In this series we’ve explored the Big step of:
- Believing in God
- Being born again
- Becoming a disciple
- Breaking the power of Mammon (investing in First Fruits)
- Being baptised
- Boldly sharing your faith
Text: Matthew 10:32-33, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
Context:
1. Jesus sending out The Twelve for the first time to tell others about the Kingdom of God
- Followers of Jesus who, for fear of death or persecution, deny that Jesus is their master, and desert his cause
In other words, Jesus is saying: “Even when things get tough as my disciples I expect you to be as faithful to me as I am, and always will be, to you.”
As a people who have taken the big steps of being born again and baptized, and who have counted the cost of becoming a disciple, then continue in this way for the rest of your life…
Recommended Reading. A long obedience in the same direction: Discipleship in an instant society (Eugene Peterson)
Included in the cost of being a disciple is the responsibility of acknowledging Jesus before others…
Q. How can I share my faith with others?
Two New Testament principles on how to win people to Jesus…
1. Presence
Our presence IN the world is a witness TO the world!
2 Corinthians 2:14-16, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.”
In his Sermon on the Mount Jesus gave two analogies of what his people are like:
You are the salt of the earth
Col 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned (spiced; stimulating) with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Defn: Conversation ~ interactive communication between two or more people…
The Christian’s part in that conversation should be with words that are full of wisdom and grace.
You are the light of the World
You and I are the light of the world reflecting the life and love of Jesus
Matthew 5:16, “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Many Christians have little or no contact with non-Christians. How can we reach them if we don’t know them? How can we have influence for good in the lives of others if we never spend time with them? Relational evangelism brings most people to Christ!
2. Proclamation
When a person is ready, they need to hear the gospel message proclaimed…
Romans 10:14, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”
Three guidelines in proclaiming the Gospel:
1. Be convinced of the truth of your faith
2 Corinthians 4:13, “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”
If you’re not convinced of the truth of your faith then you will keep it to yourself.
2. Be considerate of the opinions of others
1 Corinthians 10:33 amp, *”Just as I myself strive to please - to accommodate myself to the opinions, desires and interests of others - adapting myself in everything I do, not aiming at or considering my own profit or advantage, but that of the many in order that they may be saved.” *
Take people from what they know to what they don’t know
3. Be ready when others want to discuss about your faith
1 Peter 3:15-16, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Others’ job – to ask (i.e. they take the initiative)
Our job – to be prepared (i.e. we do the homework)
Our attitude – gentleness & respect