HCBC Sunday School -- September 29, 2013 "Friends" Class
Unit 2 -- The Word with Power (John 4:1 -- )
The Power to Give Life (John 4:1-15,25-26)
How far out of the way will I go to tell someone about Jesus?

1) Go ye therefore... (4:1-5)
a. Believers enjoy the awesome privilege of introducing others to Jesus as Savior.
b. Jesus commissioned us to do this. (Matthew 28:19)
c. He promised the Spirit would empower us.
d. (vs. 3) Keep moving, i.e. go to the next family member, friend, neighbor, stranger, etc.
e. (vs. 4) Go to places where there are people who need to hear the gospel.
f. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: ~ Romans 15:20
2) Engage (4:6-9)
a. Jacob's well -- gathering places.
b. Is she/he open to conversation?
c. Respectfully engage people as precious individuals whom God loves. (Romans 2:11)
d. Our respect and kindness doesn't mean that we approve of sinful lifestyles, but that we're willing to show Christian love.
e. We must trust the Holy Spirit to break down our (their) barriers of fear, prejudice and distrust.
3) Clarify (4:10-15,25-26)
a. Use the circumstances around you, e.g., nursing home (Ps.23), hospital visit (flowers).
b. Be creative, build curiosity.
c. (vs. 15) Too often, in our day people seem to want Jesus to change their circumstances rather than to change their hearts.
d. (vs. 16-24) Jesus challenged the woman to confess her sinful condition.