John 4
Learning to Plant Seeds 

Intro. Fishing in a tub of water & It is not very productive, but it's very convenient. Evangelism must be done where lost people are.

I want to challenge you this morning by taking a look at Christ's witnessing technique.

1. The challenge of Constraints

a. Too many people (what can one person do?)

Coca-Cola has fulfilled their own version of the Great Commission many times over. They have virtually put a bottle of Coke in everyone's hand. If they can do it with a soft drink, we can certainly do it with the gospel.

b. Too hectic of a pace (we're too busy)

c. Unhealthy examples

d. Cultural barriers  theological errors

e. Imbalance between words & actions

2. The challenge of Conversation

What could you tell someone about how your life has changed because of Christ? Have you thought about how to give a clear explanation of your faith? Peter wrote, " Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."  I Pet 3:15

A. Our parameters  Mk 5:19

1. Tell them how much the Lord has done for you.

As someone who has experienced God's saving love, you have much to share!

2. Tell them how he has had mercy on you.

Just as the demon-possessed man who lived in the tombs, we too were living in the tombs  of deadly sin before we accepted Christ as our Savior.

B. Our purpose

1. Contact others socially

Illus. Henry Ford : He purchased a large insurance policy. The Detroit newspapers covered it on the front page since the amount was so large and he was so prominent. The story was read by one of Ford's old friends who happened to be in the insurance business. The old friend went to confront Ford to see if the story was true. When Ford assured him that it was, the friend asked why the policy was not purchased from him, since he was a persona friend and had been in the insurance business for many years. Ford's reply was, "You never asked me."  How many of our friends can say to us, "You never asked me",  regarding our sharing Christ with them.

Lk 5:27-32

Who am I daily praying for by name, asking the Holy Spirit to open their eyes, be enlightened and have their will bent until they receive Christ.

We must develop relationships with non-Christians (Jn 5:27, 17:14)

The disciples crossed the Samaritan woman off their list because a mere glance betrayed her immoral lifestyle and her race. Christ shows us to never look at a person superficially.

Here are two questions to help us.

1. Why are they doing what they are doing?

2. Are they looking for the right things, but in all the wrong places?

We need to discover how practically we can initiate and develop friendships with non-Christians & then realistically & lovingly explain to them the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. Establish a common interest 7-8

As instruments in God's hands we must work positively and patiently to establish mutual interests.

We have to know how to listen to others.

3. Arouse interest 9-12

Jesus spoke to her. He broke through social and racial barriers.

As we spend time with non-Christians things begin to be revealed.

As we spend time with non-Christians things begin to be revealed

1. Sense of purpose in life

2. Values that we hold

3. The things that really consume us.

4. Attitudes toward people

5. Reactions to circumstances

6. Peace & contentment that holds us up through pressures & crisis.

If we are no different than the people around us in these areas we need to ask the Lord to show us what is missing and to ask Him to meet our need.

Commendable statement: "I know where all of my neighbors go to church." But what would be more commendable is if you know whether they will go to heaven.

There are usually three reasons why people do not verbally witness:

1. They do not know where to start

2. Their life is full of inconsistencies

3. They are disobedient to the Word of God

Illus. What is more important the life we live, or the words we say? It is like asking which wing of an airplane is more important, the right or the left. Obviously both are essential and you don't have anything without both.

3. The challenge of Conviction (13-19)

Anon quote: The only way to prepare the soil of the heart for the seed is to plow it up with conviction. 

There can be no conversion without conviction.

A. Don't push

1. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit

2. Take imitative

3. Use tactfulness : Illus. A barber had just become a Christian. As he met his first customer the next day, he was sharpening his straight razor on the leather strap. His initial approach to his customer was, "Are you ready to die?"  One can imagine what went through the customer's mind as he viewed the finely honed razor. As the cliché goes; If we don't use tact, we may lose contract. 

4. Use preciseness : understandable terms

5. Communicate decisiveness : your commitment(?)

B. Don't preach

Most of us are quick to do this!

We must watch our reactions.

We can condemn unwittingly :"I don't smoke, drink, etc. I'm a Christian." We can send mixed messages. There are non-Christians who don't do these things. There are Christians who do! What message does that statement send?

They are being generous - suggest an alternative

Look for wholesome activities

Learn the art of legitimate compliment

Illus. Charles Trumbull : Taking Men Alive " A drunken man spewing profanity & filth staggered into his train car. After lurching into the seat beside Mr. Trumbull, he offered him a swallow from his flash. Mr. Trumbull inwardly recoiled from the foul-mouthed drunk. But instead of blessing the man about his condition, he replied, "No thank you, but I can see you are a very generous man."  The man's eye lit up despite his condition and the two men began to talk. That day the drunken man heard about the One who has the water of life and has promised that anyone who drinks of it will never thirst again. He was deeply touched and later he came to the Savior.

4. The challenge of Commitment

A. Stick with the main issue

B. Confront person directly

At some point in time we have to show them that they are directly responsible to accept or reject Christ.

Our prayer: Lord, I am available, please show me today who needs you the most.