Evangelism

As the apostle Paul penned his second epistle to the evangelist Timothy, he faced an uncertain future. Even as the epistle began, the issues of life and death occupied the mind of this preeminent servant (2 Tim. 1:1) who probably gave his life for the cause of Christ soon after writing to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:6). In what was, seemingly, Paul’s last inspired communication to his beloved Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2), Paul emphasized truths not only dear unto himself but as well placed an emphasis upon those things which must be done after his departure in order to secure the church in succeeding generations. Paul, as a spiritual father to Timothy, looked longingly to the immediate and distant future with a protective eye. He would not leave Timothy without direction as Timothy faced the challenges of the day without the wisdom and guidance of the great apostle. In this most intriguing context, the beloved apostle admonishes the young evangelist concerning several things, including his teaching responsibility. Paul did not leave this world before he laid foundational stones which support the church very well to this very day.

In a review of 2 Timothy, we note the consistency flowing from the pen of Paul as he continually entreated Timothy to focus on his primary objective, the teaching of the Word of God. A quick reading of the text evidences this observation: Paul admonished Timothy to:

(a)Stir up the gift of God in him. 1:6

(b)Not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. 1:8

(c)Hold fast the form of sound words. 1:13

(d)Put them in remembrance. 2:14

(e)Rightly divide the Word. 2:15

(f)Be apt to teach. 2:24

(g)Instruct those who oppose themselves. 2:25

(h)Preach the Word. 4:2a

(i)Do the work of an evangelist. 4:5

Additionally, Paul presented himself as both a preacher and a teacher (1:11) in whom the Word would not be bound (2:9). In the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul leaves himself as an example after which Timothy may pattern himself after Paul’s departure.

Perhaps one of the most compelling admonitions of the entire epistle was gracefully presented in 2 Tim. 2:2. With a protective eye on the future of the church and a genuine interest in the souls of men, the apostle Paul looked beyond the immediate and personal labors of Timothy and focused on the potentially broad impact that he may have in his own generation and in generations yet to come. The apostle vividly saw the value of preparing others to spread the Word along side men such as Timothy as well as after such passes the scene. Here the apostle Paul said, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2:2; NASB).

Our congregation faces the same challenges today that were faced so courageously by first century Christians. Our present need of teachers is as important for our congregation as it was for the area where Timothy labored so long ago. If the membership of a congregation fails to meet the challenge of teaching those under its care and guidance, they will surely answer to the Lord. May we as members conscientiously review and tap into our genuine potential and seriously consider making a firm commitment to be a part of the teaching of God’s Word to those that will come after us.

The Bible clearly affirms that Christians in general have the corporate and personal obligation to carry the Gospel to those around us. This mutual obligation is ours for a handful of reasons. First, because we must shod our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15). Second, because saints must be equipped for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). Third, because we must shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:15). Fourth, because we must always be abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58), knowing the Christ came to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

The condition of the world demands timely attention to this task, knowing that the god of this world, Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), has deceived the world (Rev. 12:19). Thus, the world is in spiritual darkness (Eph. 6:12), in wickedness (1 John 5:19), evil (Gal. 1:4), condemned (1 Cor. 11:32), and without God (Eph. 2:12). This dire portrait of the world cannot be properly addressed by the wisdom of the world (1 Cor. 1:21) but must be addressed through the Gospel of Christ. Christ is the one who came into this world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15), is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), and is the Savior of the world (1 Jn. 4:14).

Yes, the world needs to be convicted of sin (Rom. 3:19) and to be reconciled unto the Father (2 Cor. 5:19).

This needed reconciliation cannot be achieved separate from the receipt of the Gospel. The character of the Gospel message supports this premise, as the Gospel is marked by the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 2:7), of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), of the kingdom of God (Matt. 4:23), the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), the means of the spiritual begettal (1 Cor. 4:15), the means by which one partakes of the spiritual promise (Eph. 3:6), and the means by which one is called unto the fellowship of God (2 Thess. 2:14). One cannot be pleasing to God, having not obeyed the Gospel message (2 Thess. 1:8).

The reality is this: The Gospel is hid to those who are lost (2 Cor. 4:3) and it must be published to those not having heard the pure, unadulterated message of God (Mark 13:10; Rom. 15:20). May we possess the attitude of the Apostle Paul and recognize that the Gospel must not be hindered (1 Cor. 9:12), especially by our failure to support our own congregation with evangelistic efforts every way we possibly can. May I encourage each member of this congregation to do his or her part in supporting the evangelic effort by simply inviting the community or friends to visit our services. Spreading the “good news” does not have to be difficult. While getting a bible study with someone is a great thing, inviting them to church is always a step in the direction of helping them find God. Don’t leave the “go” out of the gospel message. If we desire all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth just like God does, then we have to do our part to help spread the glory of God.

Entrusted to Teach

You can’t say “Gospel” without “Go”