Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

INTRODUCTION
Perspectives For Success In Evangelism
1. It is important to maintain certain perspectives in evangelism...
a. Many start out with great enthusiasm, but often get discouraged and apathetic
b. This happens even to those who are highly skilled in teaching others
Mark A. Copeland
2. The problem is one that Zig Ziegler might call “stinkin thinkin” (wrong way of looking at things)...
a. With the wrong perspectives, many personal workers eventually lose heart
b. Before long, evangelistic efforts dwindle and in some cases stop altogether
3. There are perspectives that are especially crucial to maintaining...
a. A high level of enthusiasm
b. Persistence in evangelism
4. From The Parable Of The Sower and elsewhere in the Scriptures we learn things that help..
a. Remove the discouragement and prevent the apathy that paralyzes so many today
b. Instill enthusiasm in serving as laborers in the vineyard of the Lord!
[The parable itself is found in Lk 8:4-8, and the explanation is found in Lk 8:11-15 (please read). The
first principle we can glean from this parable is that...]
I. THE POWER IS IN THE SEED (WORD)
A. THE PERSPECTIVE EXPLAINED...
1. The Word of God has always been capable of influencing people, accomplishing its
intended purpose - Isa 55:10-11
2. As the author of Hebrews wrote, it is both “alive and powerful” - He 4:12
3. This is especially true of the Gospel, the “power of God unto salvation” - Ro 1:16
B. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PERSPECTIVE...
1. If people are going to be truly converted, it will not be through smooth speech or fancy
presentations involving “hi-tech” equipment, but through the life-changing truth of the gospel
2. We can certainly use modern aids to present the gospel, but we must make sure that they
are faithfully communicating the Word
3. True conversion (which involves a spiritual regeneration) will occur only if we plant the
proper “seed”
4. Perhaps we don't get the desired result, because we don't sow the right seed!
[But even when we plant the proper seed, we often do not see the desired results. Understanding the
reason why helps one to maintain the right perspective...
II. THE RESULTS DEPEND UPON THE TYPE OF SOIL
A. THE PERSPECTIVE EXPLAINED...
1. We see that the same seed, when sown, produced different results
2. One result was no reaction whatsoever
Topical Sermons 262