Seven Principles of Personal Evangelism John 4:1-26

Introduction Most Christians want to share the gospel of Christ with others But often feel awkward trying to talk with others Or simply don't know how to establish contacts for a Bible study Causing many to experience frustration and discouragement which keeps them from trying again Jesus, of course, often spoke with people about God Let’s learn some principles from His method that might help us in our efforts

1. Social Contact Sychar Jn 4:1-6 Pharisees avoided traveling through Samaria Even adding an extra day to their journey Jesus “needed” to go through Samaria The need seems to be that there were people there who needed to hear Didn’t do a big preaching campaign Just went to make contact Sychar

1. Social Contact Application If people aren't coming to Christ, we need to be going to the people We can't be fishers of men by fishing in a barrel If the fish won't come to the barrel, then we must go where the fish are The problem with sowing the seed is not that there is not good ground to be found, but that the seed is still in the barn (Hag 2:19) Where are the people? At school, work, neighbors, the store, on the street, the post office, the restaurant Even if we have to go a bit out of the way (like Jesus did), we need to go

2. Establish a Common Interest Jn 4:7-8 Common interests act like a bridge The woman had come to draw water She came at an uncommon time (noon) Jesus was tired and thirsty Sometimes we say we are too tired to look for opportunities to teach Jesus kicked off the conversation with a complete stranger by linking their interest in water What common interests? Work, school, friends, family, weather, travel, etc The point is to find something to talk about

3. Arouse Spiritual Interest Through actions Jn 4:9 As a man He speaks to her, a woman As a rabbi He speaks to her, an immoral woman As a Jew He speaks to her, a Samaritan He aroused interest by simply speaking to her Through our actions We can arouse spiritual interest by our example By showing kindness and compassion to all, even the evil and wicked By not harboring racial or social prejudices to those who are different

3. Arouse Spiritual Interest Through words Jn 4:10-14 Jesus' statement shifted their conversation to spiritual matters He led them into a discussion on a common spiritual interest (living water) Through our words Questions or statements to shift conversations to spiritual matters "Why do you think our world is in such a mess?“ “I read in the Bible that..." Discussion should begin without disagreement Argument rarely leads to conversion

4. Slow and Steady Jn 4:15-16 She wanted the "living water", but she didn’t understand Jesus saw the need to slow her down and provide the proper groundwork She needed faith in Him as the Messiah He needed to provide evidence that He was the Messiah So instead of giving her the "living water"... He tells her to get her husband Which will result in her conviction that He is a prophet

4. Slow and Steady Most people don't realize what they need first They'll want to talk about a particular subject But they really need something else first Some want to study Revelation But they need to be grounded on the rest of the Bible first Some want to discuss issues related to church organization, work, worship, etc. But they ought to focus on the "first principles" of the gospel It is important that a person not choke on the "meat" of the Word (1 Cor 3:1-2)

5. Don’t Condemn Unnecessarily Jn 4:17-18 He could have dwelt on her being an adulteress It was clearly sinful If she didn’t stop, she would be condemned But Jesus came to bring salvation to those willing to leave the darkness (Jn 12:46-48) In our efforts at evangelizing Though we preach against sin, our primary purpose is to save, not judge (1 Cor 5:12-13) Our focus should be to inform others of the forgiveness God offers (2 Cor 5:18-20) God seeks reconciliation with sinners Ours is a ministry of reconciliation

6. Stick to the Main Point Jn 4:19-20 Jn 4:21-24 She’s trying to deflect the conversation away from herself and to a point of controversy Jn 4:21-24 Jesus answers her question Jews worshipped in accordance to God’s word Worship requires spirit and truth But returns the conversation to the main point What is Jesus offering (Jn 4:10, 13-15)? After all, a moment earlier, she said she wanted it Is she willing to worship God in spirit and truth?

6. Stick to the Main Point Application If seeking to establish a common ground of agreement, avoid jumping ahead As you move from common to uncommon ground . . . Take one step at a time Do not go on until agreement at each step has occurred If your objective is simply to obtain consent for a home Bible study, avoid getting into a detailed discussion at that time “That’s a great question. Let me jot it down and let’s discuss it in detail. How about Friday?”

7. Confront Directly Jn 4:25-26 After the groundwork had been laid Jesus confronts her with who He is Application: In trying to set up a home Bible study Take advantage of social contacts Develop common interests Be open to comments that show a spiritual interest, while demonstrating your own faith through actions and words Avoid fruitless arguments, emphasize common beliefs Praise good points, encourage them in the right direction Have one primary objective: to encourage them to study the Bible even more Ask if they’d like to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, His church Confront them directly with the opportunity to study the Bible A specific date, time, and location

7. Confront Directly Application: During the course of a home Bible study Continue to develop the social contact Continue to establish common interests Take time to accentuate common ground you share in your spiritual interests Go from common ground to uncommon ground carefully Stress the gospel message; don't obsess on their individual shortcomings Have one primary objective: to help them understand their need and gospel plan of salvation After the groundwork is laid Confront them directly with the invitation to obey the gospel of Christ; for example, by asking... "Does this make sense?" "Is there anything I have said that you do not understand?" "Have I been teaching you anything other than what the Bible teaches?" 4) "Would you like to obey Christ now and be baptized for the remission of your sins?"

Conclusion Perhaps the principles learned from Jesus will help all of us to spread the gospel Social contact Establish a common interest Arouse spiritual interest (actions and words) Slow and steady Don’t condemn unnecessarily Stick to the main point Confront directly Now, there is work to do!