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Barriers To The Gospel

The document discusses personal obstacles to evangelism, highlighting seven key barriers such as restriction, indifference, and fear, along with scriptural solutions to overcome them. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, trust in God, and the necessity of prayer in effectively sharing the gospel. The conclusion reinforces that evangelism is about participation and faith rather than perfection.

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66 views7 pages

Barriers To The Gospel

The document discusses personal obstacles to evangelism, highlighting seven key barriers such as restriction, indifference, and fear, along with scriptural solutions to overcome them. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, trust in God, and the necessity of prayer in effectively sharing the gospel. The conclusion reinforces that evangelism is about participation and faith rather than perfection.

Uploaded by

kingsleyikechukwuorefo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Breaking Barriers to Evangelism

Matthew 9:35-38, Ezekiel 2:6, Amos 6:1, Ecclesiastes 11:4, Luke 9:59-
60)

Introduction

Last week, we explored cultural barriers to evangelism. This week, we


focus on personal obstacles—both internal and external—that hinder
believers from sharing the gospel. Jesus demonstrated how to overcome
these barriers in Matthew 9:35-38, reminding us that the harvest is
plentiful, but the laborers are few.

This study will highlight seven key barriers to evangelism, and provide
scriptural solutions to help us overcome them.

1. Restriction ( staying too long in


Jerusalem)

Restriction occurs when Evangelism is confined to comfortable,


familiar places—such as church gatherings—rather than reaching all
people.

Scriptures ;

Matthew 9:35 – Jesus went to both cities and villages, showing


no restriction in His outreach.

Jonah 1:1-3 – Jonah resisted going to Nineveh, preferring to avoid


certain people.
Acts 8:1 – Persecution scattered the early church, forcing them to
preach outside Jerusalem.

Biblical Solution: Expand Your Reach


• Acts 1:8 – Witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends
of the earth.
• Mark 16:15 – Preach the gospel to every creature.
• Luke 14:23 – Go to the highways and hedges and compel them to
come.

Application:
Step beyond your comfort zone—evangelize in workplaces, schools,
and online.
Engage with people from different cultural and social backgrounds.

2. Indifference ( lack of compassion)

Indifference occurs when we Some see people as undeserving,


unapproachable, or too sinful rather than as lost souls needing salvation.

Scripture

1. Luke 7:39 – A Pharisee judged the sinful woman instead of


showing compassion.
2. John 8:3-5 – The Pharisees wanted to stone the adulterous woman
rather than lead her to redemption.
3. Luke 9:54-56 – James and John wanted to call down fire on
Samaritans instead of showing love.
Biblical Solution: Develop Christlike Compassion
• Luke 19:10 – Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
• Jude 1:22-23 – Show compassion, making a difference.
• 2 Corinthians 5:14 – The love of Christ compels us to reach out.

Application:
Ask God for a heart that sees people as He does.
Engage with love, patience, and understanding instead of judgment.

3. Pessimism ( negative mindset)


Pessimism is when you believe that people today are too hardened or
uninterested in the gospel.

scriptures:

1. 1 Kings 19:10,14 – Elijah thought he was the only faithful servant


left, losing hope in the harvest.
2. John 1:46 – Nathanael doubted anything good could come from
Nazareth.
3. Numbers 13:31-33 – The spies saw giants in the land and
thought victory was impossible.

Biblical Solution: Believe the Harvest is Ready


• Luke 7:22 – Jesus listed the evidence of transformed lives.
• John 4:35 – The fields are white for harvest.
• Acts 18:9-10 – God told Paul, “Do not be afraid... I have many
people in this city.”

Application:
Trust that God is working in people’s hearts—even when you can’t
see it.
Focus on opportunities rather than obstacles.

4. Fear
Fear of rejection, persecution, or negative reactions prevents many from
sharing the gospel.

Scriptures

1. John 20:19 – The disciples hid out of fear after Jesus' death.
2. Matthew 26:69-75 – Peter denied Jesus three times to avoid
consequences.
3. John 3:1-2 – Nicodemus only approached Jesus at night, fearing
public exposure.

Biblical Solution: Trust God’s Protection and Strength


• Matthew 10:28 – Fear God, not man.
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – God has given us a spirit of power, love, and
sound mind.
• Acts 4:29-31 – The apostles prayed for boldness despite threats.

Application:
Understand that rejection of the gospel is not personal—it’s a
rejection of Christ.
Pray for courage and trust God with the outcome.
5. Inadequacy
Some feel they don’t know enough scripture or theology to evangelize
effectively.

Scripures:

1. Jeremiah 1:6 – Jeremiah thought he was too young and


unqualified to speak.
2. Exodus 4:10-13 – Moses said he was not eloquent and asked God
to send someone else.
3. Judges 6:15 – Gideon doubted he was capable of delivering Israel.

Biblical Solution: Rely on God, Not Personal Ability


• Exodus 4:10-12 – God gives words to the speaker.
• 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 – God uses the weak to shame the wise.
• Luke 12:11-12 – The Holy Spirit will teach you what to say.

Application:
Focus on sharing your personal testimony—it is powerful.
Remember that Jesus chose fishermen, not scholars, to spread the
gospel.

6. Hesitation
Some hesitate because they are unsure how to begin a conversation.

Scriptures
1. Acts 8:30 – Philip asked a simple question to start a gospel
conversation.
2. Acts 17:22-23 – Paul started with a common cultural reference
in Athens.
3. Acts 10:1-5 – Cornelius sought guidance before hearing the
gospel.

Biblical Solution: Start with Simple Conversations


• Acts 8:30-31 – Ask questions that lead to deeper discussions.
• Acts 10:1-5 – Follow God’s leading.
• Acts 17:22-31 – Use familiar concepts to introduce spiritual truth.

Application:
Start with casual conversations that lead to spiritual discussions.
Use the FIRM method: Family, Interests, Religion, Message.

7. Prayerlessness
Many attempt evangelism without spiritual preparation.

Scripures

1. Matthew 9:38 – Jesus told His disciples to pray for more


laborers.
2. Mark 14:37-38 – The disciples slept instead of praying before
the trial.
3. Acts 19:14-16 – The sons of Sceva tried to minister without
spiritual power.

Biblical Solution: Prioritize Prayer for the Harvest


• Colossians 4:3-4 – Pray for open doors and the right words.
• Ephesians 6:19-20 – Pray for boldness to share the gospel.
• 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – Pray for all people to come to Christ.

Application:
Pray daily for opportunities, boldness, and wisdom.
Ask God to bring hungry hearts across your path.

Discussion Questions
1. What are some common locations where evangelism is often
limited?
2. Why is compassion essential in evangelism, and how can we
develop it?
3. How does fear of consequences hinder evangelism, and what is
God’s solution?
4. How did biblical figures overcome their feelings of inadequacy in
sharing the gospel?
5. Why is prayer crucial in evangelism, and what should we pray for?

Conclusion:
Breaking through these barriers requires faith, obedience, and a
willingness to trust God. Evangelism is not about perfection but
participation—God uses available people, not just qualified ones.

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