The Problem Next to You Is Your Secret Door to Evangelism

Sermon outline

The problems nearest to you are usually the secret doors to one-on-one evangelism, so learn to solve problems wisely, cheerfully and well, and let the way you carry yourself open the way to share Christ.

1. Amongst the sheep, there are goats

   Even as the eleven disciples worshipped Jesus on the mountain, some doubted, and today some people in family, friendship and church relationships hear a rumour and go haywire. You tell a goat from a sheep by its sound, and a person by their talk: whether they carry a spirit of reconciliation or a spirit of breaking up. Sheep follow the shepherd, and we are God's sheep.

   Illustration: He grew up near cattle, and his grandparents used cow dung to cement the floor outside the home. Cattle, sheep and goats each have a distinct smell, and the goat was always feisty, wanting to horn you and tussle with you.

   “The talk of a person will tell you whether it's a goat or a sheep.”

   • Matthew 28:16-17

2. The Great Commission comes with a promise

   Jesus has all authority and sends us to make disciples of all nations, baptising and teaching them. He ends with the promise that He is with us always, which means He will lead us, guide us, teach us, give us the words to speak and give us wisdom.

   “That's so wonderful because you will not be left alone.”

   • Matthew 28:18-20

3. A problem is a door opener: people are remembered for the problems they solve or create

   When you quietly solve a problem at work, you demonstrate the love of God, and people will eventually ask why you are different. Scripture tells us to learn wisdom from the ant, which works without a commander or overseer. Most problems at work, at home and in marriages come down to relationships, so handling relationships wisely solves many problems and opens the gap for evangelism.

   Illustration: Two colleagues arguing over packing or unpacking a box. You simply walk in with humility, do the job and take the box away; they are left ashamed, and one of them later asks what is different about you, which is your moment to say you serve Christ.

   “People are remembered in two ways. One, by the problems they solve, and two, by the problems they create.”

   • Proverbs 6:6-8

4. 1. Don't try to solve problems for everyone, because you cannot

   You send a toothache to the dentist and a high-tech car to the mechanic, yet many adults feel obliged to solve everyone's problems, including those of their grown children. You are not an expert in everything, and you do not have to carry every problem people bring you.

   Illustration: Grown children who pick their own partner, like a shiny cherry from a tree, without asking their parents, and then expect mom and dad to solve the problems a few months later.

   “You are not an expert in solving everyone's problems.”

5. 2. Decide what problem you want to be remembered for solving

   Find the problem that fits your specific gifting and expertise, solve it well, and be known for it.

   Illustration: A plumber who, from years of experience, makes his own tool to undo a pipe that no ready-made tool can reach, and is remembered for the problem he solved.

   “If you got a specific kind of gifting and an expertise then solve that problem and be remembered for it.”

6. 3. Don't attempt to solve too many problems at the same time

   Don't invite people to tell you all their problems when you cannot solve them. Ask about one specific problem you can help with. When your advice works, they come back to thank you, and in that conversation you can bring Christ in.

   “Only ask them to share with you a specified problem that you can solve.”

7. 4. Always solve problems cheerfully

   In his recap he adds that a cheerful attitude in solving problems increases favour, because a merry heart does good like a medicine.

   “Always solve problems cheerfully. It increases favor.”

   • Proverbs 17:22

8. 5. Be detail conscious and solve problems accurately without supervision

   The diligent rise to lead, and those with the highest excellence become the leaders of the organisation. Ask questions and don't be taken in by what glitters, especially in choosing a partner: if the signs are wrong, use your reverse gear. He wants people with marriage problems to see a qualified marriage counsellor, as they would see a doctor or dentist, and encourages them to learn from good books on marriage, relationships and management.

   Illustration: Years ago, in a prayer line, a young woman asked him to pray and tell her whether the man she had met was a goat or a sheep. He could not answer, since she had already chosen without 'smelling' him first, and when he told Pastor Zubeda over lunch, she laughed and could not stop laughing.

   “Those with the highest level of excellence always become the leaders of the organization.”

   • Proverbs 12:24

9. Your life is being read by people

   We are epistles read by others, so work as a team, do not fight your boss, and walk humbly and respectfully with everyone, from the street sweeper to the multi-millionaire. Respect catches people's attention and gives you the opening to share Christ. Don't waste energy arguing with people who refuse to change; let life teach them.

   Illustration: An orthopaedic surgeon he consulted asked what job he did because there was something different about him. When he said he was a Christian and a pastor, the doctor told him that he and about five other doctors meet from six to seven every morning to pray and study the Bible, and invited him to join them.

   “A soul to God is a soul.”

   • 2 Corinthians 3:2