THE P.E.A.C.E. Plan
E – Evangelize the World
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Most Christians are not afraid to serve; but many are afraid to speak. Yes, some are better evangelists than others, but this doesn’t mean the others should be crippled by fear either.
Encouragement in 2 Corinthians
One of the main themes in 2 Corinthians is “strength through weakness.” Notice the imagery of 2 Corinthians 4:7 – We are Clay Pots! We find hope and power in God’s strength, not our own. (See 1:9, 3:4-6; 4:16; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Consider the prayers of Paul and the early church for boldness: Ephesians 6:18-20; Acts 4:29-32. God empowered them to be faithful witnesses.
3 Marks of a Faithful Messenger
1 – Our Motive: Love for God and People (5:11-16)
- The Fear of God (5:10-11; Matthew 10:26-32)
- Love for God (5:12-13; Acts 26:24)
- The Love of Christ (5:14-15)
- A Proper Evaluation of People (5:16)
2 – Our Message: The Good News (5:17-21)
- Regeneration: New Life in Christ (17)
- Reconciliation: Peace with God through Christ (18-19)
- Justification: Being Counted Righteous in Christ (21)
3 – Our Ministry: Speak the Good News (18-20)
- Speak Persuasively, “we persuade others” (11) “persuade” – Acts 17:4; 18:4; 19:8, 26; 26:28; 28:23
- Speak Faithfully, “entrusting the message to us” (19c)
- Speak Boldly, “God making his appeal through us” (20b; Eph. 6:18-20; Prov. 28:1)
- Speak Passionately, “we implore you… be reconciled to God” (20c)
- Speak Urgently, “now is the day of salvation” (6:2b)
- Speak Sacrificially, “by great endurance….” (6:4-10)
Practical Tips on Evangelism
1 – “If you want to do great things, begin with small ones” – Augustine
- Watch for needs you can meet
- Do some volunteer work in the community
- Go for walks in the neighborhood, meeting people – ask questions
2 – “Unleash the power of inviting” – Rainer
- Neighbors over for desert
- International students to your house
- People to lunch
3 – Think networks – Keller
- 1930’s-1960’s: Crusade Evangelism
- 1960’s-1990’s: Visitation Evangelism
- 1990-Present: Network Evangelism
4 – Be a player, not a fan
5 – Remember evangelism is work (2 Timothy 4:5)
6 – Pray for boldness and opportunities
7 – Meditate on the Gospel daily