Prepositional Evangelism

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,

“‘In a favorable time I listened to you,
    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return… widen your hearts also.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Paul is passionate about evangelism, making Christ known. His ministry is active and potent, incorporating many prepositions to empower his communication of the gospel. In every way, by great endurance, Paul willingly suffered in affliction, by the Spirit, with spiritual weapons, through good and bad. Along with the Lord, his work is focused, zealous, and urgent. Compelled himself to preach, he compelled those who heard and read his letter to respond. (Isaiah 49:8; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21)

It takes getting involved in life and other lives to make a difference. With the Lord, we have influence as He makes His gospel appeal through us. We’ll likely undergo many trials, yet our example of enduring in affliction and exhibiting grace, patience, and purity displays God’s steadfast love, sufficiency, and faithfulness. When we stand on truth and battle the devil by faith, with spiritual armor, we show that in Christ there is victory. When we stand alongside others to understand and converse, and uphold them as they wrestle and grieve, we exemplify Christ. How many prepositions are involved in our daily mission?

How willing are we to get involved with a variety of people in order to bring the gospel to them? In what different situations, comfortable and challenging, do I find opportunity to speak truth in love and open the word of God? How might I pursue or come alongside someone to introduce him to Jesus?

“Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages for Thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my love: my God, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.” ~ Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)

Lord, with all of me, may I go after You, and others for Your sake.