Goal
Understand the role of the Spirit-filled life in bold evangelism
Introduction
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul described what he experienced in spreading the good news about Jesus. He received 39 lashes five times, was beaten with rods three times, stoned (just once), and shipwrecked three times (v. 25). As we consider his life and ministry, how would you evaluate him on a 1-10 boldness scale (1-very timid; 10-very bold)? Where did this boldness come from?
Bible Passage & Questions
Ephesians 6:18-20
Put this passage in your own words.
- Describe Paul’s prayer request. Does anything surprise you?
- How do you think Paul would define boldness?
- According to this passage, what role does the Holy Spirit play in evangelism?
Consider & Discuss
In How to be a Fruitful Witness Bill Bright wrote: “Success in witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.”
- Which part of this statement do you find most helpful? Most difficult?
- What do you think it means to share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit? What is an example of sharing the gospel in your own power?
A key aspect of living a Spirit-filled life is “spiritual breathing”: exhaling (confessing sin and thanking God for his forgiveness, I John 1:9 & Heb. 10:1-25) and inhaling (surrendering control of your life to Jesus and relying on the Holy Spirit to fill you, Eph. 5:18 and I John 5:14-15).
When it comes to evangelism, is your church/group/team bold? Why or why not?
What causes us to be timid in our proclamation of the gospel?
What prevents us, collectively, from being bolder? Is it:
- busyness with other ministry responsibilities
- challenges at home
- fear of a negative response
- concern over losing a friendship
- wavering confidence in the gospel
- tiredness
- lack of opportunities
- apathy
- something else
Next Steps (Individually & Collectively)
This week go through the “Satisfied” booklet or tool in GodTools. (Recommended: Download the free GodTools app on your smartphone.) What next step do you sense from God: do you need to pray to be filled with the Spirit? What sin do you need to confess? Share your reflections with a friend, teammate, pastor, or ministry coach.
Additional Resource
Bill Bright’s Transferable Concept #5, How to be a Fruitful Witness
