Bulletin

Effective Evangelism
Bob Bauer

Over the years, some Christians have been overhead saying their evangelistic efforts often seem to be useless. This is a natural response to what is an overwhelming rejection of New Testament Christianity by the worldly and those embroiled in denominational Christianity. However, to these somewhat discouraged Christians, Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians may provide some encouragement. Although Paul had some success in Thessalonica, it was not by any means universal (Acts 17:1-10). But even so, in his letter, he wrote that his coming to them was not in vain (1Th. 2:1). If we consider the pertinent details of Paul's efforts you and I may gain some insight into having confidence that our efforts are also, not in vain.

Paul came to the Thessalonians with the right message. He wrote, "But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict" (1Th. 2:2 NKJV). He did not bring his opinions, Jewish traditions, or the customs of Tarsus. Paul came with the "gospel of God." He made sure that all those he taught were aware from where the message he preached originated (Ga. 1:11,12; 1Co. 4:17). We must make sure that we are presenting the right message when we are talking with others.

Paul came to the Thessalonians with the right motive. He wrote, "For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness–God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ" (1Th. 2:3-6). Paul's motive was not to corrupt or to mislead them. Nor was his motive to deceive or seek praise from them. His motive was to spread the gospel of Christ, thus pleasing God. Our motive in evangelizing should be the spread of the gospel. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they were still carnal because of their division and he explained why. He wrote, "For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,' and another, ‘I am of Apollos,' are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (1Co. 3:4-7 NKJV). Clearly Paul was referring to the parable of the sower (Lk. 8:5-15) and was making the Corinthians aware that he and Apollos were seed sowers and that the power to save lay with God. We must understand that our motive should be the spreading of gospel.
Paul came to the Thessalonians with the right attitude. He penned, "But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us" (1Th. 2:7-8 NKJV). Paul came to the Thessalonians with an attitude of love – the gentle love like a parent for her newborn child. I have, upon occasion, observed Christians, myself included, whose purpose seemed to be more of winning an argument then presenting the gospel with an attitude of love. Paul wrote that when love is not in the picture our efforts have no depth (1Co. 13:1-3). When others sense that we truly care about them and their souls our evangelistic efforts will not be in vain.

Paul came to the Thessalonians with the right behavior. He wrote, "For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe" (1Th. 2:9-10 NKJV). Paul did not seek others to pay his way or live among them with a sinful lifestyle. You and I cannot expect to have an influence on others if we preach the gospel and behave in a way which denies it. Hypocrisy is abhorred by nearly everyone as recent national news concerning a well-known politician has revealed. If we want our efforts to spread the gospel to others to be effective, we must live what we teach.

If you and I take the true gospel to others and take it with the proper motive, attitude, and behavior, then our efforts will not have been in vain. We will have been faithful servants.