SERMON OUTLINE:
ANDREW BRINGIONG PEOPLE TO JESUS:
• First (John 1:39-42),
• Second (John 6:8-9),
• Third (John 12:20-22).
THE CHRISTIAN’S TASK:
• key word #1: “first”
• key word #2: “find”
• key words #3: “his brother”
THE CHRISTIAN’S TESTIMONY:
• spoken witness
• simple witness
• sure witness
• sanctified witness
THE CHRISTIAN’S TRIUMPH:
• “and he brought him to Jesus”
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin is unknown to most of us,
• But he has saved countless lives due to his 1959 invention,
• He came up with the idea of the V-type three-point seat/safety belt.
• The Swedish car company could have made millions,
• By licensing the design to their competitors,
• But they decided to gift the design to the world,
• Instead of patenting it for themselves.
• Likewise, the car company Mercedes Benz,
• A number of years ago, produced a very clever advert.
• It showed a Mercedes Car being rammed into a wall,
• In order to reveal how the car’s frame,
• Was designed to protect the passengers in case of accident.
• In the commercial,
• An observer of this crash test asks the Mercedes spokesperson,
“Why have you not secured a patent on this crash-absorbing design?
Obviously, you’ve given your research to other carmakers, and they are copying you. Why did you do that?”
• The Mercedes spokesperson responded,
• And this is the line that has stuck with me,
• “Some things in life are too important not to share.”
• TRANSITION: When it comes to evangelism.
• We are called to share the gospel because,
• “Some things in life are too important not to share.”
• TRANSITION:
• Now we know very little about Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin.
• Likewise know we know so very little about Andrew the disciple.
• Our case study this morning.
• Andrew is only mentioned 12 times in the entire New Testament,
• And four of those times are simply lists of the 12 apostles.
• He is not one of the prominent disciples (Peter, James, and John).
• And in the book of Acts,
• He does not appear to be a “pillar of the church”
• Andrew, has been called “The Unnoticed Disciple,”
• He did some very important service for Jesus.
• And we will see that as we look at his life.
The key feature in the life of Andrew is,
• On a few of the occasions, we read about him,
• We see him introducing others to Jesus.
• i.e. First (John 1:39-42),
• We see him introducing his brother Peter to Jesus.
• Andrew’s bringing his brother to Jesus,
• Is a reminder that often the most effective results of evangelism,
• Takes place with friends and families.
ill:
• A young boy who asked his rabbi,
• “What’s the difference between Jews and other people?”
• The rabbi replied,
• “Oh, Jews are just like everyone else . . . only more so.”
• TRANSITION:
• Witnessing to family & close friends,
• Is just like witnessing to everyone else…only more so!
Quote:
• Author Randy Newman in his book
• “Bringing The Gospel Home”.
“Witnessing to family takes TLC.” I hope they catch my reference to “Tender, Loving Care” but then I tell them I mean something else. “T” stands for time, “L” stands for love, and “C” stands for comprehensiveness. These three were the common denominators I heard in the stories people told me. You need a longer-term perspective when it comes to family. You need a deeper reservoir of love. And you probably need to come in the side door by presenting the gospel as comprehensive in its effects, not just as a ticket into heaven.”
• I like that, “T.L.C.”
• “Time, Love & Comprehensiveness”.
• So, first we see Andrew introducing his brother Peter to Jesus.
• Then second…
• i.e. Second (John 6:8-9),
• We see him introduced a lad who had five loaves and two fishes,
• To Jesus when Jesus fed over 5,000 plus.
• Andrew bringing the young lad to Jesus is a reminder,
• Of the importance of sharing the good news,
• With the younger generation.
Ill:
• An evangelist announced to his Church,
• That two and a half people had become Christians,
• At a recent mission.
• After the service someone asked him,
• “What do you mean ‘two and a half?'”
• The evangelist replied,
“two were teenagers with a lifetime ahead of them,
and the other was a person in their 50s with only half a lifetime left.”
• So, first we see Andrew introducing his brother Peter to Jesus.
• Then second, we see Andrew introducing the lad to Jesus.
• Then third…
• i.e. Third (John 12:20-22).
• We see him introduce some Greek men to Jesus.
“Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew.
Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.”
• Andrew bringing these foreigners to Jesus is a reminder,
• That we are called to reach all, people groups (the world),
• Jesus in the great commission commanded us to,
• “Go into all the world!”
• The translators of the Bible don’t help us here.
• Because the command in the great commission is not, “Go!”
• The Greek text literally read, “As you are going…”
• The assumption is we would be automatically going.
• The command in the great commission is to, “Make disciples.”
Quote: Charles R. Swindoll:
“Whatever we do, we must not treat the Great Commission
like it’s the Great Suggestion.”
So, 3 key times we see Andrew in action and each time he is bringing people to Jesus!
• Andrew teaches us that, in essence, evangelism is very simple.
• It is simply pointing others to Jesus.
• Quote: “Evangelism is one beggra,
• Telling another beggar where to find bread”.
(1). THE CHRISTIAN’S TASK (vs 42).
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).”
(a). Notice the word “first”.
(a).
• Like his brother Simon Peter and several of the other disciples,
• Andrew was a fisherman.
• (Matthew chapter 4 verses 18–20 & Mark chapter 1 verses 16–20),
(b).
• Andrew was also a disciple of John the Baptist,
• Look back to verse 35-37 & 40.
“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.”
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.”
(c).
• Notice too (vs 41b)
• That Andrew was the first disciple to call Jesus the Messiah,
• ““We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).”
• It is interesting to me, that we always give Peter the credit,
• For confessing Jesus as Messiah,
• (Matthew chapter 16),
• But his younger brother Andrew beat him to it!
Note: a bit of trivia for you.
• The Byzantine church,
• Referred to Andrew as the Protoklete, or “the First Called.”
• Because he followed Jesus before any of the other disciple,
• (remember the other disciple with him here isn’t named),
• So, that’s pretty much Andrew’s biggest claim to fame.
The important fact from this verse is:
• Andrew’s priority was to locate his brother,
• And share the gospel with him,
• And that leads me onto my second key word…
(b). Notice the word “find”.
• We do not know how far Andrew needed to search for Peter,
• But we do know,
• That in the New Testament.
• Those outside of Christ are called “Lost”
Ill:
• Only two categories in the New Testament.
• They are not good or bad.
• They are not religious and unreligious.
• They are lost and found!
• Outside of Christ people are lost and need finding.
• When we have true faith in Christ we are saved, we are found!
Ill:
The hymn: Amazing grace.
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found.
Was blind, but now I see.”
• Download YouTube Video Testimony:
• https://youtu.be/c7M-5CuqJiw
Ill:
• In Luke chapter 15 Jesus told three parables,
• A sheep, a coin and a son.
• All three were lost and all need to be found!
• We need to ask God for a burden for the lost!
• Because if we don’t reach them, then they will not be found!
(c). Notice the words “his brother”.
ill:
• I am one of nine children.
• So, when I was at school every teacher greeted me with the words,
• “Are you related to?” or more often, “Not another Curley!”
• TRANSITION:
• Some siblings find it hard to be in their brother or sister’s shadow.
• Each of the four gospels refer to Andrew as Peter’s brother,
• But Peter is never referred to as Andrew’s brother.
• This, plus the fact that Peter is always listed before him in lists,
• Indicates that Andrew was either younger or just less important.
• But Peter was very important to Andrew.
Note:
• Those words, that Andrew first found “his brother”.
• It is very significant that the record says, “his brother”.
• And not someone else’s!
• I have always found it easier to talk to someone else’s brother,
• Than to my own brothers and sisters.
• But sooner (like Andrew) or later (like some of us),
• We need to speak!
ill:
• The name, Andrew is Andreas in Greek,
• Coming from the root word aner or andros, meaning “man.”
• The name is related to andreia, meaning “courage,”
• And it’s most often defined as “manly.”
• That’s a strange way to describe a baby, if you ask me.
• TRANSITION: Many of us need courage to witness,
• Something we need to ask for regularly.
(2). THE CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY
• What did Andrew say to Peter when he found him?
• Verse 41 tells us;
• “We have found the Messiah (that is, the Christ)”.
• All Andrew did was to give his testimony.
• Lt me suggest that is the easiest form of witnessing!
CHALLENGE:
• When was the last time you shared your testimony?
• i.e. How you came to faith.
• i.e. Maybe some answer to prayer recently?
• Homework this week,
• Write it out (reduce it to 5 to 10mins),
• And look for an opportunity to share your faith.
Notice: Four things about his testimony.
(a). It was a Spoken Witness.
• It is most important that we live out our faith.
• That we practice what we preach.
• But just living a good life cannot be an excuse,
• Not to speak about Christ.
ill:
• Preacher & Author R.T Kendall tells the story,
• Of a man in his Church who said to him,
• “I am not using words; I am just letting my life witness to my workmates.”
• Well, year after year went by and no one ever asked him about his faith.
• Then when the man was due to retire, his office held a party.
• At the party a man came up to him and said,
• “Now tell me, I have been watching you, you are different.”
• The Christian thought to himself,
• “Hallelujah, this is the moment I have been waiting for.”
• But before he got the chance to speak, the man said,
• “Are you a vegetarian?”
• TRANSITION:
• People will put our lifestyle down to a number of reasons,
• i.e. A good upbringing, being religious, just a nice person.
• They will only know it is Christ who makes the difference,
• If we tell them!
(b). It was a Simple Witness.
ill:
• I like this notice board (photo available on request).
• It’s the nonsense coffee guide.
• It shows you the modern names for coffee,
• But then a simple explanation.
• i.e. Americana (black coffee).
• i.e. Flat white (strong white coffee).
• i.e. Cappuccino (frothy coffee)
• i.e. Latte (milky coffee)
• TRANSITION:
• Andrew witness was simple.
• A child could have understood what he said.
• We often worry about not having answers to people questions.
• Don’t!
• Simply tell folks what Jesus means to you, or…
• e.g. Woman of Samaria (1st Study), “Come and see”.
• e.g. Andrew, invite them to hear about Jesus!
(c). It was a Sure Witness.
““We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).”
• Andrew was absolutely certain of his message,
• He didn’t say, “We might have found the Messiah.”
• This is a statement of certainty.
Ill:
• One thing experience has taught me,
• Is that we are no, ‘walking on eggshells’ with our message.
• We are on the ‘rock.’
• And if people kick my rock, they will stump their toe.
• In witnessing there is no shame or embarrassment to say,
• “I don’t know but I can go and find out for next time we talk!”
And often the best way to witness, is to turn the question around.
• i.e. “I don’t believe in God.” – “Well, what do you believe?”
• (Many people have never really thought through an answer)
• i.e. “I don’t believe in the Bible” – “Well, have you ever read it?”
• “Would you like a copy of one of the gospels is modern English?”
(d). It was a Sanctified Witness.
• And Andrew tapped into what Peter believed in,
• He found a common link in Peter’s religious beliefs,
• In which to start his conversation about Jesus.
• A synonym for the ‘sanctified’ can be ‘approved.’
• Andrew used what Peter would have approved of,
• As a point of contact,
• For Peter (like every Jew) was looking for the Messiah.
ill:
• Too often we Christians answer questions that no one is asking.
• Last week at the shopping centre were two Jehovah Witnesses.
• So, I approached them and said,
• “What is your message, your gospel.”
• I think the lady was surprised,
• That someone had actually stopped and interacted.
• She replied, “Our message is things are going to get better!”
• She was referring to when Christ returns and sets up his kingdom.
• I replied, “What’s you message to a person dying in a hospice?”
• “What’s your message to a person battling with addiction?”
• “What’s your message to a person struggling in their marriage?”
• “What’s your message to a person who desperately wants forgiveness?”
• Well, sadly the J.W.’s doesn’t have a message,
• Because they don’t have the true gospel,
• Because their faith is based on good works,
• To balance out your bad deeds.
• And if you don’t have time to do good works,
• Then you are finished!
• TRANSITION:
• We do have a message of hope,
• We have a message of new life,
• We have a message of forgiveness!
• And no one is excluded, all are welcome to come to Jesus Christ,
• In repentance and faith and take him as Saviour & Lord.
(3). THE CHRISTIAN’S TRIUMPH
• The soul-winners triumph is indicated in verse 42:
• “And he brought him to Jesus.”
Ill:
• In the 18th-century the great evangelists,
• John Wesley & George Whitfield,
• Used to end their sermons with this expression,
• "I offered them Christ."
• The availability of Jesus is so tangible,
• When we share him with others!
Quote: Fanny Crosby’s great hymn, “To God be the glory.”
“Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God.
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.”
Notice
• Andrew made the introduction to Jesus,
• He did not lead him to the Lord.
• Andrew was the first link of the chain in Peter coming to faith.
• We might be the first, the fifteenth or even the final link,
• We never know.
• Andrew was the first step and really ‘the unnoticed evangelist.’
• I would love to have known what went through his mind,
• On the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2).
• At Pentecost Peter preached the very first Christian sermon,
• 3,000 people responded and the Church was born.
• And humanly speaking,
• None of that would have happened without Andrew,
• ‘The unnoticed evangelist.’
Ill:
• The reason we had Billy Graham as the great evangelist,
• Was because Mordecai Ham from Kentucky led him to Christ.
• That story is repeated again and again,
• The reason we had D.L. Moody as the great evangelist,
• Was because his Sunday School teacher,
• Edward Kimball led him to Christ.
• Update story,
• Andrea Minichiello Williams head of Christian Concern.
• Again, an unknown Sunday School teacher led her to Christ.
TRANSITION: Andrew in the Bible:
• Andrew receives very little attention in the New Testament.
• There are only three places in the New Testament,
• Where he plays any significant role.
• (And they aren’t really that significant).
• But in all three occasions,
• He simply introduces people to Jesus!
• Not a bad example to follow!
And finally…
• Adapted from S. Briscoe, Getting Into God, pp. 92-2.
• Care - Dare - Share – Prayer.
• CARE:
• show a genuine concern for the person.
• DARE: it takes courage to witness.
• Courage if the person is a stranger to you,
• And even more if the person is a close friend or relative.
• SHARE:
• If you want to make a lasting impression, share yourself with the person.
• Share is spelt T.I.M.E.
• Some people we may just hand a tract to; others will take lots & lots of time.
• PRAYER:
• Don't discount the effectiveness of prayer,
• In the preparation of people's hearts for the Good News.
• Pray before, during and after!
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=phDxlcXheBqbJuo6ZTL0MpalghLFUPDO
SERMON VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/LTL1y_pVo9I
