Evangelism Sermon – The Absolute Primacy of Evangelism
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon Outlines Tags: Sermons on Evangelism
Evangelism Sermon — Sermon outline on the absolute primacy of evangelism in the work of the church. Jesus came to seek and to save.
Introduction:
1. The work of the church involves 3 things:
1) Evangelism. Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2
2) Benevolence. Gal. 6:10; James 1:27
3) Edification. Hebrews 10:24.
2. Many have placed the importance of benevolence and edification higher than they ought.
1) The main goal of many churches is to battle poverty and disease. Laudable in its place but was never the main goal of our Lord.
2) Some champion edification as primary and so “family life” is emphasized above the others. Gymnasiums, softball teams, arts and crafts, building and ground improvements, etc. enter in. Some of these things are questionable at best and others have their place so long as they are not primary. Some are aids to true edification, others are distractions, worldly.
3. Jesus championed one aspect of the work of the church as primary over the others. While none may be neglected one must be first. Evangelism must be first.
1) When a thing is first it is planned.
2) It is promoted, advanced.
3) It is protected. It does not die of neglect.
4. The Primacy of Evangelism is seen in 3 ways.
1) In the Purpose for Jesus’ Coming.
2) In the Commission Given to us All.
3) In the Great Tragedy Awaiting All Men.
Discussion: [ discussion of this evangelism sermon ]
I. The Purpose for Jesus’ Coming.
1. Luke 19:10. To seek and save the lost.
2. 1 Tim. 1:15. Came into the world to save sinners.
3. It’s true that Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) but his chief aim in this was to confirm the word (John 3:2; Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).
4. Consider the tragedy if Jesus neglected evangelism to focus on healing or feeding or edifying. We would have a world of healthy, well-fed but miserable sinners bound for a devil’s hell.
II. Our Commission.
1. Not to go and heal.
2. Not to go and feed.
3. Not to go and alleviate loneliness.
4. Not to go and edify.
5. Go and preach.
1) Matthew 28:18-20
2) Mark 16:15-16
3) Luke 24:46, 47
6. Consider the tragedy if we fail to place evangelism in its primary position among our duties. The sick will be well, the hungry will be fed, the lonely will be happy, but we’ll all be lost.
7. Finally in this evangelism sermon…
III. There Is A Great Tragedy Awaiting Mankind.
1. Because of sin. Ezekiel 18:20; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; 6:23
2. John 5:28-29. Resurrection of damnation.
3. In flaming fire, vengeance. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
4. Only for those who DON’T obey the Gospel. Romans 1:17
5. 3000 were rescued on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:37-41. They were rescued because a man stood to preach the Gospel. Food, clothing, conversation, these things would have done nothing for them.
6. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11. (Terror of the Lord?)
IV. Application.
1. In congregations everywhere needs compete for the time, talent, labor and money of members.
2. Often times some things must receive less attention and resources than others.
3. However, if it is true that evangelism is primary then it is to receive the best of our time, talent, labor, and money.
4. Salvation is the greatest need of mankind. Let’s meet that need first.
1) Do what we can personally. Teach, invite, preach (pulpit, tract, internet, personal work, etc.)
2) Support the work of Gospel publishing.
3) Encourage others with greater talent and opportunity.
4) Support foreign evangelists and schools of preaching.
5) Make sure the preacher is concerned with lost souls and not overdue bills. Hiring and supporting a local preacher may very well be the biggest thing a congregation can do to promote the preaching of the Gospel.
Conclusion: The Primacy of Evangelism is seen in 3 ways… [ end of this evangelism sermon ]
1. In the purpose for Jesus’ coming.
2. In the commission given to us all.
3. In the great tragedy awaiting all men.