The Unlikely Evangelist
Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony. John 4:39

Text: John 4:27-45

What is God doing here?

• This question challenges us to open our spiritual eyes to God's activity.
• This question reminds us of what really matters. 
• This question challenges us to be inconvenienced for a greater purpose.
• This question reminds us not to compartmentalize our faith.
• This question requires us to rely on the Holy Spirit.
• This question demands we put to death the flesh.
• This question moves us to find our confidence in God.
• This question humbles us.
• This question moves us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
• This question motivates holy and godly living.

As I mentioned in the sermon yesterday, John Piper was moved by a sermon by Darrin Patrick, who urged fellow pastors at a conference, "When you walk from one room to another—it might be from the kitchen to the living room, it might be from the sidewalk to Starbucks, it might be from one aisle over to another aisle in Target—ask the question: 'What is God doing here?'"

Sadly, Darrin Patrick took his own life in 2020. His death is an incredible reminder of the battle for the rulership of your heart. The Apostle Paul speaks of this battle in Romans 7—
 

It might be discouraging to know that even Paul—who had experienced Jesus in a personal way and had seen the explosive growth of the early church—still struggled so violently with his own heart. But Paul gives incredible hope and encouragement in verse 25. He writes in response to his question, "Who will deliver me? and responds in a cry of victory, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" 

When you feel the weight of sin’s burden; when you're torn between righteousness and unrighteousness, between the desires of the Spirit and the desires of the flesh, then the only solution is Jesus and His gospel of grace! We never outgrow the gospel. We must preach it constantly to ourselves. We need to humbly discuss it in intentionally intrusive community. We must sit at the feet of Jesus every day and seek His grace and mercy.

Satan wants you to believe your struggle with sin, shame, anxiety, etc. disqualifies you from being an evangelist. But don't buy the lie. Humble sinners make the best evangelists—unlikely evangelists point people to Jesus as their only hope, not to their own righteousness!

So ask yourself often today, "What is God doing here?" Keep your eyes on Jesus. And don't play religious games. Allow the Holy Spirit to flow from your heart!