What is My Role in Evangelism?

Perspective in evangelism is crucial and the right attitude and perspective can make a big difference in how you approach evangelistic opportunities. Perhaps you have said something like, “I am afraid to share Christ because I might be rejected” or “If I say the wrong thing, my friend might be lost forever,” or “I don’t have the gift of evangelism, so God can’t use me.”

Be assured that you are not alone. For many believers evangelism is the weakest part of their Christian life – not because they don’t care about the lost or don’t want to share the gospel, but because of a misunderstanding about their role in evangelism. Attitude affects action. Perspective affects performance.

Three People Are Involved in Evangelism

In John 4: 35-38, Jesus said:

35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

A quick look at John 4 reveals three people involved in evangelism. Notice that there are those who are a part of the harvest – the non-believer – who is your friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker. Jesus tells us that they are ripe; ready to hear the good news. Then there are the disciples to whom Jesus is talking – the believer. Notice the words used to describe the believer in the different stages he may be in – reaper, gatherer, sower, laborer, and finally rejoicer. God is the third person involved and He is the One who sends out the laborers – it is His harvest and they are His fields.

The Role of the Non-believer in Evangelism

John 4 reveals that three people are involved in evangelism… the non-believer, the believer, and God. Let’s look at the first of these roles – the Non-believer:

The Non-believer – your friends, neighbors, relatives, coworkers – the ones with whom we seek to share the gospel.

The Scriptures describe them this way:
Dead – Ephesians 2:1, 2 – literally a walking corpse
And you he made alive, who were dead in your trespasses and sins , in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.

Blinded – 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4 – veiled
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Spiritually foolish – 1 Corinthians 2:14 - unable to discern the spiritual
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Lost - Mark 6:34 – without a shepherd
And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd.

Deceived and serving the world – Titus 3:3
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

Remember two things: 1) this is how you once were before someone shared the gospel with you; 2) seeing your friends and relatives this way will help you to have compassion on them…not wanting them to stay in this condition.

The Role of the God in Evangelism

John 4 reveals that three people are involved in evangelism… the non-believer, the believer, and God. Let’s look at the second of these roles – God:

God – He is the One who goes before you with you and after you in evangelism.

The Scriptures describe Him this way:

Draws us to Himself – John 6:44
“No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him”

Giver of new life – 1 Corinthians 3:6
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase”

Sender of disciples – Matthew 28:18-19
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”

Desires all to be saved – 1 Timothy 2:3-4
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Diligent to convict – John 16:8
“And when he comes He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment.”

Evangelism works because God is intimately involved convicting, pursuing, sending, drawing, and giving. He is the One who has the compassion and is moved to action on behalf of His creation.

The Role of the Believer in Evangelism

John 4 reveals that three people are involved in evangelism… the non-believer, the believer, and God. Let’s look at the third of these roles – You, the believer:

God has given us the privilege of partnering with Him in His eternal work.

The Scriptures describe you this way:

Saints – Colossians 1:2 - We are saints - set apart for His specific work
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:”

Servants – Acts 16: 17 – sent by God to proclaim the good news
“This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”

Planter – 1 Corinthians 3:5 – you are called to plant the seed
“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?”

Waterer – 1 Corinthians 3:6 – you are to water the seed
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

Laborer – Luke 10:2 – you are to labor in His field
“Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Witness – Acts 1:8 – you are to tell your story – your eyewitness account
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Discerning – Colossians 4: 5 – using wisdom to take advantage of the opportunities to share Christ.
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

Dependent – John 6:44 – we bring Christ to the lost – He brings the lost to Christ
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…”

Remember:
We bring Christ to the lost
He brings the lost to Christ

Can you think of anything more exciting than being a partner with Jesus Christ in populating heaven? He wants to use you. The question is, “Are you willing to be used?” He’s ready if you are.