

INTRODUCTION

During the preparations for an evangelistic crusade in Latin America, a very poor, unshaven man came to one of the week-long biblical counseling courses. It was unusual to see a man of this condition attending an in-depth training session. Most often, those with a better education and social standing are the ones who take an active role in this type of intensive preparation. The illiterate man attended every class, but those in leadership didn’t expect him to do much counseling. Several weeks later, all of the available counselors were busy when a physician walked in. This shabbily dressed man immediately greeted the doctor and took him into a room for counseling. Once the director discovered what had happened, he became deeply concerned. When the doctor came out, the director asked if he needed any help. The physician replied, “No, thank you. This fellow has helped me very much.” The next day that same doctor showed up with two other colleagues and asked to see the shoeless man. By the end of the week, that illiterate man had led four doctors and their wives to Christ. God needs nothing more than available servants.

Christian Reader, Sept./Oct. 1991, p. 61

The call to evangelize was given to every Christian, when Jesus said “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.” “Go Ye” means Go Me! There are no excuses for not being evangelistic. Every Christian can evangelize in some way. You can tell someone how and why you came to Christ.

Evangelism by definition is spreading good news to a lost and dying world.

MAIN BODY

I. Christians should be compelled to evangelize. (1 Cor. 9:16–18)

A. We should be compelled by the love of God.

1. John 3:16

2. Rom. 5:6–8

B. We should be compelled by our love for others.

1. 1 Thess. 1:3–7

2. 1 Tim. 4:1–2

II. Christians should compromise to evangelize. (1 Cor. 9:19–23)

A. We don’t compromise the message. Gal. 1:6–10

B. We do compromise our liberties.

1. 1 Cor. 8:9–13

2. Rom. 14:13–15:3a

III. Christians should compete in evangelism. (1 Cor. 9:24–27)

A. To compete does not mean to be in competition with one another but simply to take part or to participate.

B. Christ commands all to evangelize. Mark 16:15–16

C. When Christians are compelled to evangelize Christ’s church grows. Acts 11:19–21

Mitchell Skelton, Minister-Midway church of Christ

www.TheLordsWay.com/Midway