获取软件The Evangelism Arena; Insights From 2nd Corinthians 4预览
Day Three: Enabling the Messenger.
“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart (2 Cor. 4:1, ESV).
The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said, “Fear makes cowards of us all.” In other words, fear can cause us to lose heart in various aspects of life, including evangelism. But rest assured, you and I are not alone in this struggle. Experiencing fear is not the issue. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled with fear (Acts 18:9-10). Therefore, you and I aren’t inferior Christians when we do. Understanding this is one way to safeguard against “losing heart.” Another is recognizing that the Lord has promised you and I his divine enabling for the task.
Between his resurrection and ascension, the Lord told his disciples to wait for His Spirit before embarking on their mission. (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8). He knew that they (and us) were helpless to evangelize without Him. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was sent to empower believers to be a witness. . . and he’s been doing so ever since. This empowering is the result of the Lord’s presence.
In Acts 18, the Lord wasn’t telling Paul, “Don’t experience fear.” He was saying that Paul shouldn’t let fear stop him. Then he gave the reason why, “For I am with you. . .” (Acts 18:10). This coincides with Jesus’ final words of the Great Commission: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NIV). Those promises indicate that you and I are never alone in this battle. However, to access his power and presence, a step of faith is often required, as the Lord knows we can be silent on our own. That’s why we often experience his enabling “when” we begin to share our faith, not “before.” (Gal. 2:20, Phil. 2:13). It won’t be easy; we’re in a spiritual battle, and believers will face the giant of fear in varying degrees. But the battle to endure is possible because Jesus is with us and his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Reflection: How can sharing your evangelism fears and experiences with Christian friends help you to not “lose heart” and give up?
Further Study
Matthew 28:18-20
Luke 24:45-49
Acts 18:9-11
2 Cor. 12:9-10
读经计划介绍
Who’s involved in “The Evangelism Arena"? An overarching answer is found in 2nd Corinthians 4:1-7. Through an examination of those verses, Dr. P. J. Meduri of Taking the Field Ministries, not only shares who’s involved, but the role each plays when evangelism occurs. Through these insights, may Christ-followers increase their understanding of evangelism, and by God’s grace, be encouraged to endure as a witness for Jesus.
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