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. MUST 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

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. MUST 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, innocentPhil. 1:14 Parrhesia = openness, outspokenActs 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, ). – Prepare your words for various situations (prepared spontaneity). – Focus on the other person.