[Biblemat] S> Mistakes we make in reaching the lost

Wed May 30 12:24:42 CDT 2007

Greetings brethren,
  Here is a sermon preached from this past Sunday.  Some of points and the title are based upon a lesson by Gary Henry found at www.Brasstacks.org  (Three Mistakes We Make in Trying to Influcence People).  It was well received and is something for us to think about.  TATJR

Sunday, May 27, 2007 am

MISTAKES WE MAKE IN REACHING THE LOST

                It is no mistake that God expects each and every one of us as Christians to grow.  It is equally true that if this church is to be pleasing to God in all things that she must also be growing in many different ways - spiritually, in knowledge & wisdom, closer toward maturity (developing godly leaders) and as a result, physically, i.e. we are bringing in lost souls.  Of course, since the church is comprised of US, that is Christians, growth in each of these areas is directly linked to our growth.  Ephesians 4:16 bears this out noting that EVERY part must do its share if the body of Christ is to grow.   It is truly sad that we have convinced ourselves that we are not going to really grow if we do not compromise the truth.  As a result I am fearful that we have settled on our present condition.  This attitude is "just plain wrong!"  And it is one of which we need to repent.  It is this concern that has promoted me to, focus on the importance of growth.  Lessons addressing leadership and personal evangelism this year are directed toward that end, including our lesson today.  

Today we want to focus on personal evangelism.  A few weeks ago I presented a lesson addressing why each of us should be trying to reach the lost.  In that lesson we identified the terms personal work and personal evangelism (a specific type of personal work) and emphasized some reasons why we should take the task of trying to teach others seriously.  But I understand that personal evangelism is not an easy thing to do and it requires time and effort to develop ourselves adequately.  In our lesson this morning we want to notice some mistakes that we should try to avoid in reaching the lost.

I.                     We try to change others without changing ourselves first

a.        The most important element to reaching others is living consistently with what you teach.  Continually we are warned to be godly examples - Matthew 5:13-16 - we are to be salt and light to the world.
Proverbs 4:18 says, "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day."  This verse is in contrast to the path of the wicked (14-18).  Whether we like it or not, people notice the path that we are REALLY traveling.
When we tell others how important the Lord is but we neglect the assembly or his work for whatever event arises - the one you are trying to influence WILL notice what you really do.

b.       There is something to be said about hypocrisy in this.  
We know what God thinks of the hypocrite - In Matthew 23 Jesus uses the word hypocrite 9 times as He condemns the Jewish leaders.
In Matthew 24:51 as the Lord describes what He will do to the evil servant when He returns.  It says, he will "cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.  There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 
In Romans 12:9 we are told to let our love be without hypocrisy.
1 Peter 2:1 tells us to lay aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and evil.
How many of us fail to tell others about the Lord because we know that we are not what we ought to be?  We know the seriousness of hypocrisy and rather than change we simply say nothing to those we should be trying to reach.  

c.        Sadly, there are many professing Christians who are allowing ungodliness to rule their lives.  They are caught up in sinful activities that they don't want to give up.  Like the rich, young ruler they are living for materialistic and worldly pursuits.   They want to serve God and Christ, but they are not willing to walk away from whatever gets in their way of giving Him their all.  Jesus was clear when He said, "No one can serve two masters." Matthew 6:24.  Yet, serving two masters is exactly what we try to do!

d.       One result of this is that they are simply not really committed to totally serving God.  I am convinced that many of us don't do more because we don't want to do more.  And that is tied directly to our commitment to Him.   Is He really a priority in our lives?  Is He enough of a priority that we are willing to change WHATEVER for Him?

e.        ARE WE willing to change ourselves that we can better change others?  Think about it!

II.                   We assume that a godly example is all I need to have

a.        Sometimes the biggest mistake we make is assuming that others will come to the truth simply by observing us.   
Having established the importance of a godly example, I ask if that is enough.  We can never underestimate the power of a godly example but will that example alone reach others?
There are many who understand the importance of sacrifice and they have done it.  They live godly lives and realize that we are the salt and light of the world.  Their conduct is commendable and passages 1 Peter 3:16 (when the enemy defames you as evildoers, they are put to shame by the way you have lived your life) like certainly apply to them.  But is being an example enough?

b.       In addition to your example, at some point you have to SAY SOMETHING!

                                                   i.      We must remind ourselves of the power of the gospel.  Romans 1:16.
Ephesians 1:13 says, "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation."  Hebrews 4:12 speaks of the power of the word of God as well.

                                                  ii.      Consider the example of the apostles on Pentecost.  Wonderful things were happening and all of Jerusalem was wondering what was happening.  But the gospel STILL needed to be preached.  And that is exactly what Peter did on that occasion.

                                                iii.      It is teaching and preaching that lets others know what they need to do.
Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the word of God.  Note also the context in vs. 13-16.

c.        For many this is the biggest obstacle.  But we must learn to overcome it not only for our sakes, but the sakes of the souls of others.  2 Corinthians 5:11 - we must persuade men.

III.                 We approach them with an ungodly attitude

a.        Living a godly life certainly is a testament to the world.  And now we know that we must also open our mouths at some point and actually introduce the gospel to others.  But we must do this with a proper attitude. 

b.       There are many who are ready to speak up, but their attitude does more damage than good for the cause of Christ.   Have you ever heard a preacher who was so full of himself that his message had NO credibility?  I think of the Pharisee in Luke 18:10-12 who bragged to God about how wonderful he was and how he was not like other men.

c.        Have you ever acted like that yourself toward others?  Have you ever demonstrated attitudes and characteristics that turned off those who would otherwise be good prospects?  
Colossians 4:6 notes that our speech is to be with grace, seasoned with salt.
We must guard against displaying attitudes of arrogance, pride, anger, impatience, tactlessness, etc.  Realize that when we act this way, we are not only sinning, but often causing irreparable damage with one that we might have a chance to teach if we only stepped back and controlled our conduct.

d.       Another attitude to consider - do we keep God in the equation?  Do we pray to Him for wisdom? (James 1:5) And for doors to be opened? (Colossians 2:3)

IV.                We say the wrong thing

a.        Another mistake we sometimes make is simply saying things we should not be saying.  There are a number of reasons that factor into this - the right or wrong time, who is present, our knowledge of a given situation, etc.  The bottom line is that the circumstances behind what we say are just as important as what we actually say.  

b.       Some examples of this would include the following:

                                                   i.      Advising others before we understand all the facts - Sometimes we speak up and give our "counsel" before we have heard "the rest of the story."   
An important characteristic Christians need to develop is to learn to LISTEN!  That is what James 1:19 says.   Often times rash answers turn people off.  Consider Ecclesiastes 5:1-3.
Proverbs 18:13 - "he who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him."

                                                  ii.      When we misuse God's word - 2 Timothy 2:15 challenges us to "rightly divide the word of truth."  To do this hinges upon our diligent efforts to know what "the word of truth" actually says.   Sometimes we do not adequately know the word of God concerning a given subject or we misuse scripture.  This can be detrimental to our cause.

                                                iii.      Sometimes we start our discussion where we don't belong.  It takes experience and skill know where to begin a study or what to say in a given situation.  Different people must be approached at different places.  
For example - Do you start with establishing there is a God, the Bible is inspired, the New Testament, errors within the church, etc.  
Some want you to answer questions they are not ready for (because they do not have adequate background).  
Sometimes we jump on some problem that we notice and treat them the way we would treat an erring brother in Christ.

                                                iv.      We bad mouth our brethren and the church.  We criticize and complain about how bad everything is to people who know nothing about us.  What can we expect from such an attitude? Basically, most will reason - if things are that bad I want nothing to do with you.  In essence you have lost a chance to influence one toward the Lord's church.  Summarizing this - keep housekeeping business IN THE HOUSE!

                                                 v.      How do we avoid these things?
Pray to God for wisdom - Psalm 141:3, "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." 
James 1:26 says that if we DON'T guard our tongues, our religion is useless.
STUDY the word of God - the more you know, the better prepared you will be.  Knowing not only what to say, but also what NOT to say! 

V.                   The BIGGEST mistake - we just don't do it. 
We cannot expect to escape condemnation before God if we choose to bury whatever talents we have been entrusted with (cf. Matthew 25:26-30).  And know that God does know what we actually can do - which may not be the same as what we THINK we can do.  Realize that God is giving you the "talent" - you don't pick it!  BUT,.
We think that someone else is going to do it for me.   They can't do the job for you.  They can help you learn or they can assist you in teaching someone.  BUT, they have to take care of their own talents they have been entrusted with.  
We think we have plenty of time in the future - that is a gamble.  We know about the limits of time.  Circumstances may change with that person we would like to reach.  Our friend may die.  We may die!  The Lord may return.  
We think that we need to learn a little more first.  Maybe so, but HOW LONG can we use that excuse?  How many souls will we gamble with while we are supposed to be learning?  

Friends, the future of the church is what is at stake.  Will there be a sound congregation of the Lord's people here in Bellflower when the next generation comes along?  Will this church grow in ways God is pleased with in the next few years?  The answer to these questions will be determined by your willingness to do something about it.  Will you?  Think about it!
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