A weary man trudged through the snow and ice to ring a doorbell. The man answering it responded with, “Why in the world are you out in this terrible weather trying to sell brushes?” The salesman replied, “Sir, my family must eat!” A person will do almost anything if he is motivated. Whether it’s selling brushes in the snow; climbing a mountain; lifting a car off a loved one; or obeying the commands of God, motivation is a prime mover. A person will not be moved to do very much until there is a strong stimulus.
God has given the Church many great works to do. Nothing must interfere with us as we seek to do the Master’s will in every area. The number one priority given to the Church by Christ is making disciples of all people. Many members of the Body of Christ, however, aren’t involved in this priority work. Why? There are probably several answers to this question. One I am certain of is a lack of motivation. This is why we must raise and answer this important question: Why teach or evangelize the lost? If we can find the proper answers to this question, and these answers are founded on God’s word, we will have proper motivation for going and teaching the lost.
First, we are commanded to evangelize. This removes it from the realm of optional works. It is a must. Jesus said, “Go make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). Many try to play down doing anything for the Lord because of commandment. This is not biblical! Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandment” (John 14:15). His command, is go and teach.
Second, Christians must share the sense of debt that the apostle Paul felt. He said, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also” (Rom. 1:14, 15). Gratitude for one’s salvation is a strong incentive to share the gospel with the lost.
Third, the needs of sinners should motivate us to teach the lost. Paul said, “For all haye sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Jesus said, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:35; cf. Mark 15:15, 16). A sinner needs salvation more than the air he is breathing. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8 :36). The old saying of “Find a need and meet it” has no greater application than to evangelizing the lost.
Fourth, love for Christ is another prime incentive for teaching the lost. Paul wrote, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead” (II Cor. 5:14). A man works for his family because he loves it. Likewise, a person works for Christ because he loves him. We are able to love him because he first loved us. Love is a flame that should set our feet marching toward the lost with good news.
Fifth, love for others should move us to evangelism. Andrew wasted no time in bringing his brother, Simon (Peter), to Jesus (cf. John 1:41). Jesus died for the salvation of all men (cf. Romans 5:5-10); his death was a reality because God loves the sinner and was willing to give (cf. John 3:16). What are we willing to give the sinner? If we love him we will give him the gospel of Christ.
Sixth, the example set by the early disciples should encourage us to go and tell others about the salvation in Christ ( cf. Eph. 1:3, 7). In a hostile world they preached Christ (cf. Acts 4:11-13); nothing could stop them as they taught daily in the temple, and in every house ( cf. Acts 5:42). They preached Christ crucified, it was a stumbling block to the Jews, and unto the Greeks it was foolishness (cf. I Cor. 1:23). These are good examples for us to follow.
Seventh, gospel stewardship is another motive to evangelize. Paul said, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be faithful” (I Cor. 4:1, 2). This “mystery” is the fulfillment of Christ’s redemptive work as stated in the Prophets, and revealed through the proclamation of the gospel (cf. Eph. 1:8-10; 1 Peter 1:10-12). Faithfulness demands that we share the gospel of Christ.
Eighth, teaching the lost and baptizing them into Christ helps a Christian bear fruit (cf. John 15:1-8). Bearing fruit brings glory to God. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
Ninth, a lack of workers is an incentive to teach the lost. Jesus said, and it’s still true today, “ … the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that he will send forth laborers into the harvest” (Matt. 9:37,38). If you don’t teach the lost, who will? The Lord of harvest wants YOU to go!
Tenth, the promised reward should move us to take the gospel to the lost. One day we will stand before Christ to give account of ourselves (cf. II Cor. 5:10). Thus, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. “ (II Cor. 5:11). “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire: and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (I Cor. 3:13). This is why, therefore, we must be loyal to our Lord and his commission to make disciples of all nations. Only those who do his commandments will enter the gates into the city (Rev. 22 :14). Reward is a strong incentive to teach the lost.
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