Grace Baptist Church, Nokomis, IL.

Text:

I think most Christians want to share their faith. But out of fear they shy back from it. Yet once they get the conversation started, their fear is often removed completely. Tonight I want to talk about how to lessen the fear of evangelism, and direct conversations to the gospel.

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1Pe 3:9-16)

We were called to live lives that bless others (v. 9). People don’t care how much you know ’till they know how much you care. It’s human nature to want to get even. But Christ didn’t retaliate. When we crucified Him with our sin, He responded with grace. When we bless others, we receive a blessing as well.

Peter then quotes a portion of Psalm 34 (v. 10). It reminds us, first, that if we love life we should live it as it was intended to be lived. The main purpose of this quotation is to show that God is for us, not against us (v. 12). After the Old Testament quotation, Peter continues this same thought in v. 13. If you live as you were created to live, serving God in relationship to Him, who can possibly harm you? But even if someone does manage to harm you, remember that you’ll be blessed (v. 14). So either way, have no fear! Instead, cherish Christ in your heart. Regard Him as your Lord. Remember that you have been set apart.

If we are living the kinds of lives we ought to in Christ, people will notice and ask us why. Why are you so happy all the time? So optimistic? So stable? Despite hardships? Despite pain? Despite great loss?

I remember once when I completely missed an opportunity to witness. It was the perfect set-up. My coworker asked me, “Why are you so happy all the time?” And I was caught off guard. I responded, “That just how I was raised, I guess.” We should be ready to respond with the gospel when we find ourselves in these situations.

Sometimes people ask for the reason for our hope in a much less direct way It comes in the form of disparity on their part. So not only should we be prepared when they ask, we should be prepared when the don’t ask. We should look for subtleties in their conversation as opportunities to share hope. Ask questions about their church or spiritual background. If they say they go to a certain church, ask what the pastor’s name is. Ask about how their situation has impacted their view of God.

Getting the conversation doesn’t have to be something we have to fear. It can be a joy! It doesn’t have to be awkward. Just look for clues in your conversations that already point to their need for Christ.