The Evangelism Arena; Insights From 2nd Corinthians 4ਨਮੂਨਾ

Day Five: The Message of the Messenger

We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. . . For what we proclaim is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord. . . (2 Cor. 4:2, 6, ESV).

From the life of the messenger, the passage transitions to the “message of the messenger.” The Gospel! The “good news” which is summarized as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-4). A message the Apostle Paul refused to tamper with or distort, and neither can we. Why?

First, the message is called “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) and therefore, no human being or even an angel is permitted to change it (Gal. 1:6-9). Second, as the “power of God,” this is the message that leads to salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). This is a liberating truth. You and I don’t have to construct clever words and phrases since the Lord has revealed and entrusted his good news to us (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

In 1st Corinthians 2, the Apostle Paul once more mentions fear. Part of that fear may relate to a concern of not fulfilling his mission. So, what was the remedy for his fear? “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” A message he described as “the testimony of God” (1 Cor. 2:1-2, ESV).

Our personal stories (testimonies) are important. Paul shared his, and God uses them (Acts 22 and 26). As important as they are, our faith stories can become the bridge leading to God’s testimony. The message about the Lord Jesus and his life, death, resurrection, and return as Judge (Acts 10:39-43). This is the most powerful message in the history of the world. A message that God uses regardless of a person’s age, gender, years as a Christ-follower, or anything else. And the message that brings salvation to all who believe.

Reflection: Take the familiar phrase, Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again, and write out what each of those mean for you. How might you discuss those with people who have yet to trust in Christ?

Further Study

Acts 10:36-43
1 Cor. 2:1-5
Gal. 1:6-10