PLANTING SEEDS
PLANTING SEEDS: EVANGELISM How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15) Study and meditation, prayer and fasting, worship, and even stewardship all are usually included when discussing spiritual discipline. All contribute to the building of disciples. Evangelism, the last discipline to be explored, helps to complete the rooted series. Faith springs up when the seed is planted (Matt 13) by those with beautiful feet (Isa 52:7; Rom 10:15). Jesus instructed his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). Of all the disciplines discussed for many evangelism is the most difficult to develop. Reasons for this include:
Politically incorrect (Christianity’s claim is exclusive, John 14:6) Philosophically rejected (Doctrines of sin, redemption, one God, absolute truth, seen as culturally insensitive, 1 Cor 1:21; Acts 4:12) Fear, on many levels (see 1 Cor 9:19-23 and 2 Cor 5:11-21)
As a believer you are walking daily in fellowship with God; you are always in his presence. You have been given knowledge of universe, its maker and creator, his character and will, his plans and desire to bless everyone. In fact, on a daily basis, as we grow in these disciplines, the love of Christ comes to control every aspect of life: words, deeds, and thoughts. Jesus, a part of the godhead, deity, became flesh to seek and save those who had lost their way, to be light and life where darkness and despair reigned. His compassion compelled him to come with the very purpose of suffering reject and dying on the cross for those who were his enemies. Spiritual disciplines shape disciples. Disciples follow their master and are formed in his image. Evangelism is a reflection of Jesus’ mission. You have died with Christ and been raised to a new life (Romans 6:4). This new life includes a new mission – peacemaker between God and man (2 Cor 5). Being rooted in Christ means becoming like Jesus and joining his mission.
Getting Started 1. Share an exciting time when you were involved in an effort where you witnessed peoples’ lives being changed. How were you involved? What caused you to become involved? 2. Ever had two friends who were at odds with one another? What did you do to try to bring about reconciliation? What happened? Exploring the Text [Use these questions to discuss these texts] 2 Corinthians 5:11-21; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 aloud. a. Why did Paul write that he tried to persuade others? b. What compelled Paul’s actions? If Christ died for all then how did Paul think that should influence the way one lived? c. If someone is “in Christ” what has changed in her/his life? d. How did write God reconciled to us? What happened to sins? e. Since you are reconciled what mission has God given you? 2. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 a. Paul wrote he was free from whom? To whom was he a slave? b. Paul became like what groups of people? What does this mean? c. Why was he willing to go to these lengths? Who benefited? Evangelism in Life 1. What are some of the practical ways to be involved in evangelism that were mentioned in today’s lesson (or in others contexts)? 2. When you think about it, what do you think is most challenging about being an ambassador of reconciliation? 3. How can you “become all things to all people”?
Politically incorrect (Christianity’s claim is exclusive, John 14:6) Philosophically rejected (Doctrines of sin, redemption, one God, absolute truth, seen as culturally insensitive, 1 Cor 1:21; Acts 4:12) Fear, on many levels (see 1 Cor 9:19-23 and 2 Cor 5:11-21)
As a believer you are walking daily in fellowship with God; you are always in his presence. You have been given knowledge of universe, its maker and creator, his character and will, his plans and desire to bless everyone. In fact, on a daily basis, as we grow in these disciplines, the love of Christ comes to control every aspect of life: words, deeds, and thoughts. Jesus, a part of the godhead, deity, became flesh to seek and save those who had lost their way, to be light and life where darkness and despair reigned. His compassion compelled him to come with the very purpose of suffering reject and dying on the cross for those who were his enemies. Spiritual disciplines shape disciples. Disciples follow their master and are formed in his image. Evangelism is a reflection of Jesus’ mission. You have died with Christ and been raised to a new life (Romans 6:4). This new life includes a new mission – peacemaker between God and man (2 Cor 5). Being rooted in Christ means becoming like Jesus and joining his mission.
Getting Started 1. Share an exciting time when you were involved in an effort where you witnessed peoples’ lives being changed. How were you involved? What caused you to become involved? 2. Ever had two friends who were at odds with one another? What did you do to try to bring about reconciliation? What happened? Exploring the Text [Use these questions to discuss these texts] 2 Corinthians 5:11-21; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 aloud. a. Why did Paul write that he tried to persuade others? b. What compelled Paul’s actions? If Christ died for all then how did Paul think that should influence the way one lived? c. If someone is “in Christ” what has changed in her/his life? d. How did write God reconciled to us? What happened to sins? e. Since you are reconciled what mission has God given you? 2. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 a. Paul wrote he was free from whom? To whom was he a slave? b. Paul became like what groups of people? What does this mean? c. Why was he willing to go to these lengths? Who benefited? Evangelism in Life 1. What are some of the practical ways to be involved in evangelism that were mentioned in today’s lesson (or in others contexts)? 2. When you think about it, what do you think is most challenging about being an ambassador of reconciliation? 3. How can you “become all things to all people”?
