IF GOD IS SOVEREIGN WHY SHOULD WE EVANGELIZE?

JOHN 6:35-44

August 7, 2016

Tod Chapman

John 6:35-44 ESV: [35] Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. [36] But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. [37] All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. [38] For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. [39] And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. [40] For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” [41] So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” [42] They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” [43] Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. [44] No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

How much is God involved in evangelism?  How much are we involved in evangelism? 

· Our involvement in evangelism is essential.  (God is sovereign in the means.)

· God’s involvement in evangelism is essential.  (God is sovereign in the ends.)

· Our embracing this tension leads to: 

A biblically-founded, awe-inspiring, grace-appreciating, gratitude-increasing view of God. 
A healthy, appropriate appreciation of our vital role.  
Elimination of the unwarranted anxiety and guilt of assuming too much responsibility.  
Removal of the unjustifiable passivity of assuming too little responsibility. 
A confidence for sharing Jesus knowing God has prepared folks to receive.
A confidence for sharing Jesus knowing God is committed to the essential nature of our role.