Welcome

Lesson for May 27th, 2012

Equipped Evangelism & Witnessing

Scripture Focus

Matthew 4:19; 11:1-11; 10:1-14; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 3:9

Concept

Equipping for evangelism begins with our personal relationship with Jesus. Though Satan attempts to foil our work, we know God cares deeply about lost people.

Materials Needed

Bibles, pencils, papers

Connecting with the Scripture Topic

1. When you make a purchase that requires some assembly (like a bicycle), do you tend to read all the instructions and count the parts before getting started, or do you tend to just jump in and start putting things together?
2. How do you learn best? Do you like to listen to someone explain something to you? Do you appreciate clear written instructions? Are you the type who has to “make it your own” before you really have an interest in it?

Sharing and Receiving Scripture

1. Christ used a variety of methods to reach different types of minds. Think of all the different (often creative) ways Jesus related to others and how those methods affected people.
2. Thought Questions

Read Matthew 4:19. Christ said, “I will make you fishers of men [people].” If training people to be disciples happens in stages, which stage is your church at now?

1. We need to hear Christ’s call to our hearts.
2. We struggle to drop everything and follow Jesus.
3. Our church needs some practical instruction in how to go “fishing” for the Lord.
4. As a whole, we’ve had enough classroom training. We really need to get into a boat and cast our nets.
5. Most of us want to sit on deck chairs and drink lemonade while watching others do the work.
6. Other...

Read the story in Matthew 11:1-11 about John the Baptist’s disciples coming to Jesus. What can we learn from Christ’s instructions to John’s followers about evangelism and witnessing?

1. It’s okay to come to Christ with questions and concerns about how to follow.
2. Jesus said, “Go tell John what you hear and see.” Learning by observing is a powerful way to grow.
3. The work of Christ is discerned not in big budgets, big churches, or big numbers but in changed lives.
4. Like John, Jesus’ disciples do not always live in comfort and may suffer for their faith.
5. Christ is not impressed with “big shots” who push for attention. Jesus values “the least” as important.
6. Other...

When Jesus sent out the 12 apostles, instructions were given that can help us be better disciples of Christ. Circle the three guidelines you feel are important and put a star by the teaching of Christ you feel is most important.

1. “Go first to the lost sheep in Israel” (v. 6). Maybe this means the missing members in your church.
2. “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 7). There is an urgency to sharing the gospel with others.
3. “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers...” (v. 8). The work of caring for people’s physical needs ranks high.
4. “Provide neither gold...in your belts” (v. 9). Money is often a barrier in our thinking about outreach.
5. “Shake off the dust from your feet” (v. 14). It’s okay to focus on fruitful fields and not waste time in fields that aren’t productive.
6. Other...

The Bible provides warnings and encouragement in our privileged work of sharing Christ with others. Read through 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Peter 3:9, and Matthew 9:37. Then discuss how these verses apply to witnessing for Jesus.

1. We need to remember that an enemy does not want us to share our faith.
2. Having a clear mind before giving a Bible study helps us communicate truth better.
3. Like a roaring lion, the devil uses barking dogs and other distractions to keep us from going door to door.
4. Sometimes we don’t realize that the people who are most receptive to the gospel are our work colleagues.
5. There are more people ready to listen to the story of Jesus than most Christians believe.
6. Other...

Applying the Message of Scripture

Gather in groups of two or three. Choose one of the following options and work on a solution. Then report back to your group when your facilitator says time is up.

• Option 1: “Never!” That’s what your prayer partner at church said one day about witnessing. “I could never share my faith! I’m not ready, and I don’t know that I will ever be ready.” How can you encourage someone who is so strongly against sharing their faith in Jesus?
• Option 2: The church board asks your class to create a three-step plan to help everyone in your church share Jesus in some way. The first step is a sermon outline on witnessing. The second is planning an afternoon training session at the church. The third is to go out into the community. Write up a short, one-paragraph proposal to present to the board.
• Option 3: One minute—that’s how much time you have to tell someone about Jesus. Take a few moments to jot down what you would say in one minute to a person who inquires about Christ. Then practice sharing for one minute. What did you learn from this exercise?

Valuing Scripture in Your Life

1. As you finish this lesson, ask yourself, “Do I feel equipped and ready to share Christ? What more do I need to move forward and share my faith?”
2. Pray in groups of two for God to open a door for you to share Jesus with someone in a simple way this coming week.

Next Week’s Scripture Focus

Exodus 18:13-26; Matthew 7:17, 18; Acts 6:1-8; John 4:36; Acts 15:36-40