Invest and Invite Sermon

Invest And Invite

Title: Invest And Invite

Big Idea: Invest in a few and invite everyone.

Passages:

Jesus and the disciples, Peter, James, and John

• Jesus had 12 disciples, but there are many occasions where he pulls away with just 3, Peter, James, and John.

• We see this when Jesus raises Jairus’s daughter

  • “And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.” - Mark 5:37

  • The Transfiguration

  • “Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. - Luke 9:28

  • Garden of Gethsemane

  • “And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” Mark 14:32-34

  • Jesus was always intentional in His relationships, but I think it’s important to note that He didn’t treat everyone the same. He chose 12 disciples, and at key moments He took 3 of those 12 with Him. The Gospels don’t tell us why. Here’s how I’d apply it: invest deeply in a few.
  • There are several principles that I want to talk about tonight as it relates to investing in a few.

Woman at the Well

• This is someone who made an incredible impact by giving an invitation. You never know how an invitation could change the life of someone forever.
• “So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him. - John 4:28-30
• This woman had just met Jesus and then she immediately goes and gathers others to “come and see”!
• Later on we see that “Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word.” - John 4:39-41 ESV
• This woman at the well didn’t have it all figured out. She was still asking, “Can this be the Christ?” But she got them to Jesus, and it changed everything.
• Question: Do we have this type of tenacity when we invite people to Jesus?

Pray: (Pause 3-5 seconds)

Main Points:

1. INVEST IN A FEW

   1. Be Positive

      1. “If you want to make the least possible impact, be negative, isolated, and busy.”
      2. Question: Who here this evening loves being around negative people?
      3. This may sound simple, but I want to unpack this for a minute.
      4. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

      5. Being positive does not mean that you can’t have tough conversations.

         1. Tough conversations are still positive when given the right way and with the right motive.

         2. Tough conversations are meant to build up, not tear down. 6. Being positive is more than saying “You look great today.” Paul’s word is rejoice in the Lord. The way I’d apply that: to be positive means you have a proper perspective on what God has done in your life, and how you can share that joy, love, and hope with others. 7. There is enough negativity going on around the world, let’s be a church that brings hope to impossible situations and joy amidst the trials. Amen?! 8. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3 9. Question: How many of you know that we’re all going through something? Nobody is living in “perfectville” 24/7. Right?

         3. Let’s be a people that keep a Gospel perspective in all areas of our lives. Believing that God has a plan and purpose for people and that He is going to work it out for our good and His glory.

         4. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work in you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. “ - Philippians 1:6
            2. Be Present

      6. In your conversations

         1. How many of you do this on your phones while talking to people? (pull out phone and text) Anybody guilty in the house tonight?
         2. This is becoming the new normal. I’m all for staying connected to the insta-sphere, and sometimes the texts just keep rolling in, but we need to learn to connect again. I mean really connect.

         3. Simple reminders for us today. Look people in the eye, settle in, and listen. 2. In moments of grief and pain

         4. This is critical. It’s easy to be present when everything is good, but true friends show up and stay close during seasons of hurt and grief.

         5. Send those text messages, ask the hard questions, get in the car and drive to someone’s house just to be near.
         6. Often times we don’t know what to say right? People aren’t looking for you to say the right things, they are looking for a friend to stay close and just be.
         7. Lean in, listen, and show support and encouragement in times of grief.
            3. Be Proactive

      7. Be proactive to tell people about Jesus and make disciples.

      8. Investing in someone's life is more than being positive and present, it takes a proactive intentionality and commitment to invest in the right things.

      9. Illust: Bridge to Life

         1. Romans 3:23
         2. Romans 6:23
         3. Romans 5:8
         4. Romans 10:9-10
         5. Ephesians 2:8-9
         6. INVITE EVERYONE
            1. Be Real

      10. “Authenticity is the apologetic of our day.” - unknown

      11. In the words of the great genie “Beeeeee yourself”
      12. Question: Anybody have that friend that’s always making up stuff just to try and connect?
      13. Illust: Trey Wingo

      14. “Be yourself. People would rather follow a leader who is always REAL than one who is always RIGHT.” -Craig Groeschel

          2. Be Relational

      15. Illust: Connect Four

          1. What’s your name?
          2. Where are you from?
          3. What’s your story?
          4. How can I pray for you? 2. “The Gospel flies best on the wings of relationships.” 3. Question: How many people in here tonight are looking for community? All of us right? 4. Everyone wants to know and be known, love and be loved. 5. Be real with people and then work towards establishing a relationship with people. You don’t have to be bff’s to invite them to something, but at least know their name!
             3. Be Relentless

      16. One ask is great, but if you really believe in something, why give up so soon.

      17. I’ve heard countless stories where people say “John never gave up on me.” or “I used to think they were crazy, but I finally said yes and now I’ll never be the same.”
      18. Keep invite cards with you at all times and hand them to everyone.

Big Idea: Invest in a few, invite everyone.

Walking Points:

1. Who are you investing in?

   1. Pick 3-4 people that you can invest in and write their names down.
   2. Go deep with these people and pray for them constantly.
   3. Then watch God work.

   4. Who are you inviting?

   5. Think of people that you interact with on a weekly basis and hand them invite cards.

   6. Always carry invite cards.
   7. Personally hand out 10 cards this week.

Let’s pray.