Reach Deeper: Making Gospel-Centric Friendships

June 24, 2018
Pastor Jeff Struecker

Sermon Notes

I. We are compelled by love

Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”

II. We are commanded to go

Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

III. We are compassionate to everyone, but called to someone

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. 21 To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. 23 Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.

Next Steps

• Today, I surrendered my soul to Jesus for the first time. Please contact me about what to do next.

– I’m not really comfortable sharing my faith right now.  I’m asking God to help me understand the Gospel and how to share it with others during this series.

+    I am going deep with 3 people right now.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why are new Christians sometimes the most active in sharing their faith?  What does this say about people who have known Jesus for many years?
  2. It can often be scary to share your faith for the first time.  Where does that fear come from?
  3. What is the worst possible outcome that could happen to you if you invited someone you know to become a Christian today?
  4. On a scale of 1 -10, how comfortable do you feel about explaining how to become a Christian with someone today?
  5. Read Ephesians 4:11-16. In your opinion, are “evangelists” the only people who should be sharing their faith? Explain your answer.
  6. Is it okay to just be a friend and do nice things for my neighbors, but never tell them about Jesus?  Explain your answer using Scripture.
  7. Pray for the names of the three people God is placing on your heart to share your faith with this year.

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Further reading

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