Perspectives For Success In Evangelism Series

"PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESS IN EVANGELISM"

INTRODUCTION

1. It is important to maintain certain perspectives in evangelism...

a. Many start out with great enthusiasm, but often get discouraged and apathetic

b. This happens even to those who are highly skilled in teaching others

2. The problem is one that Zig Ziegler might call "stinkin thinkin" (wrong way of looking at things)...

a. With the wrong perspectives, many personal workers eventually lose heart

b. Before long, evangelistic efforts dwindle and in some cases stop altogether

3. There are 5 perspectives that are especially crucial to maintaining...

a. A high level of enthusiasm

b. Persistence in evangelism

I. THE POWER IS IN THE SEED (WORD)

1. The Word of God has always been capable of influencing people, accomplishing

its intended purpose - Isa 55:10-11

2. If people are going to be truly converted, it will not be through smooth speech or

fancy presentations involving "hi-tech" equipment, but through the life-changing

truth of the gospel

II. THE RESULTS DEPEND UPON THE TYPE OF SOIL

1. If the soil rejects the seed, the soil is responsible; the sower should not feel

accountable.

14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. - Mt 10:14-15

2. The positive implication is this: Every time we sow the seed, we are

successful! If a person rejects it, we have not failed, they have!

III. THE PLACE OF THE SOWER

1. One may plant the seed, another may water, but it is God (through His Word in a

receptive heart) who gives the increase!

2. God can even use "defective" seed-throwers

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, - Phil 1:15-18

a. Not only defective in motive (as seen in the text), but also in experience!

b. This is because the power is in the seed, not the sower!

3. Therefore we should not feel like we have to be an accomplished salesman to

present the Gospel

4. Even those who tremble and may not be eloquent can be used by the Lord to

reach others

1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. - 1 Cor 2:1-5

IV. THE PRINCIPLE OF SOWING AND REAPING

1. In sales, the ratio of success is often one sale out of nine calls

2. In acting, the ratio can be as high as one job out of thirty auditions, even for

successful actors

3. Successful people in different walks of life understand that the key to success is

to increase the number of their efforts

4. It should be obvious: If we desire to reap more, we must be willing to sow more!

5. Many people fail in the area of evangelism because they "sow sparingly" and get

discouraged by the meager results

VI. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IS AT WORK

1. In nearly every example of conversion, God worked in some way to create the

opportunity for the person to hear the gospel

a. Philip was sent toward Gaza where he would meet the Ethiopian (Acts 8)

b. The Lord saw to it that Saul and Ananias would get together (Acts 9)

c. Likewise, that the household of Cornelius would have a chance to hear the

2. It is encouraging to know that we are not alone in our efforts to lead the lost to

Christ

3. God will see that every soul who has an honest and seeking heart will one day

come across someone prepared to explain the Gospel to him or her

4. When we engage in evangelism, we are "God’s fellow workers"

5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.- 1 Cor 3:5-9