T ext: 2 Corinthians 3:17 - 4 :18 “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians ...
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:17 - 4 :18
“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1, NKJV)Proposition: You should evangelize with courage.
Transitional statement: Our text gives several reasons to evangelize with courage.
1. Because God showed us mercy 3:17-4:1
“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1, NKJV)In contrast to the Law (which brought condemnation), the gospel ministry brings life. Through faith in His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit has removed the veil so we may see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The gospel ministry today is more glorious than the ministry of the Mosaic Covenant, because it makes us right with God, and transforms people into the likeness of Christ. This should give us courage to keep preaching Christ to the lost.
2. Because God saves the lost. (2 Cor. 4:1-6)
“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them...For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6, NKJV)One of the things that discourages people who are proclaiming the gospel, is if the people you're preaching to don't believe. Paul said if the gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are perishing, who's eyes have been blinded to the gospel. He said that only God can cause the light of the gospel to shine in the darkness of our souls, to save us. We cannot save the lost. Only God can. All we can do is preach the gospel, and pray that God will cause the light to dawn on people's souls. So you should take heart when preaching the gospel, because it's God who saves the lost, not you.
3. Because God uses the weak (4:7-12).
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NKJV)Another problem that discourages people when they preach the gospel, is physical weaknesses. But God chose to use clay jars to proclaim the gospel, so that He alone will get the glory for the fruit of evangelism. After my neck injury, I can't move from the neck down, without pain. Even when sitting still, my body is constantly tingling to the point of discomfort. Why? Because God uses WEAK vessels for HIS glory! So Paul boasted about his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ might be manifested through him.
4. Because God raises the dead (4:13-15).
“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.” (2 Corinthians 4:13–14, NKJV)What discourages people from telling the gospel more than the threat of death? My friend from Bible College (missionary John Leonard and his wife Bev), preached the gospel in South America. They led some village to Christ. The people stopped purchasing drugs from a local cartel. The cartel dispatched hit-men who shot him up and left him for dead. He had to be evacuated through the jungle, and eventually was loaded on a flight for the US, where he underwent surgery. His spine was severed, and he now has to use an electric wheelchair with a joy-stick. He'll never walk again, and his wife has a huge burden for caring for him. Guess what? He went back to the mission field! Why? Because God raises the dead. Even if someone kills you for your testimony for Christ, God will raise you from the dead!
5. Because God rewards the faithful! (4:16-18)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18, NKJV)Paul said that the present suffering is not worthy of being compared to the glory God will bestow on those who serve Him. When we get to heaven, those who invested their lives proclaiming the gospel, will receive such a measure of glory, that the sufferings they went through on earth will seem insignificant by comparison.
Image by Gioele Fazzeri from Pixabay
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