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John Chapter Four
Seven Principles Of Personal Evangelism (4:1-26)
INTRODUCTION
1. Most Christians want to share the gospel of Christ with others... a. Yet many often feel awkward in their attempts to talk with others b. Or they simply don't know how to establish contacts for a Bible study -- Causing many to experience frustration that discourages them from trying again 2. Perhaps we learn some things from Jesus, the master teacher... a. Who often engaged in personal evangelism as well as public preaching b. For example, His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well - Jn 4:1-26 [Observing Jesus in action, it is possible to glean "Seven Principles OfPersonal Evangelism" that we would do well to remember in our own
efforts to teach others. One such principle is to...] I. CONTACT PEOPLE SOCIALLY
A. WE MUST HAVE SOCIAL CONTACT... 1. The import of Jesus passing through Samaria a. Many Jews, because of their disdain for Samaritans, avoided Samaria b. Jesus and His disciples chose to pass through Samaria assuring contact c. A similar example of Jesus making social contact - cf. Lk 5:29-32
2. When people aren't coming to Christ, it's because we are not going to the people! a. We can't be fishers of men by fishing in a barrel; if the fish won't come to the barrel, then we must go where the fish are! b. The problem with sowing the seed is not that there is not good ground to be found, but that the seed is still in the barn! - cf. Hag 2:19 B. DO NOT CONFUSE SEPARATION WITH ISOLATION... 1. Yes, we must be separate - 2 Co 6:14-18 2. But this does not mean we are to isolate ourselves a. Note the prayer of Christ - Jn 17:15 b. Note the command of Paul - 1 Co 5:9-11 3. Withdrawing ourselves from those who have not heard or obeyed the gospel in contrary to the will of the Lord! C. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL CONTACT... 1. At school with fellow students a. Don't think you are too young to be involved in leading others to Christ b. Young Christians often possess the greatest opportunities to teach others c. How you serve now will likely be an indication of how you will serve later in life 2. At work with fellow employees or employers a. We spend much of our life with these people b. We have the greatest potential to influence them, especially by example 3. At home with neighbors, friends, and family a. Do we even know our neighbors? b. Those closest to us can be difficult sometimes, but are reachable - e.g., Mt 13:54-58; Jn 7:5; Ac 1:14 [Remember, Jesus said "Go into all the world..." (Mk 16:15). We must gowhere the people are! Another principle we can glean from Jesus'conversation with the woman is...] II. ESTABLISH A COMMON INTEREST
A. COMMON INTERESTS CREATE A BRIDGE... 1. Note Jesus' first words to the woman - Jn 4:7-8 a. She had come to draw water b. He was thirsty c. His first words centered around their common interest (water) 2. Realize the need to build rapport a. Meaningful dialogue is not easy, especially involving spiritual matters b. A common interest allows opportunity for meaningful dialogue c. Once a bridge for communication has been established, it will be easier to discuss God's word with another person B. COMMON INTERESTS ARE MANY... 1. They include family (such as children, grandchildren) 2. They include activities (such as work, community projects, hobbies) 3. They include shared experiences (such as travel, or even tragedies) [Don't feel that you must immediately begin talking about spiritualmatters. Take time to nurture common interests. Yet at some point wewant to reach the next stage, which leads to our third principle...] III. AROUSE SPIRITUAL INTEREST
A. THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS... 1. The example of Jesus - Jn 4:9 a. As a man He speaks to her, a woman b. As a rabbi He speaks to her, an immoral woman c. As a Jew He speaks to her, a Samaritan -- He aroused interest by simply speaking to her 2. Regarding our actions a. We can arouse spiritual interest by our example b. By showing kindness and compassion to all, even the evil and wicked c. By not harboring racial or social prejudices to those who are different d. By our own example of faith and hope - e.g., 1 Pe 3:1-2,15 B. THROUGH YOUR WORDS... 1. The example of Jesus - Jn 4:10-14 a. Jesus' statement shifted their conversation to spiritual matters b. He led them into a discussion on a common spiritual interest (living water!) 2. Regarding our words a. We can raise questions or make statements that shift conversations to spiritual matters 1) E.g., "What do you think our world is in such a mess?" 2) E.g., "Would you be interested in what the Bible says about...?" b. The discussion should first involve matters of common agreement 1) Start with things upon which you agree, to build rapport and instill confidence 2) This was the practice of apostolic preaching - e.g., Ac13:16-22
[Once spiritual interest has been aroused, another principle can begleaned from Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman...] IV. DON'T GO TOO FAR, TOO FAST
A. GIVE A PERSON WHAT THEY ARE READY FOR... 1. Note Jesus' discussion with the woman - Jn 4:15-16 a. She wanted the "living water", but did she really understand? b. Jesus saw the need to slow her down and provide the proper ground work 1) She needed faith in Him as the Messiah 2) He needed to provide evidence that He was the Messiah c. So instead of giving her the "living water"... 1) He tells her to get her husband 2) Which will result in her conviction of Him as a prophet 2. Sometimes people don't realize what they need first a. They'll want to talk about a particular subject b. But they really need something else first B. SOME EXAMPLES... 1. Some want to study Revelation, when they need to be grounded on the rest of the Bible first 2. Some want to discuss issues related to church organization, work, worship, etc., when they ought to focus on the "first principles" of the gospel 3. It is important that a person not choke on the "meat" of the Word - cf. 1 Co 3:1-2 [There is another principle of evangelism that takes into considerationthe need of the prospect...] V. DON'T CONDEMN UNNECESSARILY
A. THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS... 1. He could have dwelt on her being an adulteress - Jn 4:17-18 2. As stated elsewhere, He came to save the world, not to condemn it - cf. Jn 3:17 3. Not to say He will not one day judge the world, but that the primary purpose of His first coming was to offer salvation - cf. Jn 12:46-48 B. IN OUR EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS... 1. Though we preach against sin, our primary purpose is to save, not judge - 1 Co 5:12-13 2. Our focus should be to inform others of the forgiveness God offers - cf. 2 Co 5:18-20 a. God seeks reconciliation with sinners b. Ours is a ministry of reconciliation [Another important principle in evangelism to remember is...] VI. STICK WITH THE MAIN ISSUE
A. IN THE CASE OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN... 1. She turned the subject away from herself to where one should worship - Jn 4:19-20 2. Jesus answered her question, while effectively turning the conversation back to the original subject: Who He is and what He offers - Jn 4:21-25 (cf. Jn 4:10) B. REMAIN STEADFAST TO YOUR OBJECTIVES... 1. If seeking to establish a common ground of agreement, avoid jumping ahead 2. As you move from common to uncommon ground... a. Take one step at a time b. Do not go on until agreement at each step has occurred 3. If your objective is simply to obtain consent for a home Bible study, avoid getting into a detailed discussion at that time - cf. Pro 15:28 [One last principle in evangelism gleaned from Jesus' conversation withthe woman at the well...] VII. CONFRONT DIRECTLY
A. JESUS' EXAMPLE THEN... 1. Finally, Jesus confronted the woman with His identity - Jn 4:26 2. This came after He had laid the groundwork B. EXAMPLES FOR TODAY... 1. In trying to set up a home Bible study a. Take advantage of social contacts b. Develop common interests c. Be open to comments that indicate a spiritual interest, while demonstrating your own faith through actions and words d. Avoid fruitless arguments, emphasize instead common beliefs e. Praise their good points and encourage them in the right direction f. Have one primary objective: to encourage them to study the Bible even more a. Ask if they would like to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, His church b. Note the example of Aquila and Priscilla with Apollos - Ac 18:24-26 g. Confront them directly with the opportunity to study the Bible 2. During the course of a home Bible study a. Continue to develop the social contact b. Continue to establish common interests c. Take time to accentuate common ground you share in your spiritual interests d. Go from common ground to uncommon ground carefully e. Stress the gospel message; don't obsess on their individual shortcomings f. Have one primary objective: to help them understand their need and gospel plan of salvation - Mk 16:15-16; Co 1:5-6 g. Confront them directly with the invitation to obey the gospel of Christ; for example, by asking... 1) "Does this make sense?" 2) "Is there anything I have said that you do not understand?" 3) "Have I been teaching you anything other than what the Bible teaches?" 4) "Would you like to obey Christ now and be baptized for the remission of your sins?" CONCLUSION
1. The result of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman was the conversion of many people in the city of Sychar 2. This demonstrates the potential of personal evangelism... a. Who knows whether the one person you teach may in turn bring many to Christ? b. That one person may be like a seed from which seeds may come forth Realizing this potential, we can better appreciate the words of Jesus: "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and [then] comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and lookat the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (Jn 4:35)
Perhaps by following the example of our Lord, we can be more useful inHis service...
The Gift Of Living Water (4:10-14)
INTRODUCTION
1. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He spoke of "living water"... a. He approached her for a drink on His way to Galilee - Jn 4:3-8 b. She was amazed that He, a Jew, would speak to her, a Samaritan woman - Jn 4:9 -- Jesus used the opportunity to tell her about "living water" - Jn4:10-14
2. Questions abound about "the gift of God" and "living water" in this passage... a. What is "the gift of God"? 1) Many say it refers to Jesus 2) Others believe it refers to the salvation He offers b. What is the "living water" Jesus offers? 1) Many say it is a figure for salvation or eternal life 2) Others apply it to the Holy Spirit, because of Jn 7:37-39 -- Are they two different things, or one and the same? 3. Like others, I believe "the gift of God" and "living water" are one and the same... a. "Now it is quite clear that our Lord means the same thing, whatever it may be, by the two expressions, 'the gift of God' and 'the living water.'" - Maclaren b. "When Jesus spoke about 'the gift of God,' He meant 'living water.'" - Hendriksen -- Though I can appreciate why many believe "the gift of God" isJesus - cf. Jn 3:16
4. Like others, I tend to think "living water" in this passage may refer to the Holy Spirit... a. "By this living water is meant the Spirit..." - Matthew Henry b. "From [Jn 7:37-39] it is plain, that our Savior here by the living water he speaks of understood the Holy Spirit." - Poole [That "living water" in Jn 4:10-14 may be an allusion to the gift of theHoly Spirit comes from examining the nature of this "living water"described by Jesus both here and in Jn 7. For example...] I. THE LIVING WATER MUST BE DRUNK
A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS... 1. "...whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst" - Jn 4:14 2. "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" - Jn 7:37 B. DO WE "DRINK" THE HOLY SPIRIT...? 1. Yes, upon our conversion a. Those who repent and are baptized receive the gift of the Spirit - Ac 2:38-39 b. Those who are baptized are made to "drink" of the Spirit - 1 Co 12:13 2. Yes, as we continue to seek to be filled with the Spirit a. We are not to be drunk with wine, but filled with the Spirit - Ep 5:18-19 b. The implication may be that filling comes through "drinking" c. How do we continue to drink of the Spirit? I would suggest in these ways: 1) Singing and making melody in our heart - Ep 5:18-19 2) Feeding upon the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit - Ep 6:17 3) Praying for strength through the Spirit - Ep 3:16; cf. Lk11:13
[Thus we see a similarity between the "living water" of Jesus and whatis said concerning the Spirit and the Christian. The similaritycontinues...] II. THE LIVING WATER QUENCHES THIRST
A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS... 1. "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst." - Jn 4:14 2. "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." - Jn 7:37 B. DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT "QUENCH THIRST"...? 1. Yes, as prophesied by Isaiah - cf. Isa 44:3 2. Yes, if by quenching our thirst one means meeting our spiritual needs a. Such as our need for the love of God - cf. Ro 5:5 b. Such as our need for our love for God - cf. Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6 c. Such as our need to mortify the flesh - cf. Ro 8:12-13 d. Such as our need to abound in hope - cf. Ro 15:13 e. Such as our need for inner strength - cf. Ep 3:16 [In many ways the Spirit quenches our spiritual thirst! As we continueto note the similarity between "living water" and the Spirit in the lifeof the Christian, we next observe...] III. THE LIVING WATER IS IN YOU
A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS... 1. "the water that I shall give him will become in him..." - Jn4:14
2. "out of his heart..." - Jn 7:38 B. IS THE HOLY SPIRIT "IN" US...? 1. Yes, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit - 1 Co 6:19 2. Yes, for the Spirit dwells in us if we are Christ's - Ro 8:9,11 [How the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian may be a mystery; that Hedoes, there is no doubt. Note another similarity between "living water"and the Spirit in the life of the Christian...] IV. THE LIVING WATER SPRINGS UP
A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS... 1. "a fountain of water springing up" - Jn 4:14 2. "will flow rivers of living water" - Jn 7:38 B. DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT "SPRING UP"...? 1. Yes, by moving the Christian to "cry out" Abba, Father - Ro8:15; Ga 4:6
2. Yes, by helping the Christian to "abound" in hope - Ro 15:13 3. Yes, by producing "fruit" in the life of the Christian - Ga 5:22-23
[The fruit of the Spirit truly refreshes the soul of the Christian as"living water" does the thirsty soul. Finally, note one more similaritybetween "living water" and the Spirit in the life of the Christian...] V. THE LIVING WATER RESULTS IN ETERNAL LIFE
A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS... 1. "a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." - Jn4:14
2. Note: the "living water" is not everlasting life itself, rather it results in everlasting life B. DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT "RESULT IN ETERNAL LIFE"...? 1. Yes, for through the Spirit we wait for the hope of righteousness - Ga 5:5 2. That hope, of course, is eternal life - Ti 1:2 3. By the Spirit whom God poured out on us abundantly through Jesus... a. We are renewed and justified by God's grace - Ti 3:5-6 b. Thus made heirs according to the hope of eternal life - Ti3:5-7
4. And sowing to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life - Ga 6:8 CONCLUSION
1. While the "living water" in Jn 4:10-14 may pertain to salvation, I believe it has particular reference to the gift of the Spirit in the life of the Christian... a. Salvation involves both justification and sanctification b. The Holy Spirit certainly plays a role in both - cf. 1 Co 6:11; Ti3:4-7
c. And the Spirit is given to those who become Christians - Ac 2:38-39; 5:32; Ga 4:6
-- It certainly has such reference in Jn 7:37-39 2. If so, then we might understand Jesus' words to the Samaritan woman as follows... a. "If you knew the gift of God" - If you knew what God is willing to give you (i.e., the Spirit) b. "...and who it is who says to you..." - That He is the Messiah, the one who will pour out the Spirit on all flesh - cf. Jn 1:33;Ac 2:33
c. "...He would have given you living water..." - i.e., the Holy Spirit 1) The same promise made to all believers in Jn 7:37-39 2) Though not fully given until He was glorified (after His resurrection and ascension) 3. Are we enjoying the benefits of "The Gift Of Living Water" that Jesus offers...? a. It begins by responding to Christ in baptism - cf. Ac 2:38; 1 Co12:13
b. It continues by being careful not to "quench" the Spirit - cf. 1 Th 5:19; e.g., Ac 7:51 May our attitude be like that of the Samaritan woman: "Sir, give methis water..." - Jn 4:15
Worship In Spirit And Truth (4:20-24)
INTRODUCTION
1. At Jacob's well, Jesus and the Samaritan woman discussed the matter of worship... a. Samaritans and Jews differed as to where one should worship - Jn4:20
1) Samaritans believed they should worship on Mt. Gerazim 2) Jews understood that it should be in Jerusalem b. Jesus said the time was coming for a different kind of worship - Jn 4:21-24 1) Where worship would not be defined by its location (though Jews had been right) 2) Where true worshippers would worship the Father in spirit and truth 2. What does it mean to worship the Father in spirit and truth? Many say it means... a. To worship God from the heart ("in spirit") b. To worship God as He directs in His Word ("and truth") 3. Yet note the contrast made by Jesus... a. The Jews had worshipped correctly by going to Jerusalem b. But the time was coming when place would not be important -- A contrast is being made between OT worship and NT worship 4. Somehow Old Testament (OT) worship had not been "in spirit and truth"... a. Yet God required worship from the heart from the Jews - cf. Deu6:4-7; Isa 1:10-18
b. And God required worship as directed by His Word - cf. Deu 5:32-33 [If "in spirit and truth" does not mean "from the heart and in harmonywith God's Word", then what does it mean? Let's first consider...] I. WORSHIPPING GOD IN SPIRIT
A. MEANS TO OFFER "SPIRITUAL" WORSHIP... 1. In contrast to that which is mostly physical 2. This explanation is in keeping with the context - cf. Jn 4:24 a. Jesus began by saying "God is Spirit..." b. The worship of God is to be "in spirit" (i.e., spiritual) 3. Note these comments: a. "...men must offer a worship corresponding with the nature and attributes of God." - J. W. McGarvey b. "Since he is Spirit, he must receive spiritual worship..." - B.W. Johnson c. "A pure, a holy, a spiritual worship, therefore, is such as he seeks the offering of the soul rather than the formal offering of the body - the homage of the heart rather than that of the lips." - Albert Barnes -- A worship was coming that was more in keeping with God'snature!
B. AS OPPOSED TO "CARNAL" ORDINANCES... 1. OT worship consisted of carnal (fleshly) ordinances - cf. He9:1-10
a. A physical structure (tabernacle) b. Special priesthood, clothing for priests c. Lamp stands, burning incense d. Instruments of music e. Feast days f. Animal and meal sacrifices -- All which appealed to the carnal or physical senses of man 2. NT worship is geared more toward the spiritual side of man: a. God's temple is now spiritual, made up of Christians - 1 Co3:16; Ep 2:19-22
b. All Christians are priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices - 1 Pe 2:5,9 c. Our prayers are as sweet incense - Re 5:8 d. Our music is making melody with the heart, not the harp - Ep5:19
e. The Lord's Supper - Ac 20:7; 1 Co 10:16-17; 11:17-34 f. Spiritual sacrifices of praise and service - He 13:15; Ro12:1-2
-- The emphasis is on the spirit of man, not his physicalsenses!
[Physical ordinances of the Old Covenant were until "the time ofreformation" (He 9:9-10), which occurred with the coming of the NewCovenant. As Jesus proclaimed, the new worship is more in keeping withthe nature of God ("God is Spirit..."), designed to relate more to thespiritual side of man. Now let's examine...] II. WORSHIPPING GOD IN TRUTH
A. MEANS TO OFFER "TRUE (REAL)" WORSHIP... 1. To worship according to the commands of God? a. Certainly we should do this b. But this is no contrast to what God expected in the OT - cf. Deu 5:32-33 c. Jesus admitted that the Jews were right in their worship - Jn 4:22 2. What then is the contrast between worship that was and that which "now is"? a. Not between true and false worship b. But between that which is true (real) and that which had been a shadow -- A worship was coming that was more in keeping with truth andreality
B. AS OPPOSED TO "SHADOW (SYMBOL)" WORSHIP... 1. Many elements of worship in the OT were simply a shadow or figure of that to come a. The Tabernacle was a symbol - He 9:8-9 b. The Law with its worship was only a shadow of that to come - He 10:1 2. Christ is now in the true tabernacle (heaven)- He 9:11-12,24 a. We should expect the worship of the true to be different from that of the shadow b. We have already seen that to be the case: 1) Old Covenant worship, which was but a shadow, was physical in nature 2) New Covenant worship is according to the true realities (God is Spirit, Christ in heaven) and is therefore more spiritual in nature -- The emphasis is on that which is true (real), not which was ashadowy symbol of things to come
[This explanation of worshipping God "in spirit and truth" is more inkeeping with the immediate context. Since God is seeking "trueworshippers" who worship Him accordingly (Jn 4:23), some thoughts aboutour worship today may be appropriate...] III. WORSHIPPING GOD TODAY
A. NOT ALL WORSHIP IS ACCEPTABLE... 1. There is vain worship - Mt 15:7-9 a. Based on traditions of men, while ignoring the commands of God b. Offered without involving our "hearts" (spirits) 2. There is ignorant worship - Ac 17:22-23 a. Ignorant of the true nature of God b. Ignorant of the worship He desires 3. There is will worship - Co 2:20-23 (KJV) a. Self-imposed, not God-directed b. What we like, what we think is good -- Just because we worship God, does not mean He is pleased withour worship!
B. MANY OFFER CARNAL WORSHIP... 1. When they appeal to the OT for their authority for how they worship a. For instrumental music, burning incense, clapping, etc. b. They seek to justify that which appeals to the flesh (senses), not the spirit 2. When they offer that which appeals to their fleshly nature a. Preferring what is based on how it sounds b. Preferring what is based on how it feels -- Striving to be more spiritual, some revert to becoming morecarnal, a reason to be concerned (cf. Ga 4:9-11)!
C. GOD SEEKS TRUE WORSHIPPERS... 1. Who worship God "...with their spirits" - Matthew Poole a. Seeking to engage the spirit (mind) more than the organs of the body b. Content with the simplicity of worship that stresses the spiritual side of man 2. Who worship God "...according to the rule that he hath prescribed, in truth and reality." - ibid. a. Not desiring to return to the carnal ordinances imposed until a time of reformation b. Content with the worship ordained in the New Covenant 3. Who can worship God anywhere, anytime, with true spiritual worship - e.g., Ac 16:25 -- God seeks such worshippers, who seek to worship Him in spiritand truth!
CONCLUSION
1. Matthew Poole offered this explanation of our text in his commentary... "God...is a spiritual Being, the Father of spirits, and requires a spiritual service proportioned to His being; and therefore those that pay a religious homage to him, must do it with their spirits, and according to the rule that he hath prescribed, in truth andreality."
2. How can we be sure to offer spiritual and true worship acceptable to God...? a. Look to the New Testament for our authority in worship! b. Worship in ways ordained by Christ and His apostles! - cf. Ac 2:42 3. As God is Spirit... a. Our worship should be spiritual and not limited to special places b. The emphasis should be on the spiritual (e.g., meaning of the words), and not the physical (e.g., how it looks, sounds, feels) Remember... "...the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."
One Sows And Another Reaps (4:35-38)
INTRODUCTION
1. Jesus, the Master Teacher, has much to teach us about winning souls... a. By way of example, He teaches us the need for compassion - e.g., Mt 9:35-36 b. By way of instruction, He teaches the need for prayer - e.g., Mt9:37-38
-- Many other things regarding evangelism can be gleaned from our Lord's example and words 2. On one occasion, Jesus taught His disciples an important principle of sowing and reaping... a. In Samaria, following His discussion with the woman at the well - cf. Jn 4:28-29 b. Apparently as people from the city were making their way to see Jesus - cf. Jn 4:30 c. As the crowd was making their way, Jesus told His disciples: 1) "Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest" - Jn 4:35 2) "He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." - Jn 4:36 3) "For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.'" - Jn 4:37 4) "I have sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." - Jn 4:38 3. In our study, I want to focus on the "true saying" Jesus referred to... a. I.e., "One sows and another reaps" b. Which provides valuable insight into the process of winning souls [From Jesus we learn that...] I. WINNING SOULS INVOLVES BOTH SOWING AND REAPING