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Overcoming Defeat In Evangelism Introduction: One of the most amazing things to happen in the German concentration camps was the mental mind set of the Jews. Most gave up and simply accepted their fate. They did not struggle against their internment; they did not seek to escape. They were already defeated and as good as dead. There are times we may feel the same way when it comes to evangelism. I) Reasons For Feeling Defeated A) Perceived past failures 1. We look back at how things used to be in the "good old days." 2. How many times have we heard the following excuses to not do something: "We tried and failed" or "We tried that before" or "I asked my neighbors once and they never were interested" or "This is a hard area." B) Our own feelings of insecurity 1. We are afraid due to our lack of knowledge or of saying the wrong thing. 2. WE are afraid of being rejected. C) We are convinced people will not listen because of false doctrines already being taught. 1. Once saved always saved is easier to believe. 2. Total depravity takes the responsibility away from us and place it on God. D) Cannot compete with the fun and frolic ministries. E) Other religious groups are bigger and offer more. 1. People go to the church with the biggest building with the most things, most people. 2. We are the outsiders in the religious community. II) Results A) We settle for the status quo. 1. "We are just holding our own" or "Nobody seems to be growing much right now" 2. Fact: nothing will change unless we makes some changes. 3. Fact: there is no virtue in being small. B) Efforts are done with the expectation of failure 1. Efforts are done without a sense of commitment. 2. We fail to pray for success. 3. Efforts may be done improperly, half-heartedly. C) Discouragement eventually cripples us and we decide to quit evangelizing. 1. Why is it we often decide to do less and not more? 2. We may need to change our approach, go to a different group of people, try something different. III) What To Do? A) Instead of focusing on ourselves we must focus on God 1. Look at the failure of Israel, Numbers 13.33 a. Probably the first time they had ever seen walled cities, such big people, out numbered. b. But they still had God, but forgot Him. 2. It was going to be a slaughter but not the way they meant it. 3. God is the giver of victories, Jonathan and David understood this fact, 1 Samuel 14.6-10; 17.46 B) Replace the doubts and fears (stop the stinkin thinkin) 1. Look with faith and not our eyes, 2 Corinthians 5.7 2. God is for us, Romans 8.31-38 C) Be strong and courageous, never give up 1. "Don't be afraid to fail" from Chicken Soup for the soul, page 235. 2. God will give us the victory but He expects us to do our part, Joshua 1.6,9 3. We have the same promise, Matthew 20.20 4. We are to contend for the faith, Jude 3. D) God's word will not come back void, Isaiah 55.10-11 1. Have we sown the word not expecting a harvest? 2. Have we expected a harvest and not sown the word? 3. Where will the next converts come from? E) Redefine victory 1. We get discouraged and feel rejected when we do not see immediate results. 2. Noah saved 8 souls after 120 years of preaching, 1 Peter 2.5 3. How many did he lose? He did what he was supposed to do! F) Pray for our boarders to be enlarged 1. Exodus 34.24 the Lord will give 2. 1 Chronicles 4.10 keep us busy, give us opportunities, make us work harder to keep up with your work.
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