Have you ever been in an exam hall and gone completely blank because of a lack of proper preparation? You knew at that moment there was no way you could pass because you knew nothing about the subject. If you can relate to this then you must agree that all things being equal proper preparation gives you all the confidence you need to approach a test or an exam.

Now, relate this to how you evangelize. Simply put: if you don’t know what to say you would be crippled by fear and a lack of knowledge. This calls our attention to preparedness when it comes to sharing the faith.

2 Corinthians 5:15-17

New King James Version

15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

In this passage, Paul speaks beautifully of the transformation that occurs when a man says “YES” to Jesus. Old things are passed away, and we have been made new. But he doesn’t stop there;

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

New King James Version

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not [a]imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

He explains that this new creation also places a responsibility to be messengers of reconciliation. Now that you have this new life you have been given a ministry to bring others into this life as well.

If it is truly good news that you have been completely transformed, why should we keep it to ourselves?

Evangelism is a crucial part of a believer’s commitment to God. It is equally as significant as any other aspect. It is a litmus test of the health of your devotion. It should be a part of your everyday Christian walk.

This was Jesus’ last command before his ascension, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”, but why don’t we find many believers taking these words seriously? To this day it seems like evangelism is dying. Many even call it old school. why? Fear is one of the biggest reasons. There are a lot of things that could fuel such fears but we would touch on just one today: lack of knowledge.

First, we must understand that the practice of evangelism is just as important as its preparation. You must prepare in the place of prayer and study to go boldly and preach the gospel.

1 Peter 3:15

New King James Version

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

The word ‘sanctify’ here means ‘to separate something in your heart’, to not make it common. Like those utensils, we reserve for when guests come to visit. Here, the Bible tells us one of the ways we can do this is to always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in you.

Peter is clear on our need to know what we believe. The book of Acts is a perfect example. The disciples many times were put in situations like Acts 7, where they had to prove to men that Jesus is the Christ. They were able to do this because they had read and understood the Scriptures.

Philip was able to help the Eunuch understand scriptures because he knew the scriptures himself.

Paul could dispute with the Jews in the temple for 3 months on the Scriptures because he had a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures.

The phrase, ‘give a defense’ is derived from the Greek word, ‘Apologia’ which means to give an answer. This introduces us to the concept of Apologetics. Dear believer, it is not enough that you know what you believe but that you know why you believe what you believe and be ready to answer it the right way. A good example of this is seen in the book of Acts chapter 17.

Backstory: Paul arrived in Athens Greece which was a melting point of idolatry practiced by a class of great intellectuals. Walking through the city, he observed an altar dedicated ‘TO THE UNKNOWN GOD’. This he used as a basis for proclaiming the good news in a most unfamiliar way.

A close observation of this text reveals that in this entire conversation, it is worthy of note that he didn’t quote scripture and this he did for a reason unlike he would in other instances. Make no mistake, the Scripture is our basis for all that we believe. Instead, Paul had studied their culture enough to find the inconsistencies therein so he could lead them to God. The place of studying in preparation to evangelize cannot be overemphasized. It is important that we give ourselves diligently to teaching and study of God’s word.

2 Timothy 2:15

New King James Version

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Paul urges Timothy a believer like you and I, a pastor as well to be diligent in his study of the Word. The word diligence in the text implies thorough study. Today, give yourself the study of God’s word. Learn over and over again, and understand the doctrine of the Christian faith. Listen to teachings in your local assembly. If you’re not properly established in doctrine, you’d be swindled. You must take root in God’s word not just for yourself but for the sake of those who would hear you.

Bear in mind that your preparation should never be an excuse to not evangelize. Paul once he got saved went out immediately to preach the gospel but he also spent time studying the word of God. They always go hand in hand. Today I urge you to make up your mind that as you obey God by evangelizing the world around you, no opportunity would meet you unable to answer the hope you hold so dearly in Christ.

Prayer Point:

Thank you, God, for the gift of salvation. I declare that I give myself to diligent study and teaching of the Scriptures so I’m always ready to answer the defense of my faith as I go about sharing it.