PERSONAL EVANGELISM (Part 2)
Memory Verse: “I
tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have
seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.” John 3:11.
LESSON OBJECTIVES AND FOCUS
We shall be looking at the requirements for effective personal
evangelism so we can be more effective in the task.
LESSON
INTRODUCTION
Having been reminded of the definition
and importance of personal evangelism from last week’s lesson, we shall go
forward today to learn more about the requirements for its effectiveness.
SOME
INSIGHT
Nicodemus was not only a Pharisee
(those Jews who, among other things, believed in a strict observance of the
laws of God, never mind they added to/modified them as they saw fit), but also
a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Jn.3:1. He was therefore a VIP.
From v.2 we find out he
i.
Was most likely afraid of what his
fellow Jews would say about his associating with Jesus, and so he sneaked in to
see the Lord at night.
ii.
Had come to the conclusion that Jesus
was a teacher come from God.
From v.3 we see the Lord knew that deep down in the heart of Nicodemus,
he wanted to know the truth about the kingdom of God.
The encounter between the Lord and
Nicodemus shows us God is interested in saving all kinds and conditions of men,
VIPs included (I Tim.2:1-5), and we
need to equip ourselves so we can lead the “Nicodemuses” of today to a saving
faith in the Lord Jesus.
LESSON
OUTLINE 1: BASIC REQUIREMENTS
o
Basic
requirement I: The soul winner must be someone who can
speak from a personal knowledge of the Saviour he wishes to win the soul to. Jn. 3:11-->”…we speak of what we
know …” He must have a personal assurance of his own salvation.
o
Such assurance will produce boldness and confidence, but not arrogance or pride, on the part of the soul
winner. Acts 4:29; II Cor. 3:12.
o
Basic
Requirement II: The soul winner must be convinced that
souls without Christ are ruined, and
therefore need to be saved. Such souls are in great need which is variously
described as follows:
·
Illumination (Eph. 4:18); Salvation (Luke
19:10)
·
Pardon (Luke 7:41-42); Reconciliation (Rom. 5 :10)
·
Justification (Rom. 5:1) New life (Eph. 2:1)
LESSON
OUTLINE 2: OTHER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the above, the soul
winner also needs the following additional requirements:
i.
Genuine love and obedience to the Lord.
Jn. 14:15.
We need to genuinely
love the lost soul if we are go out and be ready to open up discussions with
them.
ii.
Deep knowledge of the word of God. II Tim. 3:14-17.
We need to be versed
in the word of God if we are to be able to knock out the tricks and lies of the
devil and his agents.
iii.
Divine courage and strength. Josh 1:9; Psalm 34:4.
We do need God given
courage and strength if we are not to be put off, hide or run away from the
battle front.
iv.
Divine wisdom and guidance. John 4:7-9.
Wisdom from above
will enable us to manage information and the environment properly toward the
salvation of the lost soul.
SUMMARY
We need to work at
preparing ourselves for effective personal evangelism so we do not miss the
opportunity of leading lost souls to the Lord as He brings us across their
path.