Last week I spoke of the need for us to strive to be bold and persuasive in sharing the hope of Christ with others. Boldness is the ability to speak confidently and freely about Christ. It is being persuasive in our own conviction about the One who gave Himself that we might have eternal life. I think of what Jesus said in John 8:24, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Or, consider the frequently quoted verse where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). We all know this and I assume believe it, yet we find ourselves intimidated when it comes to sharing Christ with others. The fact that the spirit God has given us that is “of power and of love and a sound mind” (2nd Timothy 1:7) seems like nothing of the sort all too often. Why so intimidated? Reluctant? Afraid?
I would like to add further thought into the “why” behind our lack of engaging a lost and dying world with the only hope that it has. I want to discuss the “who” behind evangelism. I understand the pressure behind the sharing of the gospel. In one of my first evangelism classes, we were asked this question, “How many people do you plan to baptize your first year in ministry?” I understood its intent, but it troubled me and I let the instructor know. I certainly understand the essential part baptism plays in the scheme of things, but focusing on numbers should not be our focus. Instead, it should be the effort of sharing Christ with others which at some point, would necessitate baptism being discussed (Acts 8:35). So, what is our role then? I think the apostle Paul gives some insight in his second letter to the church in Corinth.
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (1st Corinthians 3:6)
There was a problem in Corinth which is clearly seen in 1st Corinthians 1:12-13, “Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” As the Holy Spirit guides the apostle to help the church work through this concern, we learn of a particularly important principle that can help with evangelism. First, realizing that we are spiritual farmers with the task of planting seed. In the Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8 we learn that “The seed is the word of God” (v11). The sower simply “went out to sow his seed” (Luke 8:5) indiscriminately; that is, not trying to determine the condition of the soil. All soils were an opportunity. The word translated “planted” means to set out in the earth, to instill doctrine. That was Paul’s job. Apollos, he had the job of watering; that is, to irrigate, to furnish drink to that newly planted seed. Evangelism is more of a “we” event as opposed to a “me” event. Apollos was a fitting example of this, as was mentioned last week, because Priscilla and Aquila “watered” the seed he had, bringing him to the fuller and more accurate understanding of the gospel (Acts 18:24-28). We may find ourselves in either of these two roles, a “sower” or a “waterer.” Our objective is merely to allow ourselves to be used by God to increase His kingdom.
This brings us to the most crucial point to grasp, the who behind evangelism. We often put so much pressure on ourselves! Say the right thing. Have all the answers. How can I bring that person to Christ? Listen to what Pasul says, “…but God gave the increase.” I like the Easy-to-Read Translation, “But God is the one who made the seed grow.” It is the day of Pentecost, and the gospel is miraculously being proclaimed. About three thousand came to Christ that day. Listen now to Acts 2:47b, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” He is the One who gave His Son! He is the One who raised His Son! It is His Spirit who will “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” John 16:8). God is the One behind evangelism.
The credit of salvation is God’s and His alone. We are simple farmers given the task of planting and watering. Yes, we need to be responsible when it comes to the planting of the seed and watering that seed. To seek boldness and courage from Him who will empower us to speak on His behalf. This may take some learning on how to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to us as we interact with this world. All with the understanding that it is God who brings forth the harvest. So, think of yourselves as farmers planting the seed of Christ in the hearts of others. Or maybe you are the farmer that waters the seed already planted. Maybe God has you doing both. No matter what role you play, always remember, He brings the harvest. Help us Lord to be farmers for Christ.
Biddeford Church of Christ 