On Resurrection Sunday (April 12) we continued the study we had begun the previous week concerning the privilege and responsibility of every believer to speak about our risen Lord Jesus to those who do not yet believe in Him. For some, this is admittedly a difficult task. For others, this comes a bit more naturally. Whatever our situation, as believers, it is something in which we must continue to exercise ourselves. We must do this for the glory of God and for the compassion we should have for the lost because of the mercy and grace of which has been showered upon us in Christ Jesus.

We reviewed several points we had made concerning why we have such a difficult time talking to others about Jesus. The previous week we had presented solutions to a couple of the points, and on April 12 we concluded those before looking at the question “What Evangelism Is …and What it Isn’t”. Our text of Scripture was:        1 Thessalonians 1:1 – 2:16.

Some of the Reasons:

1. Lack of awe

2. Lack of prayer

3. Lack of knowledge

4. Lack of planning

5. Lack of confidence

a) In God

b) In the power of the Gospel

Solutions to Lack of Knowledge

1. Seriousness

2. Sacrifice

3. Seminars

4. Study

a. God’s Word

b. Good Books

5. Self-Critique

Solutions to Lack of Planning

1. Be praying

2. Be alert

3. Be intentional

4. Be prepared to listen

5. Be prepared to give an answer

Solutions to Lack of Confidence

1. Trust in the almighty power of God

a. To open doors of opportunity to you

b. To use a weak vessel like yourself to accomplish His purposes

2. Trust in the power of the Gospel

3. Trust in the purpose of God for your salvation

What Evangelism Isn’t …And What It Is?

READ: 1 Thessalonians 1:1- 2:16….so what characterized the evangelism of the Thessalonian believers?

• A work of faith
• A labor of love
• A steadfastness in hope….ALL of which should characterize our evangelism, as well! Let’s see how.

A work of faith:

• In the living God
• In the powerful message of the Gospel;
• In the work of the Spirit of God…who will use a weak vessel, like me, to deliver the message of the Gospel to do a work in the life of another fallen human being!

A labor of love

• For our Creator/Owner
• For the lost

A steadfastness in hope

• In the risen Lord Jesus Christ we proclaim!
• In the work of God (and NOT ourselves) in the salvation of His people;
• In the effectiveness of the Gospel;

Please notice…

1. The Thessalonians were….Imitators

i. Of the apostle Paul

ii. Of the Lord

2. The Thessalonians were…Examples

i. To all the believers

ii. “…word sounded forth from you…”

iii. “…your faith in God has gone everywhere…”

Two Basic Ideas

1. Evangelism isn’t a method

2. Evangelism is a way of life based upon God’s work in my life (theological/doctrinal)

As we look ahead to this coming Sunday, feel free to read Ephesians 2:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 as we anticipate the discussion of the question:  “What is the Gospel?” Also, be prepared to encourage the class with your story of how the Lord has opened a door of opportunity to you to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those He has placed around you.