Being a disciple begins with a proper relationship to Jesus Christ, and having your heart set on what is His. The objective of the Christian is to populate heaven.
I. PICKING THE OPPORTUNITY (From John 4):
- “He had to pass through Samaria” (John 4:4).
- This may indicate the universality of the gospel, and not just for a chosen people.
- What do you think is the disciple’s objective in regard to evangelism?
- Should disciples become friends with worldly people, or separate themselves? Why?
- In what way can you become friends with “publicans and sinners” (Matthew 9:11-12)?
- “Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (John 4:9).
- What were the physical needs of Jesus (John 4:6-7)?
- Instead of satisfying Himself, He created and opportunity to witness. How have you put your desires second and put Christ first?
- How can we use our needs as an excuse not to witness?
- Was this woman a good opportunity to put in a good word for Jesus?
- She a Samaritan – He a Jew.
- She a woman – He a man.
- She was immoral – He was righteous.
- She was an outcast – He was a great teacher.
- She lost her reputation – He could by association.
II. PRINCIPLES IN EVANGELISM (From John 4):
- Open an opportunity by asking a favor (John 4:7).
- Human nature gives us the desire to be needed and feel important.
- By revealing His need, Jesus created an atmosphere in which she could freely talk about her own needs.
- Try noticing someone’s proficiency at something, and asking for pointers. How has this worked for you?
- Tailor the approach to the person (John 4:10).
- There are two things that few people can resist, and Jesus used both.
- He offered her a gift.
- He aroused her curiosity.
- With Nicodemus, Jesus used a theological approach (John 3:3).
- There are two things that few people can resist, and Jesus used both.
- Choose the questions you want to answer and ignore the others (John 4:9, 20).
- Jesus did not argue controversial points, but got to critical issues.
- Develop a feel for the important questions.
- Who did Cain marry? What about people who have never heard?
- Determine if it a critical issue for the person or are they trying to sidestep the real issue?
- If they knew the answer, would it make a difference in their relationship to Christ?
- If it will, do all you can to answer their question.
- Guide the conversation to where the person exposes a need (John 4:16-18).
- The gospel is good news, based on the assumption that a person’s needs can be met.
- Concentrate on getting to know the person.
- Find out what his/her needs are, what is occupying their thinking?
- Tell the truth, even if it hurts (John 4:22).
- Jesus’ last statement was a total turn-off for a Samaritan.
- If we hedge on the things we know to be true, we convey a lack of trust in our own convictions.
- But this is not a liberty to be tactless (2 Timothy 2:24-26). What does Paul tell Timothy here?
- Agree with the person as much as possible (John 4:20-24).
- Jews and Samaritans could not agree on what mountain God was to be worshiped.
- Jesus tells her that she is partly right – the issue is that God is spirit, and He seeks those who worship Him in spirit and in truth.
- Don’t allow the conversation to get off the subject (John 4:19).
- She attempted to change the subject to theology.
- Watch out when things get personal.
- Be sensitive to the working of the Holy Spirit (John 4:26-29).
- Jesus did not push her into a decision; He engaged in conversation and allowed her to ponder the implications of what was said.
- Peter gave no invitation at the end of his sermon (Acts 2:36-38).
- Notice how she progressed: calling Jesus a Jew (John 4:9), Sir (John 4:11), Prophet (John 4:19), to Christ (John 4:29).
- How have you grown in your understanding of who Jesus really is?
III. PASSION TO DO THE JOB (From John 4):
- What does John 4:34-35 say to you?
- Is evangelism…
- Exercising a spiritual gift?
- Or doing the will of God?
- Evangelism is engaging the enemy in spiritual warfare, and who enjoys physical combat?