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In this lesson we are going to learn how we can convert influential people and opinion leaders, or as some would say it - Sharp people. We need to first of all understand why we need to convert sharp people. Many times we are confused when leaders keep saying we need to get some sharp
people in our churches or family groups.
If we want to make world wide impact that Jesus is the only way, we need people of the same calibre who can do that.
Think about it, there is a coolie and there is a Doctor. Who do you think can make a greater impact and influence people? Of course it is the Doctor.
Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Isn’t it amazing that unschooled ordinary men were turning the whole world upside down. It is true that a Doctor can influence and impact more than a coolie but to convert a Doctor you don’t necessarily have to be a Doctor.
That should inspire you that all of us can make a difference in people’s life, whether it be a Doctor, an engineer, a college student or a business man.
To impact a sharp person we need to first of all understand that :
1. God should be your core
Isaiah 32:17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
God has a high standard when it comes to righteousness. The Bible says that the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence
forever. In other words when we are righteous, we will be cool and totally confident no matter what comes our way.
Think about it for a moment what are some areas we feel intimidated by a sharp person.
We look at their clothes, personality, family background and yet if God is not with them their confidence will not be for ever.
How are we doing in the area of being righteous with God our Saviour? How has our prayer and Bible study been going on?
Do you get up early and seek to be with God? Do you eagerly read the Bible and learn about God’s word?
People spend a lot of time reading the newspaper, watching television, reading magazines and catching up with politics- yet all these things are subjected to change. Nothing helps people to get along with one another; the gap between parents and children needs to be bridged; to raise up a kid stern discipline is needed.
Usually all non Christians lack in these areas but all non Christians want to be excellent in these areas.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God.
5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
The scriptures talk about our competence coming from God. As a disciple, we have the sharpest friend in the entire universe. This friend of ours created the entire universe, designed the stars, the sun, the moon, the galaxy….. Of course this friend is God. He made man. He knows what’s in a man. That’s all the more reason to take every sharp person to God in your quiet times.
God will change his or her heart ultimately. So in our efforts to trying to convert a sharp person, why mess-up our relationship with the sharpest friend in the universe?
Let’s keep our quiet times burning hot.
2. Don’t be a bore
1 Corinthians 9:19-22
19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
Paul talks over here that even though he’s free he makes himself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To a Jew he becomes a Jew, to those not having the law he becomes like one not having the law, to those under the law he becomes like one under the law. His whole purpose is to save souls.
Paul was willing to be flexible and sensible to peoples needs. He is not talking about compromising the standard of God but rather being sensitive and relate to people.
Many times we has disciples know only “Guard the Gospel” and the books of the Bible. We can only talk religious things and thats about it. We need to know the news, read papers, other books, we should be playing games like basketball, football, etc. We need to wear clean clothes, not necessarily costly clothes. If you feel you can’t relate to them, then introduce them to people who can relate to them. Offer hospitality, none of us need a degree to do this one.
Sisters should have clean nails, not half painted nails, well combed hair, wear ironed clothes, etc.
Respect their time, don’t drag the talk and hold them up unnecessarily.
Go out for decent movies with them, visit their family, find out what they like to do.
If they are talented give them an opportunity to expose their talent like singing or playing the guitar.
These will help them get bonded to you and they will be willing to listen to you when you teach them about God.
3. Open up your store
Acts 24:25
As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
Here Paul is talking to Felix. The Bible says that Paul talked about righteousness, self control and the judgement to come.
Many times we get confused as to what will make an impact on sharp people, how can I convict him, what is it that he/she doesn’t have that we as disciples have. Felix was a Governor of Judea and yet Paul didn’t hold back in preaching to him about Christ.
We as disciples should talk about how our past lives has been, how we were involved in sin - sexual immorality, lying, anger, smoking and drinking, etc.
Talk about the things you are struggling with now - maybe laziness, not keeping time, getting upset, not being sensitive, etc.
This will help them to see that you are man/woman of integrity.
This will help them to understand that you are not perfect but you are striving to be to become excellent in all areas.
Be honest about your life, how you have really studied, how much you know, what are the things you are interested in, your likes and dislikes.
Covering up, pretending or on the spot trying to get interested will not keep you going in the long run. If you don’t know something ask him/her.
It’s okay to ask and learn from non-christians, in areas not related to the Bible.
For eg. If he / she is a good singer ask him/her how we can improve our singing.
* If he/she is a good cook - take a few tips.
* If he/she is a doctor or studying MBBS take advice on health and hygiene.
Remember they need God in their life.
Above everything in their life, they need to be saved. Love them and believe in them, that the sharp also can become disciples.
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