Path to Spiritual Maturity Meeting #14 Recap - Evangelism

Opening Prayer

Welcome:

Step 1: Overview

a. Go over last week’s assignment of reading an article on #10 Evangelism in the Foundations Pathway, and of doing an application.

b. This week’s assignment: read an article on #11 Discipleship in the Foundations Pathway, and do an application.

c. Finish with time for questions/comments.

If we run out of time you can always e-mail us, or post in the discussion group. I will post those e-mail addresses and the group link at the end of our session.

Step 2: Review of #10 Evangelism.

-Go over last week’s assignment of reading an article on #10 Evangelism in the Foundations Pathway, and do an application.

So did you do your reading and application this week? (Yes/no) Did you find it helpful? What struck you the most from your study this week? Was there anything that you were really challenged on that you prayed about or are doing something about?

Evangelism is an area that can feel intimidating. It does not need to feel that way, it is simply sharing with others what God has done for you. Therefore, the more we think about and realize what God has done for us, the more we will have on our minds to be able to share. The more we get to know our savior and see the depths that He has redeemed us from, the more we will want to share. Even still, that does not automatically make us good communicators, or very comfortable with it. But if our lives have been truly changed by the most important event of history, and if others are in need of that change as well, then if we love others we will begin the process of sharing it.

For me this was a daunting task. I grew up as a very quiet child. Yet as God changed my heart, and helped me to see the truths of what is written in the preceding paragraph I was convicted that whether or not it was convenient, or easy, or natural, whether or not it was a gift—and even if it was the hardest thing in the world (as it truly seemed)—other people needed to hear the truths of the gospel from me: it was part of the great commission given to all believers to go and make disciples.

I will probably remember vividly until the day I die my first attempt: I was about 13 or 14. I was on a baseball team. I was the worst player on the team. I struck out unless they accidentally walked me or hit me. They played me as little as they possibly could out in right field. However, I knew that my teammates were sinners and going to hell if they did not ask Jesus to take their sins upon Himself. I knew what God had done to change my hard, stubborn, cold heart not that long before. Yet, do you know what happened when I tried to share? I squeaked. I mean literally all that came out was a squeak. The kid next to me just gave me a weird look and went back to watching the game. A squeak. A colossal failure is what it felt like. I literally could not even choke out a word. But I had tried, I had made my first attempt.

Almost always getting comfortable or good at something requires practice. Thinking through possible conversations, continuing to think about how you could share, being intentional about thinking how the conversation might be directed towards spiritual things or an invitation to church, reading, praying for wisdom (James 1:5) – these are all things that can be done to get better at sharing the most important thing that has ever occurred in your life. Since it is so important it is worth the effort.

It may not happen overnight: growth is often a process of continued effort. However, if God can take me from where I was at being only able to get out a literal squeak to being told by an elder years later that maybe I had the gift of evangelism (Whether or not that is true I do not know, but regardless it is a command and privilege for all of us to share these life-changing truths!) then He can help you overcome any obstacles to share with others His life-changing work that He has done for you. God delights to take the foolishness of the world to confound the wise (1 Cor. 1:26-29). We have nothing in ourselves to boast, but God can take a weak instrument and accomplish amazing things because it is His power that can do all things (Phil 4:13).

Will you commit to looking to see how you can grow in sharing the life changing truths of the gospel with others from wherever you are at in that process? If it does not seem worth sharing or taking that effort, is it truly a life changing and life giving truth in your own life? Have the busy activities of life caused you to forget the momentous reality of Jesus’ life-transforming death and resurrection from the cross for your sin? Once you see the need, and have the desire, what will you do to share the gospel with others?

Step 3: This week’s assignment: Begin #11 Discipleship in the Foundations Pathway.

Read at least one article in the Discipleship category on the Path to Spiritual Maturity #11 Discipleship under step 4) [or listen to an audio, or watch a video]. Then think about what you have read and do an application (some suggested ones are listed there). Next week we can discuss any questions that you might have had either about the article, or its application.

Other ideas:

*blog about your reading/application

*write down any questions you might have from the reading/experience

*write out any terms that you did not understand

*spend some time praying about and thanking God for His Word that He has given us to be able to know His truths.

Step 4: Questions, comments, and interaction.

…

Step 5: Closing Reminders:

*This week, focus on the Discipleship Step. (Keep up your Bible reading time, and as needed, focus on your motivation.)

*Go to the group page to post comments, questions, or to find a posting of what we discussed during our time together. http://users.bible.org/groups/path_spiritual_maturity_discipleship

*E-mail us as needed.

Closing Prayer

Pursue Christ in all you do, and may this Path to Spiritual Maturity be a tool to help you pursue Him. That is our prayer and desire. God bless!