Evangelism - Henry Knapp

“Evangelism.” A word which often strikes fear into the hearts of many faithful followers. Fear—because it is hard. Fear—because we are worried we will do it wrong. Fear—because we know that we should be doing it far more than what we are.

Evangelism means simply the process of sharing the Gospel. But there is nothing “simple” about it. Not, mind you, because sharing the Gospel is complicated. No, evangelism is not simple because of the challenges around doing it. The challenge of being faithful and true to the biblical Gospel message. The challenge of finding the right time, the right place, the right people to share the Gospel with. The challenge of having the right attitude and heart when sharing.

The Gospel is life. Pure and simple. And, without the Gospel people are lost—now and forever. Sharing the Gospel is a gift of love—love to the person we are sharing it with and love to the Lord, the Author of salvation. Evangelism is an expression of our desire to love others. It is an expression of our love for Jesus. It is an expression of thanks for our own salvation.

Yet, “evangelism” still strikes fear into most hearts.

Billy Graham was an evangelist… but, I’m no Billy Graham. Many of us will know a fellow believer who eagerly and openly shares the Gospel… but, that’s not us, we think. So, we want to love our Lord by sharing His Gospel. We want to love others by sharing life with them. We want to be faithful in evangelism as in all things; but… can we really do it?

At various places in the Scripture we see evangelism happening. Peter’s sermon following Pentecost is nothing less than a glorious presentation of the Gospel. Numerous times in the book of Acts we read of Paul’s articulation of the Gospel. Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus communicates the message of salvation. But nowhere is it as clear as when Jesus meets with the Samaritan woman, recorded in John 4. Reading this account, we see the Master Evangelist at work—we see His understanding of the Gospel message. We see His approach to the woman. We see His concern for truth and His compassion.

Evangelism might at times seem scary; but we have the greatest message, the greatest Lord, and the greatest example in John 4.

As you prepare for worship this week, give John 4 a read.

1. In verse 7, why do you think Jesus asks the woman for a drink of water? What does that say about Jesus? Can you draw any implications for sharing the Gospel?

2. In verse 9, the Samaritan marvels that Jesus would even bother to talk with her. Why? What are the differences between the two?

3. How does the adjective “living” influence the noun “water”? In other words, what is “living water”?

4. “Water” is a popular symbol and/or metaphor in the Old Testament. Can you think of places where it is used?

5. In verse 12, the Samaritan assumes that Jacob is great. Why? Why would she be interested in if Jesus were greater?

6. Can you flesh out the metaphor in verses 13 and 14? What is a drink? How might that “well up” to eternal life?

7. What is Jesus’ point in drawing attention to her marital status? How does Jesus’ action here speak of His evangelism?