HIGHLIGHTS: Christians are commanded by Jesus Christ to go out reap the lost. (John 4:35-38 & Matthew 9:37-38) Let’s discover the real reason why most Christians are not obeying the commandment of the Lord.
The late Dr. William Franklin Graham, Jr., one of the most prominent Evangelical Christian leaders of the 20th century once commented: “In more than 50-years of traveling around the world, I have never had anyone witness to me about their Christian faith, though several have confessed their faith after I initiated a conversation.” Dr. Graham also said: “surveys indicate that the vast majority of Bible-believing Christians do not witness to others about their faith in Christ, that 85% never invite anyone to church, and 95% never win anyone to Christ.”
Christians are chock-full of excuses as to why they do not witness their faith to unbelievers. Many say they do not have time to share their faith with others because they are too busy with work and family; they are afraid of offending people; they don’t know how; or even that they feel unworthy and unqualified because they are practicing sin themselves. But, if Christians would be true to themselves, as God requires, (Psalm 51:6) they would admit that the real reason why they do not preach the gospel to the lost and give their personal testimony is because they are ashamed of Jesus Christ and His testimony. Wow, that is a bold statement! Please do not get me wrong, I believe Christians love Jesus Christ and believe in Him with all their hearts. However, when it comes to sharing their faith with sinners, something far more sinister is at work.
Typically, when a Christian has the opportunity to talk to a sinner about Jesus, without realizing it, the devil comes and steals their testimony of Jesus out of their mouths. (John 10:10) To accomplish this, Satan uses a wicked trick called, “the spirit of fear” to harass and oppress Christians. (II Timothy 1:7) The spirit of fear has torment, and one the works of torment is a state of being ashamed. (I John 4:18) In the Bible, to be “ashamed” is regarded as the human expression of reluctance (to be shy, timid, bashful, to remain silent, or to refuse to speak out) to preach the gospel and witness to all men for fear of embarrassment, harassment, or persecution. Just take a few moments and think about the opportunities you have had to tell others about Jesus and what He has done for you—to family members, friends, coworkers, classmates, or strangers. You knew the Holy Spirit was leading you to win them to Christ, but you didn’t. Instead, you let the moment pass you by. Satan attacked you with the spirit of fear and caused you to remain silent, or talk about something other than the Lord and salvation.
Being ashamed of Jesus Christ is very serious business, and never to be taken lightly or tolerated. We cannot enjoy fellowship with Jesus Christ and reap the benefits of Calvary, if we deny Him before other people. (Matthew 10:32-33) Jesus said if any person denies Him before others (which includes remaining silent) He will also deny that person before our Father God in heaven. So, as Christians we must overcome being ashamed of Jesus Christ before men. Next week we will learn how to overcome the spirit fear and eliminate being ashamed of the Lord.