DEVELOPING A HEART FOR EVANGELISM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 28:19-20
Supporting Texts: Romans 10:14-15, John 4:35-38, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Ezekiel 3:17-19
INTRODUCTION:
Evangelism is not just a church activity; it is the heartbeat of God. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a God who constantly seeks to restore His relationship with mankind. When Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28, He made it clear that every believer is called to reach others with the Gospel. It is not the work of pastors and missionaries alone—it is the duty and privilege of every child of God.
To develop a heart for evangelism, we must first understand God’s deep compassion for the lost. Evangelism flows out of a transformed heart—one that loves what God loves and is broken by what breaks His heart. When we allow the Holy Spirit to align our hearts with the mission of Christ, evangelism becomes a joyful responsibility, not a burdensome duty.
This message will help us examine how to cultivate a lifestyle that passionately shares the love of Christ, carries the burden of the lost, and reflects the urgency of the Gospel message in a dying world.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE MISSION OF EVANGELISM
We must first grasp that evangelism is not optional—it is a divine command from Christ. Jesus has commissioned us to take His message to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
a) Evangelism is Christ’s final command (Matthew 28:19-20):
Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, not just converts. This reveals the global and lasting importance of evangelism.
b) God uses us as His mouthpiece (2 Corinthians 5:20):
Believers are ambassadors for Christ, through whom God makes His appeal to the world. We represent Heaven on earth.
c) The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16):
Evangelism connects people with the only message that has the power to change their eternity.
d) There is urgency in the call (John 9:4):
We must work the works of Him who sent us while it is day, for the night comes when no man can work.
Biblical Example: Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:7–30). Jesus broke cultural and religious barriers to offer salvation to a soul who would later bring many to Him.
2. CULTIVATING COMPASSION FOR THE LOST
A true evangelist must have the heart of the Father—compassionate, merciful, and ever reaching out to the lost.
a) God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9):
His desire is for all to come to repentance, and we must reflect that desire in our actions.
b) Jesus wept over the lost (Luke 19:41):
His heart broke for those who rejected the truth. We must be emotionally and spiritually moved by the fate of unbelievers.
c) Evangelism requires seeing people through God’s eyes (Matthew 9:36):
Jesus saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd and was moved with compassion.
d) Compassion moves us to action (Jude 1:22-23):
Showing mercy to others involves snatching them from the fire, and this demands love-driven urgency.
Biblical Example: Paul’s burden for Israel (Romans 9:1-3). He was willing to be cursed himself if it would mean the salvation of his people.
3. BEING EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR WITNESSING
Without the help of the Holy Spirit, evangelism becomes ineffective and difficult. The Spirit empowers, equips, and gives boldness to every believer.
a) Power for witnessing comes from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8):
The early disciples received supernatural courage to preach after Pentecost.
b) The Spirit gives us the right words (Luke 12:11-12):
He teaches us what to say, especially in challenging moments of sharing the Gospel.
c) He convicts the hearts of listeners (John 16:8):
It is the Spirit who convinces people of sin and points them to Christ—not our eloquence.
d) The Spirit gives passion and persistence (Romans 12:11):
He fuels the fire in us to continue sharing the Good News, even when results aren’t immediate.
Biblical Example: Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41). Once timid, Peter boldly preached to thousands under the power of the Holy Spirit, and 3,000 souls were saved.
4. MAKING EVANGELISM A LIFESTYLE
Evangelism should not be a one-time event—it must be part of who we are daily as followers of Christ.
a) We are light and salt (Matthew 5:13-16):
Our lifestyle must reflect Christ consistently, drawing people to God without even saying a word.
b) Be ready always to share your faith (1 Peter 3:15):
Every believer should be prepared to give a reason for the hope within them, gently and respectfully.
c) Live intentionally for souls (Colossians 4:5-6):
Walk in wisdom toward unbelievers and let your speech always be seasoned with grace.
d) Use every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16):
Time is short, so we must redeem every moment to share the Gospel in love.
Biblical Example: Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). Philip was sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and used the opportunity to lead one soul to Christ.
5. REWARD AND JOY IN EVANGELISM
Though evangelism can be challenging, it brings great joy and eternal rewards.
a) Heaven rejoices over one soul saved (Luke 15:7):
The joy of Heaven should stir us to keep reaching out, knowing that each conversion brings divine celebration.
b) You lay up treasures in Heaven (Daniel 12:3):
Those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever.
c) Evangelism strengthens your faith (Philemon 1:6):
As you share the Gospel, your own understanding and joy in Christ deepens.
d) God honours soul winners (Proverbs 11:30):
Winning souls is wise, and those who do will be honoured in time and eternity.
Biblical Example: The seventy disciples returned with joy after evangelising (Luke 10:17–20), and Jesus affirmed their eternal reward and the authority they carried.
CONCLUSION:
Evangelism is not just a ministry—it is the mission of every believer. A heart for evangelism is a heart that beats in rhythm with God’s. When we understand the urgency of the Gospel, feel compassion for the lost, rely on the Holy Spirit, and live intentionally, we will see lives transformed for God’s glory. Evangelism must become a daily lifestyle, not an occasional outreach.
Let this message challenge and empower you to rise as a soul winner in your generation. May God ignite in you an unquenchable desire to preach Christ and bring others into His kingdom.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a burden for lost souls.
2. Holy Spirit, empower me to witness with boldness.
3. Let my life reflect Christ to those around me.
4. Deliver me from fear and complacency in evangelism.
5. Open divine opportunities for me to share the Gospel.
6. Fill me with compassion and love for the unsaved.
7. Let the words of my mouth be seasoned with grace.
8. Use me to bring multitudes into Your kingdom.
9. Let my household become a centre of evangelism.
10. Help me to persevere in evangelism with joy.
