Work of An Evangelist

By Ellis Crum

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     An educated person can greatly further the cause of Christ or his own selfish purpose, depending upon the goal he has in mind. Whether educated little or much, our lives should speak for the Master. Nearly all the apostles were uneducated men, yet they attracted great attention. When Peter and John were imprisoned after healing the lame man, the officers "perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). The apostles were not men of letters or accustomed to public speaking; however, a firm conviction and boldness based upon the truth of God's Word does much to compensate for the lack of formal education. Preaching without such conviction, regardless of how scholarly the presentation, will do little to convict men of their sins. The thing that was especially noted in Peter and John was "that they had been with Jesus." This is the thing that should be noticed among gospel preachers and Christians in general, that they "have been with Jesus" in the sense of obedience to His Word and imitation of His life. The principal thing to be noted in true evangelists is not that they have been to a certain school, or that they have obtained certain degrees, but that they "have been with Jesus."

     Evangelists need to be like Jesus from the standpoint of humility. Proud preachers are not pleasing to Christ. Yet some are inclined to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think (Rom. 12:3). Pride is a thing that God hates (Prov. 6:16, 17). It can affect young and old alike. Because a man has a good knowledge of God's Word is no reason for him to glory. God expects him to study or give diligence, and to be able to give an answer to those who enquire. Timothy was reminded that "the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves" (2 Tim. 2:24, 25). It is never appropriate to present an arrogant presentation of the truth. This is sometimes heard in debates and public discussions. Some preachers use this stye of delivery in gospel meetings as they endeavor to "skin the sects," forgetting the admonition "showing all meekness unto all men" (Titus 3:2). While it is true that "knowledge puffeth up" (1 Cor. 8:1), "God forbid that (we) should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14). An evangelist can be responsible for driving men away from the truth. Let's make sure we preach only the crucified Christ, and that our message and style are such as will meet the approval of the Master.

     Preachers sometimes exalt themselves or allow others to exalt them to a higher plane than God intended. They forget the command: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you

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up" (Jas.4:10). Too many are preaching their selves rather than Christ. They are holding up their own accomplishments rather than the Cross of Calvary. Their pride and desire for popularity prompt them to report little things in a big way. Preachers are sometimes prone to take undue credit for conversions. Paul declared: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Cor. 3:6). Evangelists, regardless of how talented you are (and don't forget who gave you that ability) never lose sight of the fact that it is God who gives the increase.

     Furthermore, it is the responsibility of all preachers to guard against jealousy. Never be jealous of anyone, and especially of your fellow laborer in the kingdom. Jealousy is a very powerful tool of Satan. It caused trouble with brothers in days of old, and it causes untold trouble among brethren today! Some are envious of certain preachers' talents, personality, and popularity. While they perhaps secretly admire such men, they are constantly looking for ways of "downing" the other fellow and elevating themselves. Much is said and written both publicly and especially privately under the heading of "protection" or "words of warning" which can often be classified in no other way but gossip and "sowing discord among brethren." If more time were spent in preaching Christ it would matter little what other preachers were doing. Truth is more powerful than error; it will eventually prevail. If every evangelist was out seeking new recruits it would matter little what happened to a hundred leading preachers, for there would be thousands to take their place. Of course there is always the fear of men following preachers from the narrow path. Here is a responsibility of evangelists, and a sadly neglected one it seems, to train their converts not to put confidence in men. There is a grave danger in placing too much confidence in any uninspired man.

     Not only must an evangelist be humble and free from jealousy, but he must be morally pure. While it is important that he watch his manners in public, it is just as important that he watch his morals in private life. Some have become "castaways" to use the term employed by Paul in i Corinthians 9:27. The brotherhood should be warned of any man whose morals are questionable. While in one sense it is "no worse" for an evangelist to commit such a sin than any other Christian, it is worse from the standpoint of example and influence. Officers in the church like those in the government are subject to closer observation and investigation than others.

     Timothy was instructed to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). Without purity of life it is impossible to effectively proclaim the Words of Life. An evangelist must be one who can be trusted in the home as well as in the pulpit. Paul commanded Timothy to "Flee also youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22). Titus was told to instruct the aged women to "teach the young women." This may have been to avoid too intimate contact with the opposite sex.

     Evangelists must take heed unto themselves and their teaching. Their life must be a living testimony that they are serving the Savior. In addition to the proclamation of Christ there must be a revelation of Christ in their lives. Christ must dwell in the heart (Eph. 3:17). If Christ truly dwells in our hearts, we know the result, for Jesus declared, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Let us speak and live for Jesus each day.