Article - Evangelist's Work: Nine Commands for the Preacher
In 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Paul charges all evangelists (preachers) to abide by the following nine commands: (1) Preach the word [not opinions, jokes, traditions, etc.]; (2) be ready at all times regardless of circumstance, appropriateness or convenience; (3) Convince/convict a Christian or non-Christian of sin whether publicly or privately, Matthew 18:15; Luke 3:19; (4) rebuke [literally, to set/assign a value, then censure, correct, redirect; all Christians must rebuke a brother who sins, Luke 17:3. One reason why Christians as a general rule are shocked/do not support the evangelist for privately convincing or rebuking members and unbelievers is because they are not doing it themselves]; (5) Exhort with all longsuffering and teaching/doctrine [exhort literally means to call/summon from close beside/alongside; even exhortations can include rebuking and demands to repent, Luke 3:7-19; all Christians are to encourage/comfort an erring Christian when he repents, 2 Corinthians 2:7; (6) Be watchful in all things, 1 Peter 5:8; (7) Endure afflictions [literally, suffer evil/hardship]; (8) Do the work of an evangelist [“evangelist” literally means “messenger of good news”; an evangelist’s primary focus is preaching the word and praying and not “deacon”-like work, Acts 6:2-4; an evangelist is not a “Reverend”, Matthew 23:6-10, a hypocrite, Philippians 1:15-18 or a “pastor” - unless he qualifies as one of the pastors/elders of a church, Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9]; (9) Fulfill your ministry [literally, to carry out fully/accomplish entirely your work of service]. The harvest is truly plentiful, but qualified evangelists are few (Matthew 9:35-38). Churches must not settle for less, but must only train and support true evangelists who practice the nine commands!
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