The Furtherance of the Gospel

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Jim Mickells | Lewisburg, Tennessee

When Paul wrote his second epistle to Timothy, he told this young evangelist to commit what he had heard from this great apostle to faithful men who would be able to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). All who are faithful to the Lord should be concerned with fulfilling the great commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In the next verse of the commission, the ones who had made disciples were told “teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). What had Jesus just told the eleven disciples (Matthew 28:16) which those who were converted were to imitate? Go make disciples. Each member of the body of Christ should be busy trying to teach the gospel of Christ to the lost, which when obeyed will save their souls by the grace of God (Romans 1:16).

In writing to the church at Philippi, while in a Roman prison (1:7, 13, 14, 16), it seems some thought that Paul’s effort in the progress of the gospel would be hindered. “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14). Instead of stopping its progress, it actually led to its furtherance or advancement. There are four things mentioned in chapter one which led to the spreading of gospel message through out all the world.

1. By Fellowship. Paul commends them for having fellowship with him in the preaching of the gospel (Philippians 1:3-7). At least a part of this fellowship, joint participation, or cooperation, involves financial assistance. We are told about the aid they sent to this preacher even when he was in Thessalonica (Philippians 4:15-16). Epaphroditus was the one sent to Paul from the church at Philippi with this support, which he described as “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Individually or collectively aid might be supplied so one might give themselves totally to the preaching of the gospel, so the lost might be brought to God through Christ. There are several things one might do to help those who are busy working in the kingdom. You can pray for them, write to them, call, visit, etc., to encourage them to keep pressing forward with their efforts.
2. By Opposition. There are two different groups of people who were preaching the gospel which the apostle identifies. One which he says, were most of the brethren who were much more bold to speak without fear by seeing the example of this great man (Philippians 1:14). They were preaching from goodwill and out of love, knowing he was appointed for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:17). Yet there were others who preached from envy and strife, hoping to add even more affliction to Paul (Philippians 1:15-16). It seems they were jealous of this servant of Christ. Did they have a problem with the fact he was an apostle, the power and influence he had with those whom he contacted, and how successful he had been in his efforts to preach the word of God? There is no way for us to know. Yet the opposition faced by these New Testament Christians did not stop the gospel from spreading throughout the world, it caused it to spread even further (Acts 8:4). Opposition should cause us to be even more determined to share the truth with the lost.
3. By Demonstration. The Philippians were told to let their conduct be worthy of the gospel they had believed and show in their lives it had made a difference in them (Philippians 1:27). I am sure you have heard the expression “I had rather see a sermon than to hear a sermon any day.” Actually, we should be busy doing both, teaching the gospel and practicing it in our lives as well. In Paul’s writings to Titus, the bondservant was instructed to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things before their masters (Titus 2:10). Wuest defines the word adorn as “it must then, by good works, be rendered attractive to them that are without” (Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament – Volume 2, p. 192). The Lord expects us to be the salt of the earth and lights to a world filled with darkness (Matthew 5:13-16).
4. By Proclamation. The apostle rejoiced that the gospel was preached whether in pretense or truth (Philippians 1:18). It is not that he approved of those who preached out envy and strife. They needed to change their hearts, being motivated out of goodwill and love for God, the truth, the souls of men, and for their brethren. The truth when taught in its purity and simplicity, even from the wrong motives, will still lead the sinner to salvation through the grace of God. When Jesus began to call those who would eventually become His apostle, He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Over the next three and a half years the Lord trained them to become effective preachers and then sent them to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). May we each learn from the Lord so we can become fishers of men. Have the love and compassion for our fellowman to share with him the gospel. Be willing to spend the time and effort to lead the lost to Christ.

May the God of heaven open our eyes to see the fields white to harvest and may our hearts burn with desire to share the gospel with those lost, so we might say “Here I am! Send me” (John 4:35; Isaiah 6:8).

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January 2024 | GROW magazine