In John 4: 35-38, Jesus said:
35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”
A quick look at John 4 reveals three people involved in evangelism. Notice that there are those who are a part of the harvest – the non-believer – who is your friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker. Jesus tells us that they are ripe; ready to hear the good news. Then there are the disciples to whom Jesus is talking – the believer. Notice the words used to describe the believer in the different stages he may be in – reaper, gatherer, sower, laborer, and finally rejoicer. God is the third person involved and He is the One who sends out the laborers – it is His harvest and they are His fields.
John 4 reveals that three people are involved in evangelism… the non-believer, the believer, and God. Let’s look at the third of these roles – You, the believer:
God has given us the privilege of partnering with Him in His eternal work.
The Scriptures describe you this way:
Saints – Colossians 1:2 – We are saints – set apart for His specific work
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:”
Servants – Acts 16: 17 – sent by God to proclaim the good news
“This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
Planter – 1 Corinthians 3:5 – you are called to plant the seed
“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?”
Waterer – 1 Corinthians 3:6 – you are to water the seed
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
Laborer – Luke 10:2 – you are to labor in His field
“Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Witness – Acts 1:8 – you are to tell your story – your eyewitness account
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Discerning – Colossians 4: 5 – using wisdom to take advantage of the opportunities to share Christ.
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
Dependent – John 6:44 – we bring Christ to the lost – He brings the lost to Christ
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…”
Remember:
We bring Christ to the lost
He brings the lost to Christ
Can you think of anything more exciting than being a partner with Jesus Christ in populating heaven? He wants to use you. The question is, “Are you willing to be used?” He’s ready if you are.
