Grace Baptist Church, Nokomis, IL.

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I’m going to assume tonight that we all know it is part of the Christian’s life to evangelize. Evangelism isn’t reserved for pastors and evangelists. It’s not reserved for those who have the gift of evangelism. I’m going to assume we all understand the Great Commission is our personal mandate.

Yet if that’s the case, why do so few believers share their faith? Only 2-3% of Christians share their faith with unbelievers. We may need to be reminded that it is the responsibility of every believer. I may address that issue in a week or two, but I’m just going to assume we all know it for tonight. Instead, tonight I’m going to assume we all want to share our faith, but that we often shy back. I think Paul’s letter to Timothy will give us the greatest motivation for sharing our faith.

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1Ti 1:12-17 ESV)

We should never approach evangelism as a mere duty that we must perform. The love of Christ motivates and strengthens us (v. 12, 14). His love for us, and our love for Him. Our love for Him means nothing without His love for us (v. 13). His love for us fuels are devotion to Him. The more we realize His love for us, the more we become committed to His service.

We have many excuses as to why we would not be effective in sharing the gospel. Perhaps you don’t feel adequate. Paul says we serve God in His strength, not our own (v. 12). Paul says that God has judged us faithful when He appointed us to His service. By ourselves, we aren’t adequate. But we are now because the Holy Spirit is inside of us.

Perhaps you think the unbelievers around you are too attached to the world to believe in Christ. Paul says that Christ came to save sinners! (v. 15) Paul says that if he himself could be saved, then there’s hope for everyone. We are more likely to share our faith when we remember these two things. 1) God has strengthened us for ministry. 2) Anything is possible with God (Matthew 19:24-26).

We should never approach evangelism as something optional (v. 16). As long as we are in the world, it is our great privilege for Christ to live through us. This is for our benefit and joy, but primarily for the sake of those who will believe in Jesus because of our witness. God does not take us to heaven the moment we place our faith in Jesus. God leaves us in the world so that those around us will come to believe as well.

Reflecting on this great privilege causes Paul to praise God (v. 17). I know it’s hard to get your focus off of your goals. The easiest and most beneficial way to replace your goals with God’s goals is to worship God. Train your mind to think high thoughts about God. Reflect often on your salvation and the love of Christ. The more we realize the greatness of God, the more evangelism isn’t something we try to do, but something we are compelled to do. It overflows from our lives.