Topical · Week 4 of 6

Gospel Conversations

John 4:1-26, Acts 17:16-34

Engaging people where they are

Main Point

Jesus and Paul didn't use a script — they listened, asked questions, and met people where they were.

Application Ideas

In a conversation this week, practice asking curious questions about someone's life and beliefs before sharing yours.

Discussion Questions

How did Jesus engage the Samaritan woman? How did Paul adapt his message in Athens? What do they have in common?

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: John 4:1-26, Acts 17:16-34

Supporting Texts: John 4:27-42, Acts 17:22-26, Romans 10:14-15

Big Idea: Gospel conversations happen when we engage people with genuine respect and point them to Jesus.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

Jesus didn't just tell people about God's love. He demonstrated it. He healed the sick. He ate with sinners. He touched the untouchable. He showed that the gospel is not just words — it's action.

Today we're exploring what it looks like to share the gospel through service. To demonstrate God's love not just by talking about it, but by living it.

This kind of evangelism is often called 'incarnational.' You're making the gospel flesh in the neighborhood, in your workplace, in the community.

I. Service Is Gospel (Matthew 25:31-40, John 4:7-15)

Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous based on one criterion: did you feed the hungry? Clothe the naked? Visit the prisoner? Care for 'the least of these'?

When you serve those in need, you're serving Jesus. Service is not a side project of the Christian life. It's central to it.
And when non-Christians see Christians serving sacrificially, they see Jesus.

The gospel is good news for the poor. Not just in spiritual terms, but in real, tangible terms. You feed them. You house them. You show them they're valued.

II. Compassion Opens Hearts (Luke 10:33-35, John 4:16-26)

The Good Samaritan didn't debate theology with the man on the road. He saw him, felt compassion, and served him. This simple story shows that compassion is the doorway to the gospel.

When you meet someone's need, you earn the right to be heard. You demonstrate that you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
This breaks down barriers. It shows that Christianity is not abstract doctrine. It's practical love.

Someone is hungry. Feed them. Someone is sick. Visit them. Someone is lonely. Spend time with them. Do these things, and you're preaching the gospel more clearly than words ever could.

III. Your Service Points to God (1 Peter 2:11-12, Acts 17:26-27)

'Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.' Your service doesn't point to you. It points to God.

When you serve humbly, without seeking credit or recognition, you reveal God's character. You show what it looks like when someone is motivated by love rather than gain.
This kind of service is winsome. It draws people. It makes them curious about the God who motivates this kind of love.

Don't serve so people will praise you. Serve so they will glorify God. That's the distinction.

Appeal

Look around at the people in your circle. Is anyone hungry, sick, lonely, struggling? Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Serve them. Show them Jesus through your actions.

This is how the gospel spreads — not just through words, but through Christians who love like Jesus loved. Who serve like Jesus served. Who give like Jesus gave.