The Evangelism Arena; Insights From 2nd Corinthians 4预览

Day Four: The Life of the Messenger

We have renounced secret and shameful ways… (2 Cor. 4:2, ESV).

Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19, ESV). Our first call is to follow the Lord. The result is that Jesus makes us “fishers of men.” Therefore, a close relationship with the Lord is crucial to our role in “The Arena of Evangelism". This includes living in a way that’s pleasing to the Lord in private (renouncing secret sins) as well as in public.

The primary reason for walking closely with Jesus is not evangelism. It’s because our “first ministry” is: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30, NIV). To know him and the full life he’s given us (John 10:10). With respect to this, Jesus also taught the importance of guarding what we allow to take root in our hearts:

For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person” (Mark 7:21-23, ESV).

As believers, we’re engaged in a war between our spirit and our flesh (Gal. 5:16-17). Our enemy would love to deceive us into believing that all is well if we don’t act on our wrong thoughts and desires, or keep our sinful behaviors hidden. This is a trap we would be wise to avoid. However, if we do stumble (which is not a license, but a recognition of the ongoing battle between our spirit and flesh), things are not final.

The Bible contains wonderful promises like, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9, NIV). And, by confessing and renouncing our sins, we become useful instruments in the Lord’s hand (2 Tim. 2:20-21). Therefore, as messengers of the gospel, may we live in close relationship with the Lord, both privately and publicly. An essential part of the divine design whereby He prepares us to be his witnesses.

Reflection: Ask the Lord to reveal to you anything that needs to be confessed and renounced. He loves you and delights to show mercy.

Further Study

Psalm 19:13-14
Micah 7:18-19
2 Timothy 2:19-22
1 John 1:6-10