Sermon Recap

In this sermon, you’re invited to take an honest look at the barriers that often stand in the way of sharing the Gospel. You’re reminded that the results aren’t up to you—God is the one who brings growth. Just as a farmer can’t force a harvest, you can’t make someone believe in Jesus. Your role is simply to be faithful in planting, watering, and harvesting when the time is right. When you focus too much on outcomes, you may unintentionally create fear, doubt, or hesitation that silences your witness. But God hasn’t called you to be successful—He’s called you to be faithful.

You’ll likely relate to some of the six common barriers to evangelism: method, fear, inadequacy, indifference, shame, and time. Maybe you’ve felt unsure of how to start the conversation, afraid of rejection, or even too overwhelmed by life to make time for spiritual conversations. Maybe you’ve seen (or been) someone who shared the Gospel with the wrong tone or approach—more like a salesperson than a servant. The good news is, you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be present, loving, and obedient. God uses ordinary people, like you, in extraordinary ways when you trust His Spirit to lead you.

This message encourages you to shift your focus from yourself to Jesus. Let His love drive out your fear. Let His grace overcome your shame. Let His priorities reorder your time. People around you need the hope you carry—whether they know it or not. So don’t let barriers define your witness. Instead, remember that you’ve been called, equipped, and empowered to be a light in the darkness. Jesus is too good, too powerful, and too necessary for you to stay silent.

Key Scripture

Read through these passages together:

Discussion Questions

Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.

Which of the six barriers to sharing the Gospel (Method, Fear, Inadequacy, Indifference, Shame, Time) do you most identify with, and why?
How has this barrier shown up in your life, and what steps could you take to begin overcoming it?
How does remembering that God is responsible for the results of evangelism change the way you approach sharing your faith?
Does this truth help relieve pressure or fear for you personally?
Think of someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus—what would it look like to intentionally "till the soil" or "water the seed" in their life this week?
How can your actions and words reflect Jesus in a way that draws them closer to Him?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share the gospel with others. You have so transformed my life because of Your great love for me. Help me to love others just as You have loved me so that they too can encounter Your life-transforming grace and begin a relationship with You. Give me the courage and the words to speak Your truth with love and grace! Amen.

Life Application

Identify and Confront Your Barrier
Take time this week to honestly assess which barrier is most preventing you from sharing the Gospel—whether it’s fear, inadequacy, shame, or something else. Bring it before God in prayer, ask for the Holy Spirit’s help, and take one small step to move past it (e.g., initiate a spiritual conversation, share your testimony, or invite someone to church).

Make Space for Gospel Conversations
Examine your schedule and intentionally create margin in your life to connect with others who don’t know Jesus. Whether it's grabbing coffee with a coworker or being more present in your neighborhood, prioritize building relationships where Gospel seeds can be planted and watered.

Don’t Forget

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Additional Resources

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PART 3 Week 8 - THE WAY OF OVERCOMING BARRIERS