My Relationship To Non-Christians:  Teaching Them

Lesson 12

The goal in this lesson is to learn what I can do to help convert the lost. The fundamental work of the church and of each Christian is to teach others, Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:2. We will be effective in converting souls to Christ only to the degree that individuals recognize their place in teaching others. Remember Ephesians 4:16, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

It is good to support men in the full time work of preaching the gospel. But, as important as the work of public preaching might be, it cannot take the place of each Christian using his own time and opportunities in teaching others. Each child of God has opportunities to teach that no one else has. The preacher does not know everyone you know. God wants to use you in teaching those within your circle of acquaintances.

I.    SOME REASONS WHY I WANT TO TEACH OTHERS.

A.  To Be Like Christ, Matthew 10:24-25; 1 Peter 2:21; Luke 19:10.

B.  To Be Like The Early Christians, Acts 5:42; Acts 8:4; Philippians 2:15-16.

C.  To Be Spiritually Wise, Proverbs 11:30.

D.  To Meet The Awesome Responsibility I Have, Ezekiel 3:18-19; Acts 20:26-27.

E.  To Glorify God, John 15:2, 8.

F.  To Have Fellowship In The Greatest Work On Earth, 1 John 1:3-4.

1.   The need is unlimited, John 4:35-36.

a.   But, there is a shortage of workers, Matthew 9:37-38.

b.   Jesus said the “harvest is plenteous.” There are multitudes who are just waiting for someone to approach them with the gospel of Christ.

2.   I can have fellowship in this work only to the degree that I am willing to invest my time, talent, influence, and effort to this cause.

G.  To Fulfill God's Purpose In Making Me A Christian, 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 2:20.

1.   God wants me to show his praises and goodness unto others.

2.   My life is built on Christ, and now I am a builder to bring others to the Son of God.

H.  Because I Love The Souls Of The Lost. I Care About Them.

1.   How does God value the soul of a man? Matthew 16:26; John 3:16.

2.   We are indebted to Christ and to those who taught us of our need to obey him. Our love for Christ compels us to go and teach others, Romans 1:14-16.

3.   We must view this in the right perspective: No stressing of “duty” and “responsibility” can substitute for a sincere interest in the lost condition of others and a genuine love for their souls.

4.   If the gospel does not create within me a love for the soul of the man who stands in jeopardy of going to hell, I will never be successful in winning him to the Son of God.

II.   WHAT CAN I DO IN THIS WORK?

A.  I Can Tell Others What I Know.

1.   Since I have obeyed the gospel, I can at least tell others what I have done.

2.   I may only know a little, but at least I know that much, Mark 5:19-20.

B.  I Can Study And Grow In My Knowledge.

1.   This will help me to be a more capable teacher, Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 3:15;
2 Timothy 2:2.

2.   Though I may not know a lot right now, I will not stay that way!

C.  I Can Invite Others To Services.

1.   This will help them to meet other Christians and see what is done in worship.

2.   Most importantly, it will give them further opportunity to hear the gospel,
Acts 10:24, 33.

D.  I Can Set Up Home Bible Studies.

1.   I may not yet be capable of teaching the study, but there are others in the congregation who can help me.

2.   Filmstrips, slides, video tapes, and correspondence courses are available to use in these studies.

E.  I Can Distribute Literature.

1.   Tracts, booklets, pamphlets, and correspondence courses are available for this purpose.

2.   What about the use of a church bulletin with articles designed to teach my friend?

3.   Sermon outlines are available that contain good lessons for non-Christians.

F.  I Can Distribute Sermons On Tape.

1.   A large number of lessons on tape are available from the church tape library.

2.   I can use these tapes to interest them; then maybe they will come to services with me.

Conclusion:  There are dozens of things I can do to help convert others. I need to formulate some plans now that will get me started in teaching others. I need to make teaching others a part of my life. Though I may not have the ability to teach everyone, I do have the ability to teach those I can.

QUESTIONS:

1.   Make a list of at least three persons whose souls I am concerned about.

2.   What are some things I will do to help teach these persons the gospel?

3.   When will I do these things?  Be specific.

4.   What challenges or obstacles do I expect to come up in teaching these persons?

5.   What are some things I can do to overcome these obstacles?

6.   How will I feel if they do not obey the gospel?

7.   Why do some Christians not involve themselves in teaching others?

8.   What will make me different from those who are not involved?

 

Page last revised January 19, 2008 by Bob Sarrett.