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Outreach Process: Our Part, God’s Part?

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Let’s be clear right from the start. Salvation is a work of God (Eph. 2:8-9). He will use us in the process of leading people to Himself but ultimately it is about what HE does, not what we do.

God's Part in the Outreach Process Versus What We Do

God brings the growth yet as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, we have a part in the planting process and in the watering of that seed. We are “God’s co-workers” who will be responsible for how we build on what God is doing (1 Cor. 3:9-15).

More Thoughts to Help Us Reconcile Our Part in Outreach Versus What God Does

Living according to the principles of God’s Word is critical to being a good testimony.
Yet, despite us doing the right things, God is still the One ultimately responsible for the results (1 Cor. 3:11).
Being adaptable helps us connect with others (1 Cor. 9:19-23) and in turn tends to make people more open to the Gospel.
Yet, in itself that won’t change lives.  God must bridge the gap by His Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13-14).
Praying for family and friends is instrumental in their salvation (1 Tim. 2:1-3).
Yet, the power is found in the One to whom we pray, not in the pray-er or the prayers themselves (1 Tim. 2:4-6).
Providing people with resources to teach them how to be a witness is good (1 Pet. 3:15).
Yet, the most thorough training will not win souls.  God must be at work through us (Zech. 4:6).
Keeping the church on track with the right focus is a vital role of leaders (1 Pet. 5:2-3).
Yet, church leadership can only guide and facilitate the process.  God is the One who brings the growth (1 Cor. 1:25-31).

The Conclusion about the Outreach Process

Salvation truly is a work of God. Yet, we do not merely sit back when it come to outreach and do nothing. We have a part but it still gets back to God. We work in cooperation with Him through His power as we follow His lead. Let’s remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:10 —

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

For Help, Go To: Outreach Resources

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