Sharing hope

INSTRUCTIONS FROM JESUS: Rick Warren Notes

• “Wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News!” Mark 16:15 (GW)  

• “YOU will be my witnesses!” Acts 1:8  

• “I’ve been given all authority. . . so go make disciples!” Matthew 28:18-19 

• “Follow me and I’ll show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19  

“We are Christ’s ambassadors. God uses us to speak as though Christ himself is making this appeal: ‘God wants you to connect with him in a friendship!’”2 Corinthians 5:20 

MY JOB IN GOD’S FAMILY IS TO  
invite others to join us in God's family.  

If you're not fishing, you're not following Jesus.    

THINGS TO REMEMBER THAT GIVE YOU CONFIDENCE!

1. EVERYBODY I MEET  

has the same longings that I do.   (When we share our hope in Jesus, we are offering what they are looking for).  

“God has planted eternity in the human heart . . .” Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NLT)  

“Jesus included everyone in his death, so everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.2 Corinthians 5:15 (Mes)  

Jesus said, “I have come so that you can have real life and eternal life, a better life than you ever dreamed of!” John 10:10 (Mes)  

2. EVERYBODY HAS  

the same questions.  What happens to me after I die?  Who am I?  What is my purpose? 

“. . . None of us can ever fully understand all God has done, but he puts questions in our minds – about the past and the future.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (CEV)  

3. MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALLY KNOW WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND THEY OFTEN  

contradict themselves.  Most people don't know what they are suppose to believe.  Don't be turned off by titles and labels.  Christ helps bring people clarity.   People make almost all of their decisions based on emotions. Then, we try to back it up with logic.  

“God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace” 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NCV)  

“When you know the truth, the truth will set you free!” John 8:32 (NLT)  

4. ANYONE CAN BE SAVED IF I LISTEN FOR THE KEY TO THEIR HEART. THAT KEY IS THEIR  


Unmet needs or their hidden hurt.  We don't measure up to our own standards much less God's standards.  You can discern unmet needs by listening to them.  There is one way to 

God, and it's through Jesus; however, there are many different reasons that people come to Jesus.  You must find their hidden hurt.  

“Everyone falls short of God’s glorious ideal.” Romans 3:23 (LB)  

5. PEOPLE HAVE EXCUSES BUT WE HAVE  

God's Holy Spirit and the Truth.  We are not alone when we share Christ.  God is working in that other's person's heart when you share Jesus.  God doesn't want you to be afraid of people.  

“The Holy Spirit, God’s gift to you, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them. If you will stir up this inner power, you will never be afraid to tell others about our Lord”2 Timothy 1:7-8 (LB)  

Jesus said, “This will be your chance to tell about your faith. Don’t worry about what you will say to defend yourselves. I will give you the wisdom to know what to say.”Luke 21:13-15 (CEV)  

HOW CAN I SHARE MY HOPE?

1. 

Live it.  Walk the walk. Talk the talk. If they like what they see, they will listen to what we say.   We have to make friends before they listen to us.  You can't lead an enemy to Christ.  Make people feel welcomed and wanted.  

“Live such good lives among your unbelieving neighbors . . . that they see the good things you do, and will honor God by believing . . .” 1 Peter 2:12 (NIV/NLT)  

“Practice hospitality!” Romans 12:13 

2. 

Learn it.  The Bible says to share your hope not your faith.  

“Always be ready to answer anyone who asks you to explain the reason for the hope you have, but do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15  

• Finish Class 401 “Discovering my Life Message & Mission”

• Watch Daily Video Devotionals on Facebook - Pastor Rick Warren

3. 

Apologize for not sharing with them sooner.   "Friends don't keep secrets from friends.  I consider you my friend.  I was afraid you'd think less of me.  The most important thing in my life is my relationship with God.  I'd like to tell you about it."  

“The righteous person is a guide to his friend.” Proverbs 12:26 (TEV)  

“Friends always show their love.” Proverbs 17:17 (TEV)  

4. 

Listen first and ask questions.  Keep saying tell me more.  You lead more people to Christ by listening to people rather than talking to them.  Most people believe that there is a God, but they don't know Him.    

“Always listen before you answer. If you don’t, you are being stupid and insulting.” Proverbs 18:13 (TEV)  

“A person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out.” Proverbs 20:5 (TEV)  

5. 

Share your stories.  Your testimony.  You have many testimonies about how God has helped you.  You are the authority on your life.     

“I do know this: I was blind, but now I can see!” John 9:25 (NLT)  

6. 

Invite them to worship.   Bring people without hope to people with hope.  It will give you credibility.  

“Go into the streets and everywhere else and invite anyone you find to come with you so that my house will be full!” Luke 14:23  

“Many people will see this and they will worship him. Then THEY will trust the Lord!” 

Psalm 40:3   

WHY DO WE SHARE OUR HOPE?

1. Everybody needs what Jesus offers! Matthew 11:28-30 

2. Jesus commands us to do it. Mark 8:38 

3. We’re grateful to God & we love people. 2 Corinthians 5:14 

4. We will be rewarded in heaven. Proverbs 11:30