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The Bible says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith… But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.” (2 Timothy 4:7 & 17)
Up to the time when Paul was converted pretty much only those that already came to church were being saved. However, God had something different in mind with Paul. He reached out to those that nobody wanted and brought in the un-churched Gentiles. We see here at the end of his life he reiterates that he had a certain assignment and task to fulfill. His assignment was to reach those that Peter, John, and the other apostles weren’t.
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)
You see, the real reason Paul is sharing about God’s assignment for him is to remind us about something. As disciples of God we also have a certain assignment and task to fulfill. Paul felt that evangelism was the most important concern for the church; that reaching the lost was to be top priority and was specific with his assignment for every disciple.
You have to appreciate the fact that Paul didn’t gloss things over here either. He says, “move ahead with your eyes wide open because there are some trials ahead.” Yes, you are going to go through some things, but nonetheless you still need to do the kingdom work you were assigned. You are to fulfill the task of reaching out and being an evangelist to those around you.
Now being aware that of the many readers of this devotional, there some new converts that will be inspired simply by this reminder. However, there are others of you who have been saved for quite awhile and have heard the vision of the kingdom time and time again. You may need a fresh reminder of what your assignment is.
The Webster’s Dictionary defines evangelism as “the winning of personal commitments to the Lord Jesus Christ.” The question then is this, my friend, how many souls have you brought to a place of commitment to Christ? Take a close look at where you really are in your personal evangelism efforts today. Then as Paul did, make it a priority to fulfill your assignment.