Here am I, Send Someone Else
We often make pure excuses for not evangelizing. When God spoke to Isaiah, the prophet said, “Here am I! Send me” (Is 6:8). We, however, often say, “Here am I! Send someone else.”
Tonight, we want to examine excuses for not sharing the Gospel.
I Don’t’ Have the Talent
Many believe that God has not given them the talent to share the Gospel. These people claim that God gives different talents, and that God chose not to give them the talent to evangelize.
Yet, those who say this generally use it as an excuse. They’ve never tried to evangelize. How could I know whether or not I could have been a great pianist if I have never tried to play.
God has given us all talents. These talents were given according to ability—God doesn’t expect more from us than we can do. Everyone received some talent—We all have some talent that can be used in God’s kingdom. The man who did nothing with his talent was cursed—God expects us to do something with the talents we have.
What are you doing with the talents you have?
I Don’t Know How
This would be an acceptable answer for those who are new in Christ (1 Pet 2:2).
But, we are to grow in Christ. Ephesians 4:15. 2 Peter 3:18. Part of growing in Christ means we learn how to evangelize.
How can we learn? Study through Acts. This will provide much right material for evangelism. This will teach us how to evangelize.
Study the epistles to see how Paul and others evangelized.
I Don’t Have Enough Time
We live in a fast-paced world—it is often difficult to find the time to serve God.
Yet, we are to put God and his kingdom first (Matt 6:33). To paraphrase J.C. Penny, “If we are to busy to serve God through the week, we have more business than God ever intended.” We must serve God regardless of what else is taking place in our lives.
I’m Afraid
Personal evangelism can be a scary experience. People can quickly become angry. Some questions you don’t know how to answer.
Fear can prevent us from doing what God expects. Because Abraham was afraid he had Sarah tell Pharaoh that she was his sister (Gen 12:10-13). The man with the one talent hid the talent because he was afraid (Matt 25:25).
We cannot allow fear to keep us from doing personal work. The cowardly shall have their part in the second death (Rev 21:8). Are you allowing fear to keep you from personal work?
I Don’t Like Rejection
Rejection is never pleasant.
Yet, we need to remember: Some of those who heard Jesus rejected the Gospel (e.g., Jn 6:60-66), and some of those who heard the apostles rejected the Gospel (e.g., Acts 17:32).
Those who reject the Gospel don’t reject us—they reject God (1 Sam 8:7).
I Don’t Want to Lose My Friend
True friends do what is in the best interest of the other person. Friends help each other be all they should be (Prov 27:17). Friends hep each other when they fall (Eccl 4:9-10).
True friends share the Gospel. Are you a true friend?
I Don’t Think God Really Cares
Some think God really doesn’t care if we reach the lost.
Yet, those who refuse to evangelize will be lost. John 15:2. Ezekiel 33:8-9.
I’ve Got a Preacher
Many think their preacher should do the evangelism in a community.
Yet, the Bible teaches that all Christians should evangelize. The “clergy-laity” distinction prominent in the religious world is unknown in the New Testament. Those scattered after Stephen’s death went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:4). Andrew brought Peter to Christ (Jn 1:40-42). When Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, Andrew was not a great apostle. Andrew was never really a “great” apostle. We never really read anything of him in the New Testament. He’s terribly overshadowed by his brother. Andrew was jut an ordinary man who brought his brother to Christ.
I Don’t Know Enough Bible
Only new Christians should be able to say this.
Those of us who are older Christians should be teachers (Heb 5:12).
We need to study the Scriptures. The Gospel is God’s power to save (Rom 1:16). Jesus’ words will judge us in the last day (Jn 12:48).
Conclusion
There are many excuses we can use for not spreading the Gospel.
There are many excuses we can use for not accepting Jesus. What excuses do you use for not accepting Jesus?
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Owingsville church of Christ in Owingsville, Kentucky.