First Century Personal Work Jesus our Example Evangelism

First Century Personal Work Jesus, our Example Evangelism 2015

What is Evangelism? • Evangelism is a term that simply means efforts to reach the lost • It is based upon the Greek word (εὐαγγελιστής, euangelistēs) from which we get our English word, “evangelist” – one who announces the gospel • That word is based upon the Greek word, (εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion) which is the word for Gospel or “good news” the actual meaning • When we speak of evangelism, we are speaking of efforts to share the good news of the gospel with others! Evangelism 2015

First Century Evangelism • It was important to the saint –Matt. 28: 18 -20 Acts 5: 42, 8: 4, Col. 1: 23 • Examples included: Andrew telling Peter Philip bringing Nathanael Philip in Samaria and with the Eunuch Aquila and Priscilla with Apollos, etc. Evangelism 2015

Jesus and Evangelism • It was important to Him • Luke 19: 10, 5: 32 • He trained His apostles to “catch men” Luke 5: 10, Matt. 4: 19 • The great commission – Matt. 28: 19 -20 • He sent out the 70 – Luke 10 • Andrew also mentioned Evangelism 2015

Jesus and Evangelism • He taught individuals • Zacchaeus – Luke 19: 1 -10 • Nicodemus – John 3: 1 -8 • The rich, young ruler – Matthew 19: 16 -26 • Do we imitate Him – 1 Cor. 11: 1 Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • Jesus did not isolate Himself • He interacted with people Cf. Luke 4: 43 He was always seeking opportunities to teach • At times He went places the selfrighteous would avoid, such as Samaria • We too are in the world, though not of the world – John 17: 14 -15 Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • He went to a Samaritan (4: 4) An immoral, Samaritan woman • Jesus did not limit His teaching to a select class. Luke 4: 31 -32, cf. 1 Cor. 5: 9 -10 • This does not imply partaking of evil deeds – 2 Cor. 6: 14 -18 • Who is more likely to respond? Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • He sat at the well (4: 5 -6) His eyes were open for opportunity • If we are to fish for men we need to go where the “fish” are • Is the seed still in the barn? Haggai 2: 19 Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • He asked for water (4: 7 -8) • Jesus initiated the conversation • He established something of interest to both. (In this case, water) • Are we willing to talk with others? (This does take courage) Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • He turned the conversation from • • physical to spiritual (4: 10 -15) From physical water to water that will eternally quench thirst (spiritual thirst) To reach the lost, this must eventually happen! Cf. Acts 8: 30, 13: 16 -19, 17: 22 -23 NOTE: This will NOT happen if spiritual matters are not on your mind! IT might just be an invitation… Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • He did not ignore her sinful condition (4: 16 -19) • Sin NEEDS to be addressed and repentance understood. • Jesus was not harsh with her Col. 4: 6, Jude 22 -23 • We do none a favor by pressuring them into obedience without understanding the need for repentance! Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • He did not ignore her false worship (4: 19 -26) • Error too NEEDS to be addressed • Again, it is done diplomatically and only what one can endure. • One needs to understand the need to leave error before they obey, Matthew 28: 19 -20 Evangelism 2015

Jesus and The Samaritan Woman (John 4) • He gave her hope(4: 26) • Jesus told her what she needed to know! • In teaching others, we need to eventually get to what one needs to do! The invitation 1 Cor. 15: 1 -5, Mark 16: 16, Acts 2: 38, 22: 16, etc. Evangelism 2015

The Result (John 4: 27 -42) • She believed (at least she expressed a desire to know more) • She went and told others in the village (4: 30) • Jesus continued teaching! 4: 34 -38 • The Samaritans come out. He stays 2 days and many believe in Him (4: 39 -42) – give adequate time to studying with one! Evangelism 2015

May we use His example, not merely to learn what to teach, but to move us to teach!