Tools to maturity – Outreach
Outreach
Our last tool is our outreach to others to share our faith.
Problem
Unfortunately, teaching others or sharing the gospel appears to rank right below ‘going to the dentist’ among desired activities. Teleios’ research has shown that people generally fear sharing the gospel specifically report being afraid of social rejection, offending the other person, not knowing what to say, or how to answer others’ questions.
What teaching is not
Teleios examined people’s habits in mentioning the gospel (a part of our outreach). In a well-taught Evangelical Church, attendees indicated they conveyed the gospel to others most commonly by:
- Sharing their lives – 78%.
- Praying for others – 71%.
- Encouraging others – 70%.
- Loving others – 68%.
- Explicitly mentioning how to accept Jesus Christ as Savior – 30%.
Although sharing our lives is important, it does not replace actually telling someone the gospel or directly teaching the Bible. People cannot guess what we are thinking! Scripture recognizes that we do not have visual support to our faith until Christ comes again (Hebrews 2:8) so others need to hear what to believe and someone must explicitly tell them (Romans 10:14-17).
Why do we reach out to others regarding our faith?
There are at least several reasons:
- It is a command – We are told to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2,15,24-26; 1 Timothy 4:6,16; Hebrews 5:12) which involves instructing others in the Word of God. However, teaching also may include admonishing others to correct action or thinking (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:19).
- Benefits to the church of our teaching and spreading the Gospel
- Better wellbeing – Teleios has found that people who teach and share the Gospel enjoy better wellbeing than those who do not. What initially seems fearful is actually enriching after a person has shared the Gospel or taught God’s Word.
- Good judgment – The ability to teach appears indicates maturity which is associated with accurate and efficient judgment and avoiding nasty pitfalls in life (Hebrews 5:14).
- Maturity – Being able to teach is associated with maturity, especially the attributes of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 5:12).
- Uplifting the church – The benefit of teaching others scripture or the gospel is not just for the individual but to the church itself. Teaching the Bible and the gospel is the primary way that we can grow the church and influence our culture generally (Colossians 1:5-10). Without Christians passing down the precious words of our Father to the next generation, the church certainly can suffer from lack of support as opposed to influencing and benefiting our society.
So, let us get to work! The truth we possess in the Bible is good for our family, friends and acquaintances as well as for our society!
Results of the Christian life
A true believer who accepts Christ in faith will be regenerated and show over time godly changes in their life. They can’t help it because they are a new person. What can we expect to see in a maturing believer?
- First attitudes – The new believer accepts the basic process of maturity discussed already in these chapters related to salvation by faith, security of salvation, accepting the authority of the Bible and being imitators of Paul (5 tools to maturity – 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; Acts 2:42,47).
- First changes – the Apostle John describes in 1 John 2-4 perhaps the most basic changes we can expect from a new maturing believer:
- They accept the basic doctrine concerning our savior including: that he came as man, he came from God and he is the Christ.
- They demonstrate God’s love.
- They are obedient.
- Later results – Over time as believers practice the Christian walk as described above specific results, described in several key passages, will occur:
- Galatians 5:22-23 and Ephesians 5:9, The fruit of the Spirit will appear.
- Ephesians 5:18-21, which results in speech which mentions the things of God, thankfulness, and submission to others in God’s work.
- Hebrews 5:13-14, Meat eaters are mature Christians who can teach and very quickly judge between right and wrong.
- 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, Qualities of an elder – These chapters important describe the qualities of an elder and a deacon, which represent signs of a mature character.
- 1 Peter 1:3-8, Power through knowledge – this wonderful list consists of qualities which Peter promises that, if they belong to the believer, they will not be un-useful or unfruitful in Christ.
The 5 tools to maturity are paramount in helping us grow in God and become mature in our Christian life. Please continue reading about the Christian Life in the next chapter for more complete overview.
William C. Stewart, MD
Disclaimer – This podcast is provided as information only and is intended for listeners 18 and older. No podcast content should be taken as advice or recommendation for any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the speaker and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Teleios. The podcast is subject to change at any time without notice. Although the podcaster endeavors to ensure current and accurate content, it may contain errors and is not presented as current, accurate, complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. The podcaster does not accept any liability for the podcast, or any other information (or the use of such information) provided. The speaker does not hold a seminary degree but is self-trained in the scriptures. Specific questions should be directed to experts in the field of theology.
