Spring Life, Part 4 Audio
SpringLife 2009
Message 4 - LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM
Last week, we looked at how
Jesus led His life and reached out to those around Him - Peter, Andrew, James, John -Peter’s mother-in-law -the people of Capernaum –Matthew
His lifestyle was a powerful demonstration to others about who He was
Our lifestyle is a powerful witness to others about who Jesus is.
Character Study: Daniel
It may seem odd that we are looking at an OT character to examine the impact of a life for Christ, but Daniel was a man sold out to God who was living in a foreign world. Much like Jesus reminds us that we are in the world, but not of it, Daniel, too, was in his world, but not of it.
INTRODUCTION
Our witness consists of words and lifestyle.
Both are essential in seeing people come to Christ. They work in conjunction with one another.
People tend to receive our verbal message more willingly when they see it lived out, in and through our life.
Our lifestyle is a powerful witness to others about what it means to life a life sold out to God.
The question is how do we live such a lifestyle?
Look at the example of Daniel found in Daniel 6:1-5.
EXPANDED SERMON OUTLINE
Daniel focused on his inner life. (vv.1-5)
“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
Daniel’s life gave priority to his walk with God.
His integrity and other “exceptional qualities” flowed from his personal relationship with God.
If our lifestyle is going to be used as a witness for Christ, then our personal relationship with Jesus must be a priority.
We are to know God and make Him known.
Daniel was granted opportunity. (vv. 1-3)
As a result of Daniel’s godly life he was granted opportunities to shine for God. Daniel was noticed when a new regime came into power.
Daniel’s godly lifestyle and talents led him to be appointed to a position of great influence where he was able to be a witness for the Lord.
God brings opportunities into the lives of those who follow Him. His followers need to be ready when they are presented.
Daniel’s lifestyle was noticed by others. (vv. 3-5)
Daniel’s lifestyle was a beacon to the people around him. It was jealousy that led Daniel’s colleagues to oppose him. But their malicious plans were hindered by the fact that they couldn’t find any fault in him. They resigned themselves to the following:
“We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
Who wouldn’t want that said of them? Remember that the King noticed Daniel because of his “exceptional qualities.” It’s appropriate to propose that people do notice the way a person lives and that there is power in living a godly lifestyle.
People will be drawn to God by noticing how you life your life - then they are ready to hear what you say.
In other words, live out the gospel as you share the gospel
Titus 2:7-8 “. . .in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”
Each day we’re granted the opportunity to impact lives for Christ. Our lifestyle is a powerful witness for the Lord.
Don’t let fear keep you from lifestyle of sharing your witness
2 Tim 1:7 “ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Don’t let fear cripple your witness. Confidently live lives sold out to God.
Pray in advance for wisdom about what words you speak when the door opens for spiritual conversations.
1 Peter 3:15; But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Prov 16:23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.).
As you seek to learn God’s Word, let God’s Word transform you.
#35 Knowing the gospel empowers us to be witnesses through words and lifestyle.
Take advantage of all opportunities. Living for Christ will open doors to share the gospel message.
“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” St. Francis of Assisi
We are witnesses for Christ through both words and lifestyle
This week is Holy Week -the week we remember that Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hailed as King on Sunday, but by Thursday, He was locked up like a common thug. The same crowd that called Him blessed on Sunday called for His crucifixion on Friday.
The same crowd that called Him blessed on Sunday called for His crucifixion on Friday.
And yet, in the midst of the betrayal of that crowd,
in the midst of the temptations, the pain, and the suffering, Jesus continued to live the life which testified to His love and mercy and grace and forgiveness.
He continued to walk the walk, as He also talked the talk . . .
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34
“It is finished.” John 19:30
This week, Holy Week, I ask that you pray about these things in addition to praying for the salvation of the people whose names you’ve written
Pray for the names of the people God has written on your heart - but also pray for the souls of those names how does God want you to fast this week as a means of honoring Him and intensifying your prayers for these people?
Ask God to give you opportunities to live a life of witness to those souls this week
Ask God to open doors for you to initiate a conversation about spiritual beliefs with someone – and let it be someone who will be “fertile soil”
Ask God to open doors for you to ask someone to consider a relationship with Jesus Christ
Pray that God opens doors for you to follow up with Spirit-led prayer, invitation to fellowship/worship activities, more prayer and more conversation (discipleship of a new believer)
Don’t Forget -- Always be prepared