Paul told Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). An evangelist simply was someone who proclaimed good news. The Romans used the word to refer to someone who passed on good news about the reign of Caesar. But Paul changed the meaning to apply it to announcing the kingdom of Jesus and His good news. It was used in direct contrast to the news about Caesar. It is not Caesar who brings peace and salvation, but Jesus Christ. That is the good news an evangelist shares.
Some have a spiritual gift of evangelism and use this gift full time, but all Christians are responsible to be an evangelist and share the good news. What does it mean to be a faithful evangelist for Christ? Here are some authentic marks.
A BURDEN FOR THE LOST. An evangelist has something he desires others to find – Jesus. There should be a desire in all believers because we ourselves have been benefactors of the heart of Christ who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). An evangelist shares Jesus’ love for others. They are given the very heart of Christ for others and that love for the lost will spill out of the heart of every authentic evangelist. It isn’t about seeing people as projects or fulfilling a quota, but rather a reflection of God’s love for others. Paul had an evangelist’s heart for unsaved Jews (Romans 9:1-3).
A COMMITMENT TO THE TRUTH. A burden to share Good News is great, but the news shared must be true. It must be 100% Biblical. An evangelist cannot add to or take from the message to make it more appealing. An authentic gospel evangelist has to be a person of the truth. That means they must be a student of the Word, knowing it thoroughly and applying it accurately. If a doctor is going to recommend a cure for your deadly disease, you want to be sure he knows what he is talking about and is well-informed and totally accurate. Paul says that even if an angel changes the Gospel, don’t listen to him (Galatians 1:8-9). The role of a faithful evangelist is to share the message of Christ clearly and without compromise or distortion. There are many false teachers today and we must be careful we don’t become like them.
A DEPENDENCE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT. We in ourselves are unable to understand and communicate this life altering, eternity changing message without God’s help. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher as we learn and our Prompter as we speak (Acts 1:8). God chose weak human beings as His agents to spread His message so it would be obvious that the power behind it was His and not ours (1 Corinthains 2). It is God who convicts people of their need of Him (John 16:8). If you think talking to others about salvation is something you can’t do, you are correct! You can’t do it on your own, not as God wants it done. That only happens as you let God fill you and work through you.
A LIFE THAT BACKS UP THE MESSAGE. Your works must exemplify your words. If our life doesn’t match our profession of faith, we aren’t being faithful evangelists. Please understand, none of us will be perfect examples for we are all sinners. But we must be striving to grow in grace and become more like Jesus in all we say and do. As has been said, evangelism is one beggar telling another where to find bread.
A CONSISTENT PRAYER LIFE. Prayer isn’t something that we use to manipulate God, but rather something that we engage in so that our hearts will align with His. This is also connected to our realization that spreading the good news of Jesus is fundamentally God’s work. That’s why Paul encouraged the Colossians to pray as He did in Colossians 4:2-4, that God would open doors for the gospel. Jesus’ ministry was also bathed in prayer. There is also something that happens in our mind and heart whenever we are truly praying. We become more sensitive to God answering our prayers and giving us opportunities to share the good news about Jesus. Every faithful evangelist will be one who prays.
A WILLINGNESS TO SUFFER. Jesus promises that those who follow Him will be hated by others (Matthew 10:22). A faithful evangelist has to be willing to suffer rejection and persecution. The ultimate goal is not personal popularity and safety but giving other the opportunity to learn about Jesus. When advancing God’s Kingdom, we can be sure Satan will oppose us. He is against anything that opposes his control of mankind. A faithful evangelist does not shrink back in fear but boldly proclaims the good news of Jesus — even if it means suffering because you’re contrasting the good news of Jesus’ kingdom with the inferior good news of “Caesar’s” kingdom.
A READINESS TO GO ANYWHERE. A good soldier doesn’t tell his commanding officer where he wants to go and what he wants to do, he reports for duty and follows whatever orders he receives. The same is true for those who serve Jesus. A faithful evangelist isn’t waiting for perfect moments or places to share the gospel. No, they are waiting for any opportunities to share the gospel — remaining ready at all times. Paul exemplified this in Acts 16:6-10. He had his mind set on going one place, but God told him to go another. That is the mark of a faithful evangelist. Whether it’s across the globe or across the street — a faithful evangelist is always ready to go.
Being a spokesman for Jesus is a great honor, but it also carries a heavy responsibility. However, there is no greater privilege than service Jesus by telling others the Good News of salvation.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Do you have these marks, even if you aren’t a full-time evangelist? Where are you weak? Ask God to strengthen you in those areas so you can better serve Him.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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