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Commentary on "Evangelism and Witnessing as a Lifestyle"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 4: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Walking in Their Shoes

 

Overview

This quote from the writings of the Apostle Paul sets the theme for today:

To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. (1 Cor. 9:20-22 ESV)

Reference is also made to Heb. 4:15 which reminds us that our Savior is able to sympathize with us because he to was tempted on all points, yet without sin. Paul shares with us by his example how an effective evangelist will reach lost sinners with nothing more than the simple gospel message of salvation.

 

Observations

We must remember that sin and separation from God is the 'root cause’ for all that troubles a person.

Today’s key text is bracketed with these verses:

What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them…I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Cor. 9:18, 19 & 23 ESV)

Paul became 'all things to all people’ to do one thing which was to preach the gospel message. It is the power of the gospel message that changes lives, this and nothing else and nothing less.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17 ESV)

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:1-2 ESV)

 

Summary

  1. Jesus demonstrated by his actions his caring for all the needs of a person. Certainly we should do no less and follow the lead of our Savior.
     
  2. While a person will be most willing to listen and respond to the gospel message when you demonstrate that you care enough to know and understand their problems coupled with 'going the extra mile’ in providing material solutions, we must not overlook the fact that the gospel message is the ultimate answer embraced in all that a Holy Spirit led witnesses’ for Christ will provide.
     
  3. Important as it is to understand who a person really is and what is happening in their life, we must have an understanding that sin and a person’s sin nature is the ultimate cause of their condition in life. Only when you are born again by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and join the kingdom of God can there be any true tangible solution and peace.
     
  4. When we examine the theme text along its surrounding verses we find at least two important points. Paul cared deeply for the lost and perishing of this world. Because he cared for them what he preached was the simple and complete gospel message of Jesus Christ…. 'Jesus Christ and him crucified’.

 

GO TO DAY 5

 

Copyright 2012 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised April 17, 2012. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Camp Verde, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

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