Rejoicing In Evangelism: 3 Attitudes To Learn From Paul

Because of the culture in which we live, talking about both the form and function of evangelism is hard to do without addressing the animosity towards Christians and, more importantly, towards Christ. Placed before each of us are an increasing number of stories of hostility and enmity towards the church. Whether those stories are a legitimate illustration of reality, they have made many Christians more hesitant to share their faith openly.

The Apostle Paul serves as the paramount example of how to respond to cultural situations. Unwavering both in his theology and in his presentation of that theology, Paul continually advances forward with the gospel. Regardless of the circumstances, he presents the message of God to those who need it the most. Therefore, it's not surprising then to look to Him for counsel on how to do the same today.

Paul’s Attitude
While the theme of Colossians is much broader than evangelism, it offers some distinct observations for those seeking to do the Lord’s work. A recent reading of Colossians 1:24 struck me when I considered the significance when Paul writes, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body . . .” Not spoken anywhere else, this verse creates complications by forcing readers to deal with the theological implications of the last half of that verse.

Indeed, that is a meaningful conversation to have and one I would love to dive deeper into here. However, it's not the significance of that phrase that captures our attention at this moment. Instead, what I notice first is simply Paul's attitude in ministry. As he begins an outline of his purposes in ministry, the Apostle first draws attention to his joy, even amid suffering.

Not only does Paul write from prison, but he must write with a burdened heart, concerned about the deception of the false teachers influencing the church. Having been persecuted, imprisoned, and tormented for his faith, Paul still focuses on the joy of being solidified in Christ.

The Evangelist’s Attitude
One of the remarkable things about the Christian life is that the circumstances do not change the call. Regardless of cultural antagonism, Christ still urges the preaching of His truth (2 Timothy 4:1-4). From Paul's example, we get the indication that even while suffering, the ministry continues according to the will of God. The consequence of that logic is that a believer's call to evangelize remains unchanged.

How is it that Paul is able to maintain such an attitude even when the circumstances are less than ideal? Several reasons stand out as relevant to an evangelist's attitude:

1. Be Concentrated: Later on, in Colossians, Paul writes, "Seek the things that are above" (Col. 3:1). It calls attention to the need to have our lives concentrated on Christ. Undoubtedly, this attitude compels Paul's ongoing desire to bring the truth to those who need it.
2. Be Convinced: Additionally, we see that Paul is convinced of the truthfulness of not only the gospel but of Christ and His Word (cf. Galatians 4:16). To be settled on the truth is to be settled by the truth. We see this in Paul's attitude in which he is not only convinced of the truth but convinced that it is the primary influencer of one’s life, driving the need to share it with others.
3. Be Convicted: Finally, we learn from Paul an attitude of conviction. Specifically, he is convicted that the truth is relevant (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Because of its relevance and sufficiency, there is a great need to disburse this truth to everyone. We distribute it first, in the form of the gospel.

Together, these three perspectives form a posture of evangelism.

To rejoice is not merely to be happy at the moment, but it indicates a place of settled contentment that is the result of Christ's constancy in one's life. With these attitudes undergirding his faith in Christ, Paul is able to rejoice regardless of the circumstances that God has called into His life. These same attitudes should foster our resolve in evangelism, even amid hostility.

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