Discipleship Project, Week 5, Day 3
DAY 3
CULTIVATING, SOWING, AND HARVESTING
In 1 Corinthians 3:6 Paul says “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” It has been said that the work of evangelism (witnessing and leading others to faith in Christ) should be seen much like a farmer sees the work of growing a crop: It involves the processes of cultivating, sowing and harvesting the soil of the human heart. Cultivation prepares the ground. Cultivating involves the building relationships with non-Christians. We should remember that people are not just projects. They are individuals loved by God. We can’t be intimate, lifelong friends with everyone but we can be sincere, caring, authentic, Christ like people. We are not just salespeople trying to manipulate them towards a spiritual decisions. We should never come across like that. By building friendships and reflecting Christ’s love however we do cultivate our friend’s openness to the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ. In your associations and friendships seek to find common ground with non-believers without compromising your standards. Paul wrote: “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law…so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law…so as to win those not having the law. To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” (1 Cor 9:20-23 )
Where Cultivating softens and opens the heart for the gospel, sowing has to do with planting seeds of truth in the mind. Sowing takes place as you plant seeds of truth and begin to impart an understanding of the gospel. 1 Peter 3:15 says: “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” Of course it’s important to continually clarify and deepen your own understanding of the gospel so that you improve your skills in this area. Sharing books, tapes, and tracts, are another good way to sow good seed. Make sure the material you share is good seed! Most important of all depend on the Spirit of God to work in response to your prayers. Remember in 1 Corinthians 3:6 Paul says “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
Cultivating prepares the heart, sowing informs the mind but , harvesting addresses the will by encouraging a definite decision to receive Christ. There are often many influences and conversations that precede a persons decision to receive Christ. God may use you as a beginning, middle, or final link. God has not called us just to be harvesters. God may calls us to spend most of our time cultivating and sowing good seed. With many people we may just be one link in the chain of God’s plan for their lives. But every link is important. That’s why we all need to do our part and develop a lifestyle of cultivating, sowing and harvesting!
Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light -
An effective approach to harvesting is the red light, yellow light, green light concept. As you cultivate the relationship and sow seeds of truth, watch for the response you get. Listen to your friend’s words and watch their expression and body language. Their response to your witness gives you either a red light, yellow light or a green light. If they give you a red light, back off, cultivate the relationship and sow more seed gently. If you get a yellow light, a cautious but open response, proceed cautiously but continue to sow seeds of truth. If they give you a green light, maybe its time to invite them to sit down and go through a clear presentation of the gospel.
As part of your quiet time today begin an evangelistic prayer list. Pray for God‘s guidance and then write down five names of people you have some regular contact with. Begin praying daily for their salvation and for opportunities to cultivate and sow seeds of the gospel in their lives. Pray for opportunities to share Christ with them or to invite them to meetings where they will be exposed to the gospel. As you pray through the Lord’s prayer outline, pray for these five people under “Prayer For God’s Kingdom”. For today’s Bible reading read John 1:35-49. Notice especially the role that Andrew and Philip play in leading others to Christ. Write down any notes, observations, or insights in your notebook to share in class. Pray through the Lord’s prayer outline, including the five people on your evangelistic prayer list. Review your memory verses.
Note: In tomorrow’s lesson will give several practical suggestions for presenting the gospel.
Larry is the senior pastor at 
