“But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.”-Romans 10:18
“Preach the gospel, if necessary, use words.” This quote is often misattributed to St. Francis of Assisi and has made its way around evangelical circles, as well as into literature and sermons. Used by many to emphasize the necessity of living the example of a Christian life, while simultaneously undermining the need for words to accompany this example. The reality is that words will be necessary, because the Bible says it is so.
Our testimony and proclamation of the gospel is critical to the Christian faith. So much so that the five gifts of the Spirit in Ephesians are linked to proclaiming the gospel. That the final commission of Christ was to go out and preach the gospel. The requirement to preach is central to the commandments of Christ. Preach and preach with words. This does not diminish the necessity of living a life that backs up your preaching; however to put forward that words are optional is unbiblical. They didn’t arrest Jeremiah and throw him in a pit for how he dressed, but for what he said. They didn’t run Elijah down for the marvelous works he did but for the prophecy he spoke. They didn’t kill Jesus because he was a good guy, they killed him because he spoke the truth. The scripture testifying: “He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.” The disciples could have worked miracles, taught Torah, fed the hungry, and never witnessed to the resurrection of Christ; and they would have been left alone. However, they were charged to be witnesses of Christ, and they did just that. They preached, and in preaching they used words, and because of their words they were killed. We cannot imagine that our lives as Christians will be without persecution, and we cannot assume that a life lived will be enough to draw all men unto Christ. Words will be necessary, because when the name of Christ is spoken, and the truth of scripture is spoken it moves the character and actions of your life away from what is assumed, and to the primary source. You are no longer the meaning behind any good, but you're simply a vessel to that meaning. You are a witness to Jesus Christ and in so doing a witness against sin in others lives and in the world. If we shine the light of righteousness on sin, persecution will surely follow. To do this, words are a must. There can be a reluctance to share the gospel, if we are honest with ourselves I think some may find that we are reluctant, but why are we so reluctant? I asked myself this question. Could it be that we are reluctant because we are not totally dead to the world? That we are unwilling to alienate ourselves from the social groups, and friends that may not agree with us? To close the door on potential favors, friendships, and business relationships? It is easier to “live and let live.” Witness when convenient and not when called upon. Perhaps, we are reluctant because we don’t always know what to say. We have not “study to show ourselves approved unto God.” We have not “sanctified the Lord in our hearts to be ready to give an answer.” Therefore, when the time and opportunities come up (for they surely do every day), we have nothing to answer or offer other than our own opinion or insight. Rather than the wisdom of scripture, which can save the lost. We are reluctant because we are not resigned to the necessity of the message being preached. The devil has convinced us that it is someone else's job. Our pastor, elder, friend that is “churchier” than us. He has us believing that we can “preach, if necessary, use words."
The testimony, and the type of testimony cannot simply be action, it must be with words. Jesus said: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” (Mat 10:32) In the revival of Ephesus the scripture tells us “ And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.” (Acts 19:17-18) All through the scripture we are called to preach with words. Words render meaning, meaning is the path to truth, and truth demands change. Change to the sinner means conversion, and conversion leads to sanctification and Satan is against all the above. Lord help us to look deeply and sincerely into the scriptures and realize the responsibility that faces us. We who call ourselves Christians. A holy calling to “witness to Thy glory of salvation full and free.” A privilege to preach, and use words, for they will surely be necessary.
