Motivation to Proclaim Jesus

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We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. And, we have good reasons to do so, according to 2 Corinthians 4:5-6, other than commands in Scripture. Therein we find motivation that takes us beyond mere duty in our outreach efforts.
Motivation to Proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord

Find Motivation to Proclaim Jesus Because of His Transforming Power

Notice the personal nature of 2 Corinthians 4:6 which says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts …”. God has done a transforming work on our lives. We dwelt in the darkness of sin and eternal death until God broke through the darkness with His Light in Christ Jesus.

This is the same God whose first act in the creation of the world was to separate the light from the darkness (Gen. 1:3-5). Now He reaches down on the personal level into the lives of individual people and makes us new creations in Christ by taking us out of the kingdom of darkness and into His kingdom of His Son who is Light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Pet. 2:9-10)

Belonging to Something Greater Than Ourselves Motivates

We now belong to something much greater than ourselves. As members of the kingdom of His Son who is light, as His people, we have a purpose to work in cooperation with the One who called us out of darkness. We’re His ambassadors, on mission with Him. What a privilege, not mere duty!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:17-20)

Motivated by Firsthand Experience

2 Corinthians 4:6 reflects the reality of 1 John 1:1-3. — “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. … We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard …”

When we’ve experienced God’s transforming power and love in our own lives and see what a difference it makes to the very core of our being, we have something worth sharing with others.

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Cor. 5:14-15)

For Help with Proclaiming Jesus, Go To: Outreach Resources

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We Proclaim Jesus, Not Ourselves

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We Proclaim Jesus, Not Ourselves

Scripture makes it clear that outreach is about Jesus and what He did, not about us and what we do.

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Cor. 4:5)

The Person We Proclaim is Jesus Christ as Lord, Not Ourselves

Consider these important truths:

Jesus is the One who saves. HE is the message. — We’re His messengers.

Christ is the Messiah. HE is the anointed One. — We’re His servants.

Jesus is Lord. HE is the One people should follow. — We’re proclaimers for Jesus’ sake, not to gain a personal gathering.

The Perspective Needed to Keep the Focus of Outreach on Jesus, Not Ourselves

The verses leading up to 2 Corinthians 4:5 help us maintain perspective. The word “for” with which verse five begins, suggests we look at the context.

v. 1 – “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.”

We have this ministry of proclaiming Jesus as Lord through God’s mercy, not because of how great we are. We therefore persevere when others fail to acknowledge our part in outreach or when we don’t see results. We mustn’t let proclaiming God’s Good News turn into something that puffs us up.

v. 2 – “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Proclaimers of Jesus need lives filled with truth, integrity, and pure motives. Selflessness, not self-centeredness, matches the message we bring. We mustn’t look for personal benefit or acclaim but proclaim the Good News in such a way that everything points to and goes to Jesus.

v. 3-4 – “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

We have a message that not everyone will believe because they have been blinded by the “god of this world.” Expect some opposition. We mustn’t take rejection personally as it is not about people following us but Jesus Christ as Lord.

These verses teach that proclaiming Jesus needs to be about Him, not us. Let’s keep this perspective! We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, not ourselves.

For this very reason, the sub-title for the Outreach Ministry Manual is “Turning the Spotlight on Jesus” — how we should view outreach. (Click on the link to check out that resource.)

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We Proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord

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For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Cor. 4:5)

We Proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord

About the Outreach of Proclaiming

Before thinking this post only pertains to those who preach from a pulpit, consider these truths:

1) The Apostle Paul wrote this post. He did not serve in the manner of a typical preacher in a church as we know today.

2) The word “preach” in this verse means “to proclaim after the manner of a herald” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). A herald brings important news — a messenger.

We have the same Good News (the Gospel) to proclaim as the Apostle Paul. — “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared …” (1 Cor. 15:3-5)

We Proclaim a Person of Great Significance

The message we proclaim is a Person, not a creed or dogma. And, be sure to note that Person isn’t us. We’re merely the messengers. — “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5) — We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, not merely as a good person or prophet.

The names attributed to this Person not only describe who He is but also point to what He did for us.

Jesus: The angel told Joseph, “you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). This name means “Jehovah is salvation” and thus points to Him as God come in the flesh to be our Savior. This is of great significance because the death of a mere human would not satisfy the just demands of a holy God.

Christ: This name points to Jesus as the anointed One, prophesied as the Messiah who would come to carry out God’s plan of salvation (Lk. 2:11; 24:46; Jn. 11:27; 20:31; Acts 26:23). How significant that Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies pointing to the Messiah, thus substantiating His claims.

Lord: “He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Col. 1:18) Certainly to be able to save and do what He said He would do, Jesus has to have full authority and power.

Is this the message we proclaim? Do we point people to Jesus Christ as Lord?

Read More in This Series:

 

Outreach Resources by Ministry Tools Resource Center

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A New Year: New Opportunities to Live Out New Life in Christ

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We can get caught up in regrets over what we didn’t accomplish in the last year, mistakes we made, or relationships we failed to nurture. Let’s instead use the New Year as a time to reflect on all we have new in Christ Jesus. Then let’s consider how to live out that newness in the New Year, “making the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5).

First Reflect on the New Life We Have in Christ

God encourages us to take off the old and put on the new (Eph. 4:22-32; Col. 3:1-17). Our old way is “corrupted by its deceitful desires” but our new life in Christ is “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” which affects even the “attitude of our minds” (Eph. 4:22-24). What kind of difference will it make going forward if we truly live in the newness of life Jesus came to give us? Begin by reflecting on that new life.

Holiday Reflections for the New Year
Check out the Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides which includes 14 different holidays. It looks at what we have new in Christ with Scripture to back it up and questions to reflect on how it should affect us going into a new year.

Also read: What We Have New in Christ Jesus

New Life in Christ for New Opportunities in the New Year

Let’s be real: Living in accordance with our new life in Christ won’t change everything around us. But it will change us and enable us to use whatever comes our ways as opportunities to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16).

Our circumstances might not change, but our perspective toward life will change as we see through new eyes. — We have faith.

The world might seem to keep getting worse, but our reactions toward it will change as we understand with a new mind. — We have hope.

People around us might not change, but our attitude toward them will change as we respond with a new heart. — We have love.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:12-13)

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Resolutions or Prayer for the New Year?

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People often make resolutions at the end of a year for the upcoming new year. God does want us to examine our lives (Ps. 139:23). He also wants us to grow (2 Pet. 3:18) and become more effective and productive (2 Pet. 1:3-8). We must ask, however, if resolutions are the way to seek improvement. What about prayer?

The Path to Growth and Effectiveness In the New Year Takes Prayer

For followers of Jesus Christ, how we get somewhere matters. New Year resolutions tend to fall short.

1) Resolutions tend to grow out of self-assessment rather than asking God to examine our lives. (Ps. 139:23-24; Prov. 3:5-6)

2) We tend to pursue resolutions with self-determination and self-effort rather than trusting God to work in and through us. (Jn. 15:5; Phil. 4:13)

Ask God to Search Your Heart to Reveal Where Change is Needed

As you look back over the past year, you might pray similar to the psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Ps. 139:23) Then ask Him to show you what He might want you to do differently in the upcoming year. — “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139:24)

Pray for the New Year, Search me, O God - Psalm 139

You might ask questions like the following:

  • How has my life affected people in my sphere of influence? Did I bless and build up people or criticize and tear them down?
  • What did I use to guide me in serving and making everyday decisions? Did I look to God and His Word for direction or lean on my own understanding or the ways of the world?
  • How did I deal with problems, conflicts, or mistakes made by others or myself? Did I apply grace and truth or did I merely react?
  • What have I done to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and in ministry effectiveness? Did I grab hold of the resources and growth opportunities God put before me rather than merely coast through life?

Perhaps the answers to the above questions weren’t as you’d hoped, or at least not consistently so. Good news: You have a new year ahead of you to trust God to help you change those answers. Of course, God could take you home to be with Him or Jesus could come first. While those aren’t bad options, why not ask Him to work in and through you in the meantime, so your life makes a difference now?

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Christmas Bible Verses Still Affect You?

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The well-known Bible verses used to tell the Christmas story can become so familiar that we stop thinking about how Jesus’ coming affects us. Take some time to reflect on these verses anew.

Prophetic Verses about Jesus’ Coming

Reflect: How does it affect you to know that Jesus was God’s plan of salvation long before He ever arrived on this earth?
Christmas Bible Verses about Immanuel

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isa. 7:14)

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:6-7)

Also read: Isa. 11:1; 40:1-11

Biblical Account of Mary & Joseph Learning of Jesus’ Conception

Reflect: How does their acceptance of God’s plan move you in following His will for your life?

… God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. … You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. … “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” … “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Lk. 1:26-38)

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. … an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” … When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. … (Matt. 1:18-25)

Biblical Account of Jesus’ Birth

Reflect: What will you do to make sure you have room in your heart for Jesus this holiday season?

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken … So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem … While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Lk. 2:1-7)

Bible Verses about the Shepherds

Reflect: Once Christmas comes and goes, will you still speak of Jesus with others? … will you continue to praise God for sending Jesus?

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby … An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them … But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. … So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child … The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Lk. 2:8-20)

Scripture about the Wisemen

Reflect: As you look forward to Jesus’ second coming, what will you have to offer Him?

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” … they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. … On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts … (Matt. 2:1-12)

To reflect on other realities about God and His ways in light of Christmas, check out the Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides resource which includes a guide for Christmas and thirteen other holidays.

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