Being the Real You

Introduction

Up until now, I have avoided the “e” word. This was done with purpose. It’s like showing red to a bull but in reverse. The “e” word usually results in us feeling guilty and fearful. Not exactly two great emotions that one wants to have when you are trying to persuade. The “e” word is evangelism. There, now I’ve said it. It’s out in the open. Maybe your heart quickened just a bit; maybe you got a lump in your throat; maybe you suddenly have butterflies; maybe it doesn’t mean much; maybe it thrills you to think about the word and the concept within it.

Evangelism is helping someone come to know Jesus as the Christ. What may not be understood within the very word is that the process of helping someone know Jesus is not just the privilege of those who are hired to do so or are perceived as being trained or good at such an endeavor. The whole point of these lessons has been to get us thinking about our own lives and how we can relate to people we already know or can know. These lessons have been designed to speak to us about our attitudes rather than about someone else. We have talked about being people who love others, care about others, demonstrate what it looks like to be real and authentic all in the context of compassionate sacrifice—in giving the gift of time. And last week we began talking about the first principle of evangelism: barbeque first.

There are so many bad thoughts and ideas about evangelism. Lessons in the past have taken what should be natural in terms of how we relate to others and made it into a program. Part of the problem has been a poor teaching from scripture. For instance, passages in Acts are often used to demonstrate how quickly people turned to Jesus when the gospel was presented. What isn’t taken into account is that the timing, occasion, and plan of God was also present. What isn’t taken into account is that something miraculous was happening. What isn’t often pointed out is that Paul’s missionary trips, while resulting in converts, did not match the numbers of Acts and in fact most of the churches remained small. But what we forget is that every person had a role to play in evangelism. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4, not all are evangelists or those who are gifted to teach. But as we will see from 1 Corinthians 12, we have all been gifted in some way for the benefit of the body.

And because the body is a living breathing organism not an organization to be maintained, then we benefit the body when we bring others to Jesus. When people have an understanding about the grace of God and see a compassionate heart, then they are open to trusting Jesus. And when others discover the acceptance, joy, and purpose that comes from being a part of the body, then they will be drawn even more to Jesus. And this is where we come in. We demonstrate that joy, acceptance, purpose, grace, and compassion. And when we do that as a part of who we are, then we are practicing evangelism.

Evangelism Starts With You

I have already covered a bit of what I am going to say but I want to come back and hit it again just to reinforce some things. According to 1 Corinthians 12, God gives to his children those gifts which the body needs. I do not want to stretch this point too far. I do not want to be unfair with the text. Paul is saying in this text that the body of Christ in Corinth is in need of certain things. It needs people with wisdom, with gifts of healing, with prophecy, with the ability to speak in tongues and to interpret tongues. We are not going to get into all the implications of the text except to say that these gifts were needed in order for the church to be a convincing testimony to the power and plan of God. Many of these gifts are no longer needed because we have the written word of God, but in the day of the early church it was so important for those who belonged to the body and those who did not to be convinced of God’s direction and planning.

In verses 4-6, Paul makes a statement which is the part I want to emphasize. There is only one Spirit. That is, there is only God’s Spirit who is providing us what we need to help the body. There are different gifts, different kinds of service, and different kinds of working, but there is only one Spirit. Paul will go on to say that there is no room for boasting about your gift because each gift is necessary for something. Some gifts are more visible than others but visible gifts are not better because they are visible. There is to be no jealousy among God’s people who serve the same God and are gifted according to need by the same Spirit.

Here’s the point. The gift you have is needed for the body. God has gifted you with a certain type of personality; with certain gifts; with different life experiences; with different backgrounds and with different talents. All of these can be used in some way to reach others. God wants to use you in a way that fits the person you are. God doesn’t call us to be the same. We aren’t supposed to look the same, act the same, or be the same. He made us different from each other so that our differences may complement each other and so that those same differences demonstrate his wisdom in bringing all types of folks together into his family. Specifically, we use our uniqueness in evangelism. There are different styles just as there are different people. You are free to be you in evangelism.

Styles of Evangelism

Let’s look at some of the different ways that people practiced evangelism and see if one of these fits you in some way. First, there is Peter. Peter had what was called a confrontational style. He was just direct. We might say he was a “ready-fire-aim” type of guy. In Matthew 16 he confronted Jesus with the unrealistic method for accomplishing his goal. That method of course was death. And when they came for Jesus, Peter drew the sword ready to defend Jesus. No wonder God used him in Acts 2 to be the primary spokesman for the group. Give him the cause; help him understand it; and show him how he fits in and Peter was ready to go to war. Some need a Peter in their life. They need someone who will confront them about the gospel. They need someone who is direct. Maybe your personality goes in that direction. Seek God’s wisdom on how best to confront; pray for grace even as you present the truth and use your personality and gift in evangelism.

Second, there is the Paul approach. This is the logical and reasoned gift. While there were times that Paul could be confrontational, his writings suggest that logic and reason were by far his gift. In Acts 17 when he goes to Athens he makes a reasoned appeal to his listeners about the gospel. Perhaps this style fits you best. You like to think about things. You like to delve into problems and break them down to understand them. As our world becomes more and more emotionally based, there will be greater and greater need for those who can present truth in a logical fashion.

Third, there is the blind man’s approach as seen in John 9. Blind since birth and spending his life begging for the kindness of strangers to be shown to him, Jesus heals this man. No sooner had his sight been given to him than he was brought before the religious authorities to explain what had happened. No theological debate ensued. The man was not confrontational. Instead he spoke from his experience: “I was blind but now I see.” Maybe that is your style. It is hard to argue with a real plain statement about what Jesus means to you. “Before Jesus my life was a mess. I was confused and determined to ruin my life. But then I met Jesus and he changed my life. He can change yours too.” People enjoy hearing a true story especially one that is so personal and profound. Even the mundane can result in convincing people about Jesus. Explaining how you went from religious practice to relationship with Jesus can be equally convicting especially to those who have a religious background but find no real relationship with Jesus.

Fourth, there is the Matthew approach. This is the person who practices evangelism through friendships. In Luke 5, Matthew has become a follower of Jesus and so he throws a big party at his house. He invites all those folks who have been his friends over the years. The religious authorities are not fond of the idea because some of Matthew’s friends were pretty shady people—liars, cheats, and extortionists. But Jesus is right in the middle of that party enjoying himself and making a difference to at least Matthew that night. If you enjoy entertaining; or sitting over a cup of coffee and just talking; if you can listen patiently to another person’s concerns without rushing in to fix things, then this style of evangelism may be best for you.

Fifth, there is the Dorcas approach. In Acts 9, Dorcas is the seamstress who uses her skills to help others. She is such a servant that when she dies, God sends Peter to her house to raise her from the dead so that she can back to being the servant to the people. People were attracted to Jesus because of Dorcas’ servant heart. These folks are usually behind the scenes people. They do not desire the limelight nor do they seek it out. Instead they truly enjoy helping others. These people see things that others do not see. When someone moves into the neighborhood, they may be among the first to bring a pie. They notice when friends appear out of sorts and work to discover ways to help. These ordinary attempts to serve in the name of Jesus attract others.

Hopefully, this idea of evangelism is making sense. It is a part of who you are. God gives us different ways of being involved with people. Some are great teachers; some are great servants; some are intense listeners; some are direct and confrontational; some are entertainers. Whatever your style, use it to bring people closer to Jesus. Let’s not allow the word evangelism scare us. Instead, let’s allow our gifts to shine through as we try to reach others for Jesus.

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