Lesson Nine – Friendship Evangelism
Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city that’s set on a hill cannot be hid.”
What is “Friendship Evangelism”? I will define it as a Christian who cultivates a short- or long-term acquaintance with the aim of disseminating the gospel to an unsaved person.
The aim is not conversion 100% of the time. Jesus saves and we witness or testify. We also use persuasion when needed. With the mind of Christ in us comes greatly persuasive speech. As the mind thinks, so we speak.
We can discuss Friendship Evangelism in stages. The first stage is simply friendship. We are drawn to another person by the Holy Spirit. We feel a keen liking in the Spirit. We go out of our way to converse with them.
However, we may not like the person God puts in our path. Yet we know we are to befriend them. We choose to befriend them and relate to them.
We may base our Friendship Evangelism on those we work with. Like it or not, we are there (involuntarily) to share the gospel to them. The power of your evangelism is directly correlated to how much you exhibit diligence and hard work on the job. Your boss ought to consider you one of the top employees he has. Laziness is to never be linked to a Christian.
Friendship Evangelism is based on extended family. We don’t choose our co-workers or our relatives. So, we must make the most of our presence in their lives. Remember, you are the light of the word as Matthew 5:14 says.
Before I name stage 2, let’s introduce a scripture to undergird this article. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before me that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”
Stage one and Matthew 5:14 can be thought of as a powerful introduction into peoples’ lives in Friendship Evangelism. “You are” is a key phrase! It doesn’t say a thing about trying to be the light or working at it or even speaking it. “You are.” Who you are will be communicated to a heathen as LIGHT.
Also, a city set on a hill CANNOT be hid. It doesn’t say, “SHOULD NOT”, or “BETTER NOT”. You are what the Word of God says you are. Be bold and confident in all that was just said. Your uniqueness as an anointed saint is already there inside of you.
Back to Matthew 5:16 in Stage 2. There are 3 parts here:
Part 1 speaks of “letting” your light shine. Inside of you to the outside. It will manifest through the way you speak, the way you look at someone, and the way your presence affects someone.
So far you can gather from this article that nothing has been said about “The Four Spiritual Laws” or “How To Debate and Reason As An Expert Apologist”. The most crucial aspect of Friendship Evangelism is letting your light shine.
Part 2 speaks of good works. Good works will be “seen” (perceived as from God) once the light of the gospel and person of Jesus shines through our lives.
Part 3 speaks of God being glorified, apparently by heathens as well as a few saints. Why? “That they may see your good works.” 1 Peter 2:12 is a good cross reference that speaks of God being glorified by evil people when Christians exhibit good works, though being maligned by those heathens.
Remember this—it’s not just the good works. It’s also the Spirit in which they’re done. Anyone can do good works, but when done with the love of Jesus…now you’ve got power behind it all. That’s the essence of Friendship Evangelism. Sure, be ready to give a defense as 1 Peter 3:15 says. It’s good to have skill in challenging/debating about the faith. (Most believers need more skill in apologetics.) But let’s do it with “meekness and fear”. If we fail and lose our temper, speak unkindly, etc., believe God to redeem the situation.
What could Stage 3 possibly be? It may be the actual praying with another for conversion. Or the conversion may occur after you’ve exited their lives. You’ve planted, another may water, but God gives the increase.
Lastly, Stage 3 may involve discipleship after conversion. This is the most costly effort on our part. Are you ready? Willing? John 15:13 is self-understood. If you can’t embrace this verse, all of the previous article here will be useless to you. Let your prayer be, “Here am I Lord, send me.” Amen.
