When Jesus was preparing to send out the Twelve on their Limited Commission to the Jewish people, he said, “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs” (Matt. 10:27). There was nothing shameful in the message of Christ, and Jesus wanted the Apostles to share it openly. Likewise, in the Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). Knowledge of God’s Son and God’s will must be proclaimed everywhere.
Growth in knowledge includes willingness to share the knowledge we have gained. Paul once suppressed gospel truth and persecuted believers to the death. As a converted believer and apostle, he likely proclaimed the truth to more people than any other early evangelist. Paul wrote, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). In making Christ known, Paul determined to focus the spotlight on Jesus alone. He was not touting his own knowledge or speaking skill. Paul was a learned man and was also inspired of God (1 Cor. 14:34). He knew more than most but did not become proud. Paul emphasized nothing but the story of Jesus. An old Greek teacher advised students to leave the tools and the process in the workshop and show only the finished product. Let the light of Jesus shine!
Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
