John 4 - Introduction

CHAPTER FOUR

This chapter is a gold mine! There are spiritual treasures here to enrich any soul who will search and dig. Take a look at these nuggets The Humanity of Jesus, The Deity of Jesus, The Universality of the Gospel, Spontaneous Evangelism, True Worship Defined, A Missionary Vision, and other equally precious lessons, Chapter Four is included in the First Year of Public Ministry and is outlined thusly:

II

The Word Manifested to the Jews, and Their Rejection of Him John 1:19 to John 12:50 (cont.)

B.

The Public MinistryFirst Year John 2:13 to John 4:54 (cont.)

4.

Labors in Samaria John 4:1-42

a.

Withdrawl from Judeaarrival in Samaria John 4:1-6

b.

Jesus and the living water John 4:7-14

c.

Jesus searches out a woman's secret John 4:15-18

d.

True worshippers of God John 4:19-26

e.

Spontaneous evangelism John 4:27-30

f.

Fields white unto harvest John 4:31-38

g.

Reaping the harvest John 4:39-42

5.

Labors in Galilee John 4:43-54

a.

Public teaching in Galilee John 4:43-45 (cf. Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14; Luke 4:14)

b.

Healing a nobleman's son at Capernaum John 4:46-54

EXPOSITORY SERMON NO. 4

John, Chapter 4
YOU CAN BE A SOUL WINNER

Introduction

I

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST BE SOUL WINNER.

Plainly commanded (Matthew 28:18-20; John 15:1-6).

II

REALIZATION OF DUTY NOT THE PROBLEM

Some realize, but are downright lazy and indifferent. These will have blood of many souls on their heads (Ezekiel 18:1-32; Ezekiel 30:1-26).

B.

Most Christians lack confidence or courage.

Me, a personal witness. I just couldn-'t. How?

C.

Every Christian who really wants to can be a soul winner.

There is nothing in the New Testament that says you cannot get a decision, hear a person's confession of Christ, and baptize him yourself!

III

JESUS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A SOUL WINNER IN John 4:1-54

A.

He had a deep LOVE FOR THE SOULS OF MEN.

B.

He was PREPARED.

C.

He was UNSELFISH.

Discussion

I

HE LOVED THE SOULS OF MEN AND WOMEN.

A.

Not just interested in people. but having an OUTGOING LOVE

B.

He let nothing stand in His way of speaking a word to her soul.

1.

Not hunger, not race, not social barriers

2.

WE LET MANY THINGS STAND IN OUR WAY.

a.

How many outcasts of society have gone to Christless graves because we loved our reputation more than their souls?. JESUS WENT INTO THE HOMES OF TRAITORS, PROSTITUTES, INSANE, BEGGERS, ETC.

b.

How many of the upper class have died without the Lord because we have been ashamed to witness (Romans 1:16)?

C.

Jesus found a way to begin witnessing.

1.

How does one start?

2.

Jesus said to the woman at the well, Give me a drink.

To Mary and Martha He used the subject of their beloved Brother's recent death!

3.

Paul in Athens mentioned the city's idols

4.

Most parents can be reached through their children

II.

CHRIST WAS PREPARED

A.

Unpreparedness is the major reason people lack confidence.

WE MUST DRILL ON THE SCRIPTURE REFERENCES TO THE PLAN OF SALVATION
It is shocking the number of long-time Christians who do not know where to find these Scriptures!

B.

He knew His prospect (by divine insight).

1.

We must get to know people.

a.

Their fears (of water, etc.), their beliefs

b.

Must build up and encourage, not tear down what little faith some do have

c.

Must win people's confidence and trust

d.

Must, many times, dissolve barriers others erect

2.

Jesus knew how to keep on the subject

C.

He knew His message

1.

The woman tried to bring up old family traditions

2.

Jesus did not compromise the truth

3.

He did not argue, but always came back to her personal responsibility!

4.

Peter said, BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH THEE CONCERNING THE HOPE THAT IS WITHIN THEE.

We need to learn by heart these basic things:

a.

How to show the Bible as the word of God, infallible

b.

How to show the New Testament as the Book for Christians

c.

How to show the Scriptures explaining the plan of salvation

d.

How to show that this is the only gospel (Galatians 1:8-9)

e.

How to show that Christ demands unity in essentials of all who profess belief in Him.

HE HAD A MESSAGE WHICH HE KNEW MEN NEEDED MORE THAN THEY NEEDED EVEN FOOD AND CLOTHING, AND HE WAS CONSUMED WITH A DESIRE TO GIVE THEM THIS WORD.
III

HE WAS UNSELFISH IN HIS VISION OF THE LOST

A.

This holds many Christians back from witnessing.

B.

His vision encompassed the world.

What will the Lord say about expensive church buildings while millions are going into their building simply out of pride? The church should have adequate space and up-to-date facilities, but there must be good stewardship here as well as anywhere else.

C.

He was not jealous

1.

Told His disciples:

a.

They would reap where they hadn-'t sown.

b.

They would sow and others would reap.

2.

Many a Christian has sown, never seeing results, and as a result has ceased to sow.

MUCH OF EVERY PREACHER'S REAPING IN ANY CHURCH IS DUE TO SOWING BY BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHERS, ELDERS AND OTHER MEMBERS. IF ONE SOWER DOES NOT SEE RESULTS, OTHERS WILL. LET US REJOICE TOGETHER!

3.

Paul said he rejoiced over men preaching the gospel even if they tried to defame him and take honor away from him. still they were converting people to Christ (Philippians 1:15-19).

4.

Few people get more jealous than preachers and church members.

THERE IS NO ROOM FOR SELFISHNESS, JEALOUSY OR DESPAIR IN CHRISTIAN SOUL WINNING. THE LORD KNOWS HOW TO REWARD HIS FAITHFUL SOLDIERS. SOME MAY GO UNNOTICED BY ANYONE ELSE IN THIS WORLD, BUT THE LORD KNOWS HIS OWN, AND THEIR WORKS OF LOVE!

Conclusion

I

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF REWARD

A.

Heavenly reward not able to be expressed in human language says Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)

B.

Neither can we know fully the terrors of Hell!

II

THERE WAS A MAN WHO DECIDED TO BE A SOUL WINNER. ALAS, TOO LATE!

A.

Parable of Lazarus and rich man. just let me go tell my brothers.

B.

We must work the works of God while it is day, for the night comes when no man can work.

C.

Paul said, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.

III

JESUS NEVER MADE UP ANYONE'S MIND FOR THEM.

He presented the glad tidings, and he presented the only alternative. THEN HE LET MEN AND WOMEN MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION. WHAT IS YOUR DECISION?