The Balanced Messenger

Colossians 4:5

Two Extreme Styles of Faith Sharing

Fearful Freddie• All ears• “My life is my witness”• Runs from

opportunities• Just doesn’t want to

offend . . .

Marvin Mouth• All mouth• “Words are my witness”• Runs off at the mouth

or over people.• The gospel MUST

offend!

For effective faith sharing, we need a balance of Biblical wisdom and holy boldness.

The First Necessity: Biblical Wisdom

• The Meaning of Wisdom– The Words• Sophia = Skill for living• Phronimos = Discerning, Sensible• Akeirios = Pure, unmixed, innocent

– The Definition = Wisdom in evangelism is the skillful use of common sense with pure motives.

The First Necessity: Biblical Wisdom

• The Way of Wisdom

The Way of Wisdom

• Meet people where they are.

• Identify opportunities.

• Be a good listener first.

• Be gracious when speaking.

• Resist the impulse to be argumentative.

The Way of Wisdom

• When given the opportunity, do set forth your case.

• Be prepared to answer.

• Give answers with humility.

• Let the gospel alone be the offense.

• Know when to quit.

The Balanced Messenger

Colossians 4:5

Two Extreme Styles of Faith Sharing

Fearful Freddie• All ears• “My life is my witness”• Runs from

opportunities• Just doesn’t want to

offend . . .

Marvin Mouth• All mouth• “Words are my witness”• Runs off at the mouth

or over people.• The gospel MUST

offend!

For effective faith sharing, we need a balance of Biblical wisdom and holy boldness.

The Second Necessity: Holy Boldness

• The Meaning of Boldness– The Words• Therreo = confidence Heb. 13:6• Tharseo = cheerful, positive, optimistic Acts

23:11; 28:15• Tolmao = pure, innocent Phil. 1:14• Parrhesia = openness, outspoken Acts 28:31

– The Definition = Boldness in evangelism is the courage to speak openly, confidently, and cheerfully about the Lord.

The Second Necessity: Holy Boldness

• The Hindrances to Boldness– The Fear of People John 7:13– The Shame of the Gospel Rom 1:16

The Second Necessity: Holy Boldness

• The Reasons for Boldness– Our message should make us bold. 1 Thes 2:3-4– Our motives should make us bold. 1 Thes 2:5-8• We want to please God not people.• We are genuinely concerned for others.

– Our desire to obey God should make us bold. Acts 4:19; 5:29

– Our prayers should make us bold. Acts 4:29

The Second Necessity: Holy Boldness

• The Steps to Boldness–Use the art of listening.–Use the written word (notes, letters, cards,

email).–Prepare your words for various situations

(prepared spontaneity) .– Focus on the other person.