CREDIBLE CONVERTS THAT CONVINCE---II Tim. 4:5

Intro: The church has lost its credibility.  Converts have lost their ability to convince.  Professors are not persuaders.  Paul is challenging Timothy to make full proof of his ministry.

In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are stuttering.

2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

I. THE BELIEVER’S PRUDENCE – watch thou in all things

What We As Parents Tolerate, Our Children Will Indulge In. What The Pastor Tolerates, The Members Will Indulge In.

A. WATCH YOUR MIND--1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

B. WATCH YOUR MOUTH--Psalms 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

·         One proud, surly, lordly word, one needless contention, one covetous action may cut the throat of many a sermon, and blast the fruit of all that you have been doing. 

C. WATCH YOUR MOTIVES--Ephesians 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Colossians 3:22  Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

II. THE BELIEVER’S PERSEVERANCE – endure afflictions

We Are A Generation Of Quitters That Are Raising A Generation Of Children That Won’t Try!  Satan Is Working Overtime To Destroy EVERYBODY That Is Trying To Maintain A Testimony.  Expect Afflictions!!

A. IT PROVES YOUR COMMITMENT--James 5:11  Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

B. IT PROVES YOUR CONCERN--Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

C. IT PROVES YOUR COURAGE – quitters are losers! 1 Corinthians 16:13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

III. THE BELIEVER’S PREOCCUPATION – do the work of an evangelist

Definition of a witness: A witness is someone who by explanation and demonstration gives audible and visible evidence of what he has seen and heard without being deterred by the consequences of his action. 

A. IT SHOULD BE OUR PREOCCUPATION BECAUSE OF THE COMMAND--Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

A true heart of compassion will let those on the way to destruction know they can escape, but the only escape is through Jesus Christ. We need to tell people they're in trouble with God and that God alone has provided a way to escape.  But how?  Do we all have to share the same way? No, the unbelieving world is made up of a variety of people: young, old, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, urban, rural, with different race, personalities, values, politics, and religious backgrounds. It's going to take more than one style of evangelism to reach such a diverse population!

So what is your style?

Confrontational? (Acts 2) Repent and be baptized, save yourselves from this corrupt generation.

Intellectual? (Acts 17) Paul debated with the philosophers on Mars Hill to convince them.

Testimonial? (John 9) One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!

Relational? (Mark 5) Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.

Invitational? (John 4) The Samaritan woman at the well begged the people of the city to come and hear Jesus for themselves.

Serving? (Acts 9) Dorcas impacted her city by doing deeds of kindness. Don't ever think you're a second class Christian because you don't proclaim Christ like Peter or Paul. Discover your own method. Then get out of your chair and use it, for the Glory of God. Live by faith, not fear!!!

        B. IT SHOULD BE OUR PREOCCUPATION BECAUSE OF OUR COMPASSION

Jude 22, 23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.