Everything But Evangelism
Week 2 - Walking Away
About the Study...
The idea behind the study is to cover all the aspects of living as a Christian in a non-Christian society other
than the actual specific act of Evangelism.
"You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, know when to run."
Matt. 10:5-15
Jesus tells the disciples to go and preach the Gospel
The disciples are to enter villages; if they are received, amen.
If they aren't, they're to shake the dust off your feet and to walk on.
1. Principle The First : You can't help everyone
1. The world has a lot of needs.
This is the reason the disciples are sent out...
matt 9:36-38 "therefore beseech the lord of the harvest"
2. You can't meet them all; look for the ones God wants you to meet.
The disciples had to split up; some go to some areas, others go to others.
3. That means you're not helping everyone at every stage.
If all of the disciples didn't go to all of the towns, then
they were only helping some of the folks.
2. Principle The Second : Not everyone wants help
v14 "whoever does not receive you..."
3. Principle The Third : Your job is to use the opportunities you have.
4. It is our duty to pursue the open and to spend our time there.
5. Be willing to 'write off' those who aren't open.
- 'writing off' is not condemnation
- it's just saying that at this time, in this place, from me, we're not getting anywhere
Luke 9:51-55 - "And they went on to another village"
Acts 17:33 - "So Paul went out of their midst"
Application :
Don't be afraid to call something 'unfruitful'
Analyze your relationships and focus on the ones that you believe will be fruitful.
Is this hard for you? If so, when and why?
What principles work in balance with this idea?