Where Is the Right Place to Share the Gospel?
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Jesus needs workers who are adept at resolving issues. We can provide comfort to others and demonstrate to them how God and other Christians have helped us with our concerns in how we live (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
Paul is telling us that he had faith in the Holy Spirit’s guidance and assistance rather than in his sharp intellect or speaking skills.
Paul did not deny the significance of preparatory study for preaching. He was well-versed in the scriptures. Preaching that is effective must combine the Holy Spirit’s work with diligent preparation.
Paul, a brilliant scholar, could have enthralled his audience with thoughtful arguments and persuasive speech. Instead, he used the Holy Spirit to direct his words and spread the straightforward message of Jesus Christ.
We should follow Paul’s lead and keep our message simple when we share the gospel with others. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, what we say can bring glory to Christ (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
Paul was not instructing the believers in Corinth to disregard the pursuit of knowledge. He was advising them that worldly wisdom is not wisdom at all if it prevents them from pursuing God.
Even though it may appear foolish to the outside world, thinking and assessing in the ways of the Lord are far more important (1 Corinthians 1:27).
The Corinthians were scrutinizing their teachers and leaders with so-called worldly wisdom. They valued the message’s presentation more than its content because of their pride.
While Paul was a brilliant thinker, he was not an impressive speaker (“though I be rude in speech”). Despite the effectiveness of his ministry (Acts 17), he was not educated in the Greek oratory and speech-making schools like many of the false teachers.
Some thought that Paul’s belief in presenting the gospel in a straightforward manner (1 Corinthians 1:17) demonstrated simplemindedness. As a result, the false teachers frequently used his speaking performance as a weapon against him.
It is of far greater value to give a presentation that is clear, simple, and helps people understand the gospel.
So, back to the initial question: where is the right place to share the gospel?
First, it is not my pulpit nor your pulpit, for that matter, for it belongs to the Lord. Second, it is not my church, nor is it your church, for it is the Lord’s church, and we are just a part of it.
When we look at Jesus’ earthly ministry and the ministry of the apostles, were they always settled in one location or church? What does our Scripture say? “And Jesus went about all Galilee.” ALL! That tells me that He went here, that He went there, and then He went over there.
And where did the disciples go? Where did Jesus tell them to go? (Mark 16:15) But if no one listens or no one accepts you, can you go elsewhere? (Matthew 28:16-20).
We have many members, but we are of one body (1 Corinthians 12:12). We all have gifts and talents (Acts 9:36-42). We are to use them effectively and to complement one another (Romans 12:4-10). No one is more important than another.
We have all heard the phrase, “When God closes the door, look for a window.” Closed doors may not always be bad, and opened windows may not always be good. It is not always a sign that God has opened a door or a window for us when obstacles are removed.
It may be that God keeps us in the room with the door closed for a reason. And we may not be able to find an open window until we get over something or repent of some wrongdoing.
We should humbly seek contentment where we are. We may be where God wants us for a reason and for a season.
We should look at removing any pride and discouragement from our hearts and be thankful that God is using us for His purpose and His glory with whatever task lies in front of us.
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