Evangelism--Inside Out

Evangelism—Inside Out

By: Bro. Malloy Cabahug

Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. (Romans 2:17-24, NKJV)

In this section of Paul's letter to the Church in Rome, He particularly addressed it to the Jew. As he pointed out so succinctly, the Jews are so privileged to have received and been instructed by the Law. In fact, if you read further to Romans 3:2, He mentioned their that their race is the very recipient of God's oracles.

Is this something to boast about? Is this something to be proud of?

If we closely examine the our passage above, do you not think that this has the semblance of this modern day Christian church. Indeed there is. If you are a born again Christian, and you belong to a born again church are we not privileged enough to have now Christ living in us? Are we not having received the teachings from the Holy Spirit who is indwelling in our hearts every time we spend time with our prayer and devotion?

Paul said further on that the Jew, and the Christian for that matter should be the guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish and a teacher of babes.

Simply stated, all Christian, you and me should not keep the privilege to ourselves. We have a twofold task at hand.

First is to be guide to the blind and light to the dark world. The blind and dark world here is figuratively used to mean the unbelievers or those who knows not of spiritual things. And when they come to know the Lord Jesus, through our evangelistic efforts, they now are considered babes in Christ. Paul described this type as foolish and babes. Again, it is a figurative meaning for those who are still immature in their faith. Thereby, you should not only share them the Gospel of Jesus, but teach them and mold them to live the Gospel.

Second task at hand as Paul instructed is for us to be careful in carrying out the first task. Do you think a blind can lead another blind? Imagine two blind men walking along the highways of the UAE where cars are flying on the roads. Can you guide a person out of darkness when you do not have a torch or even a pen light at hand? How much more the giving of instructions and teaching when you know nothing.

Friends, Paul's message is so clear. Genuine Evangelism that sustains over time is one that starts from inside out and not the other way around. True, when we first received Christ, and if indeed it is a genuine conversion that you personally experienced, you will be so fired up to share your experience to the whole world. That is not bad. It is indeed a noble thing to share the Gospel.

If you speak of sustainable Evangelism, follow the twofold task that Paul instructed. Go and share the Gospel, but do not forget to equip yourself. Do not forget to feed your spirit by way of personal prayer and devotion, regular study of the Word, attending a Bible study group, attend seminars and trainings. Do not be content by just attending the weekly worship service.

God bless us all.