Topical · Week 5 of 6

The Compassion Factor

Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 25:34-40

Mercy and mission

Main Point

People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care — compassion is the gateway to mission.

Application Ideas

Find one practical way to serve someone in need this week with no strings attached — that's mission in action.

Discussion Questions

Why did Jesus have compassion when He saw the crowds? How does serving the 'least of these' connect to sharing the gospel?

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 25:34-40

Supporting Texts: Luke 15:7, 2 Peter 3:9, Colossians 1:28-29

Big Idea: Compassion for the lost is the motivating force behind effective evangelism and prayer.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

One of the most neglected aspects of evangelism is prayer. We focus on strategies, on having the right words, on finding the right moment. But we neglect to actually pray for the people God wants to reach.

Jesus told His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.' Prayer is the first step in evangelism.

Today we're exploring how prayer fuels evangelism and how you can pray effectively for people's salvation.

I. Prayer Prepares Hearts (Matthew 9:37-38, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

'Pray without ceasing.' This is the foundation of effective evangelism. You're not trying to convince anyone. You're inviting God into the work of conviction.

When you pray for someone's salvation, you're asking God to open their eyes, soften their heart, and draw them to Himself.
Prayer shifts your evangelism from being about you trying to win an argument to being about God doing a spiritual work.

The person who prays for their neighbor's conversion is already speaking that neighbor's language — the language of love and concern.

II. Specific Prayer Changes Things (Ephesians 6:18-19, Philippians 4:6-7)

'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and petitions. Be alert and always keep on praying.' Paul tells us to pray specifically.

Don't just pray 'God, save the world.' Pray for specific people by name. Pray for their specific struggles, their specific barriers to faith.
When you know someone is struggling with pride, pray that God will humble them. When someone is caught in addiction, pray for freedom. Pray specifically.

A prayer list of people you're praying for salvation is a powerful tool. Over time, you'll see God answer. And you'll see how your prayers prepared the way for conversation.

III. Pray With Others (Matthew 18:19-20, 1 John 5:14-16)

'Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.' Corporate prayer for someone's salvation is powerful.

Don't pray alone. Find another believer and pray together for your unsaved friends and family. Agree in prayer. Make a covenant to intercede.
There's something that happens when two people agree in prayer. It's not just twice the power. It's exponential.

Start a prayer group focused on reaching your community. Pray for awakening. Pray for workers. Pray for opportunities. And then watch what God does.

Appeal

Before you try to convince anyone about Jesus, pray for them. Get on your knees. Ask God to prepare the way. Ask Him to break through the barriers.

This is the secret that most evangelists know: the work happens in prayer. The conversation is just the overflow of what God has already been doing in prayer.