Text: John 1:45-46
After Jesus called Philip, Philip told Nathanael. When Nathanael was first skeptical, Philip offered a simple invitation: “Come and see.” Nathanael came and saw, which led him to believe in Jesus. We are going to consider this “come and see” invitation – what we can learn from it and how it applies today.
Effectiveness of Invitations
- Many people wonder what they can do to help reach others with the gospel – one thing we can all do is invite others to worship services or Bible studies
- 2016 Lifeway Research study surveying “unchurched” Americans – 8 in 10 would welcome a “gospel conversation”; 55% would attend if invited by a family member; 51% would attend if invited by a friend or neighbor
- Of all the ways we might try to reach others, this could possibly be the most effective
Creating Opportunities to Invite
- By our example (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12) – we are to be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15); this will often be prompted by our lives (1 Peter 3:13-14, 16-17)
- By our conversations (John 1:45-46) – we should develop a habit of discussing topics that could turn into an opportunity for an invitation (Jesus, the Bible, Biblical principles, the church, reading the Bible, prayer, etc.)
What Will They See?
- In Nathanael’s case, he saw Jesus (John 1:47-49) – Jesus is not in the flesh today; when we invite what will people see? what should they see?
- His church following His will – the church belongs to Christ (Acts 20:28), so it is to follow His will (Ephesians 5:23-24); worship should be carried out consistent with the NT pattern (John 4:24; Colossians 3:16; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2); the work of the church must follow the pattern (1 Thessalonians 1:8; Ephesians 4:16; Acts 4:32-35; 1 Timothy 5:16)
- His word being studied and proclaimed – we have the word of Christ (1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 3:2); we have an obligation to teach what is found in His word and only that (1 Peter 4:11); we can show people from the Scriptures what is true (Acts 17:2-3)
- His people proving to be His disciples – by showing brotherly love toward one another (John 13:34-35); by welcoming those from the outside (James 2:1-4); by worshiping in spirit and truth (John 4:24); by showing an example of good works (1 Peter 2:12)
