Evangelism, Boldness and Tact

When it comes to evangelism, few young Christians possess both boldness and tact. People usually go to one extreme or the other: so tactful that they say little, if anything, or so bold that tact is thrown to the wind. Boldness comes via prayer, and tact is developed through observation of those who are diplomatic. In view of the crippling effect of fear on new Christians and old and considering the number of tactical errors that are made by all, why we need a separate lesson on this important subject. 1. Evangelism 2 Corinthians 5:10-21 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Because we know and fear God, we try to persuade others. We are Christ's ambassadors and God has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. It is not an option. Acts 8:1,4 1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. The early Christians were evangelistic not just the leaders! 2. Boldness Romans 1:16-17 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." The gospel is nothing to be ashamed of because it has the power to save. Luke 9:23-26 23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. If we are ashamed of Jesus and his words, he will be ashamed of us. Acts 4:29-31 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Pray for boldness! God will answer your prayer. 3. Tact Matthew 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Need to be wise/shrewd in our evangelism. Negatives a. Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Reckless words. b. Proverbs 25:17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house-- too much of you, and he will hate you. Too frequent contact. c. Proverbs 27:14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. Coming on too strong. Positives a. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 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. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Accommodate yourself to your hearer. b. Titus 2:10 ..and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. Make the gospel attractive. c. 1 Peter 3:15-16 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. Show gentleness and respect. Suggested a. Matthew 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. b. 2 Timonthy 2:23-26 23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. Practicals Push yourself to be friendly and start conversations wherever you go. The Lord will use this. Set a personal goal for guests at an upcoming service. Work on improving one area of your life in order to make the gospel more attractive. Go evangelizing with someone.