Why Evangelize the Unsaved?

 

Why Evangelize the Unsaved?

Matthew 28:19; Romans 3:23; 6:23

There are several biblical reasons for evangelism in the life of every believer.  First there is the command of the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19, where he says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  Every believer should take this command seriously and personally. Then secondly are the sinner’s needs which can be a powerful motivation when we consider passages like Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  And then Romans 6:23, where Paul said, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” These are clear commands from our Lord Jesus and the Word.

The reality of Hell and the wrath of God remain in the future of every unrepentant sinner.  A third reason for evangelizing is our love for Christ who was an outstanding evangelist to say the least. He certainly expects believers to obey his command to evangelize and to prove our love for him by our obedience to him. It was Christ who said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  A fourth and very good reason for evangelism is our love for others.  It is only natural to love one’s family and friends and want their good in all things.  Likewise, genuine love will compel us to be concerned with their eternal good.  These are just a few reasons, but there are others like the example of the Lord Jesus and his disciples, the stewardship of the Gospel, the glory of God, the lack of workers, and the promise of rewards which should also compel us to engage ourselves in the process of evangelism.  

Lesson:

I.               What Are the General Evangelism Approaches?  

So, with solid reasons to get involved, where should I start? How do the approaches to evangelism complement each other and represent parts of the strategy of evangelism?

There are three basic approaches to evangelism, and they each complement each other and represent parts of the strategy we need to embrace. The three parts are Presence Evangelism, Proclamation Evangelism, and Persuasion Evangelism.  Presence evangelism relates to the lifestyle of the believer that is his witness and testimony.  Proclamation evangelism focuses on announcing and publicizing the good news of Christ.  Persuasion evangelism concentrates on persuading and motivating the sinner to embrace Christ by faith.  It is intentionally preaching to secure soul-winning results.  Again, these are interrelated and interdependent upon each other.  For example, by our presence we win a hearing, by our proclamation we share the gospel message, and then by our persuasion we convince others to place their trust in Christ. These interrelated approaches affords ways to immediately invest ourselves in reaching people with the gospel.

II.            What Terms refer to New Testament Evangelism?

If we refer to the various words found in the New Testament to describe evangelism, the following is what we would discover.  Some present-day examples of these different types of evangelism are also delineated.

There are various Greek words found in the New Testament which describe evangelism; there are matching present-day examples for each of these words. 

• 1.     Martureo (Acts 1:8) is sharing your experience with others. The present day equivalent is sharing one’s personal experience in trusting Christ as Savior. 
• 2.     Laleo (Acts 4:1) is talking to others.  The present-day exercise of this type of evangelism occurs when we weave the message of the gospel and our faith into the average conversation with someone.
• 3.     Euaggelizo (Acts 8:4) is telling others about Jesus.  This can be achieved today by telling others the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Emphasis would be placed on the message of the good news in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
• 4.     Didasko (Matt. 28:20) is teaching others the gospel systematically.  Today we should explain the gospel message in great detail and systematically especially when working with someone who has questions or is religiously confused.  The goal is to remove misconceptions so people can understand and believe.
• 5.     Dialegomai (Acts 18:4) is answering reasonable questions.  Today as we share the gospel with others, some will have more questions or our presentation will raise legitimate concerns in the hearts of the sinners.  We can afford them opportunity to present their questions and give them Bible answers.  This form of witnessing takes on the form of dialog or a question-and-answer session.
• 6.     Kataggello (Acts 17:3) is driving home the gospel.  This can be effectively used today in public preaching as we bring sinners to understand their need and fervently point them to the reality that Jesus is the answer, solution, and “The Christ.” Such public proclaiming of Christ should be filled with conviction and astutely advocated by the believer.
• 7.     Kerusso (Acts 8:5) is announcing the gospel so people can respond.  Modern day street preaching wonderfully follows the manner of publicly heralding the gospel so that people can hear and understand.
• 8.     Mathateuo (Matt. 28: 19) is convincing others to follow Jesus.  Today we are to lead people to a conversion experience in trusting Christ to save them and then to actually become lifelong followers of Christ.  The elements of repentance, faith, and discipleship are all included.
• 9.     Peitho (2Cor. 5:11; Acts 18:4) is persuading those who are hesitant.  This is the modern effort of fervently bringing someone to the point of a decision for Christ as Savior.  While no one can be coerced or pressured for a decision, it is correct to persuade and encourage a positive choice for forgiveness and regeneration. 

III.         What is Evangelism?

Evangelism is the effort of believers to sustain a lifestyle which witnesses of the power of the gospel, to proclaim the gospel message clearly so that sinners can understand and believe, and to convince or persuade people to receive Christ as Savior.  Evangelism should be accepted as a mandate for all believers and an essential component for Christian living.

Conclusion:

Beloved, we have a clear mandate from our Lord and insight into our very real human condition of sin. God’s perspective is inarguable transparent also; people who die without Christ have no hope of salvation. Regardless of our position in a congregation or lack thereof, we are charged with the message of Christ. We who know the gospel must share it with those who are without the hope of Jesus Christ. As evangelists, we are referred to as fishers of men, witnesses, ambassadors, and stewards.  Several other occupations illustrate the work as NT evangelists. Terms like “builder” (1Cor. 3:10), “soldier” (2Tim. 2:3), “farmer” (1Cor. 3:6-9), and “sower” (Matt. 13:3) also shed light on our work. Clearly our job is placed before us as NT evangelists.  So, go in as many ways as you can to share the hope of Christ with whoever through the gospel.