Matthew 22:34-40
Introduction:
1. Successful evangelism requires hearts prepared for the many challenges inherent thereto.
2. Today we begin working to reshape our hearts to fulfill the task at hand.
Discussion:
I. Stresses Produced by Successful Evangelism
A. I am sure the idea of evangelistic success thrills us all, but are our hearts fully prepared to face the stresses that inhere to welcoming so many new converts?
1. Numerical growth naturally creates more physical needs to meet (Acts 2:44-45; 6:1-7; Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; James 2:14-16; 1 John 3:17-18).
2. Numerical growth likewise produces more spiritual challenges to address (Matthew 7:15-20; 28:20; Acts 20:28-32; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 11:3-5; Galatians 6:1-2; Jude 17-23).
3. Numerical growth often brings cultural friction (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Galatians 2:11-14).
4. Sometimes people become angry and hostile in the conversion process.
II. The Greatest Commands
A. Facing such challenges, we must reshape our hearts in the mold of our Lord to succeed.
B. Jesus revealed the two core elements ruling His heart in Matthew 22:34-40:
1. An all-encompassing love for God is the nucleus of the whole program.
2. United to and flowing out of such love for God is love for neighbors, a love of the same nature as the love we have for ourselves (Luke 10:25-36).
III. The Nature and Power of True Love
A. The world has tragically diluted the meaning of love, but the Bible defines it clearly.
1. It drives us to submit to God’s will (John 14:15, 23; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John. 5:1-3).
2. Which includes meeting the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors, and even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:9-15; 1 John 3:17-18).
B. Such love reorients our attitudes and empowers us to fearlessly, selflessly, and relentlessly pursue the lost soul, regardless of cost (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 3:16; 4:7-19).
Conclusion:
1. As we set out to convert the lost, we must be as prepared as possible.
2. Knowing His will is crucial to success, but it demands hearts shaped like Christ’s.
Further Food for Thought
1. Has your heart for the lost ever lagged behind your knowledge of their need?
2. What can we do individually and collectively to make them catch up?
3. Do you think thrusting ourselves into the messy lives of the lost is a good place to start?