Inreach or outreach?

Could both be necessary?

The Great Commission from the Lord Jesus Christ has both inreach and outreach.

To preach the gospel to all is outreach. Mark 16:15

To teach and make disciples of all is both outreach and inreach. Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-48; John 15:27; Acts 1:8

As someone has said,

"You catch them (outreach) and I'll clean them." (inreach)

Paul wrote,

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

I [Paul] ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16

INREACH and OUTREACH RELATIONSHIPS

People need relationships with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, don't they? Matthew 11:27; John 14:6-9, 16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3; 2:23

People also need people.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,

so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. Romans 12:4-5

What power does the gospel have if PEOPLE don't understand it, believe it, and receive it? Matthew 13:18; Mark 4:20; Romans 10:14

Its power is to save humans that can happen during outreach.

I [Paul] am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek [non-Jew]. Romans 1:16

So, those who haven't YET believed to be saved, Matthew 13:18-19; 2 Corinthians 4:4 may benefit when believers develop relationships with them through outreach and then inreach. Romans 16:1-5; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 16:15; Philippians 4:21-22; Philemon v.10

INREACH

Paul told a group of elders that his hands were clean Ezekiel 3:19 because he proclaimed the whole counsel of God to them. Acts 20:17-21, 25-27

Paul wanted to visit Roman believers so that he could impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them in the faith. Romans 1:11-12

Paul and other elders laid their hands on Timothy and imparted spiritual gifts. 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

Paul urged Timothy to minister primarily to believers through inreach --

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove [correct], rebuke [forbid], and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2

And to also do the work of an evangelist through outreach to unbelievers. 2 Timothy 4:5

OUTREACH: "I used to do it."

Maybe your family didn't like it or you became discouraged because you didn't see the results that you wanted.

To encourage us Paul wrote,

Therefore, my beloved brothers [and sisters], be steadfast and immovable.

Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Tell Archippus [we could put OUR NAMES in here also]:

"See to it that you complete the ministry [outreach or inreach, or both] you have received in the Lord." Colossians 4:17

Can we be open to Him leading us Romans 8:14 in new directions? 1 Corinthians 16:8-9; Colossians 4:2-4; Revelation 3:8

Believers who do outreach should,

Walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

INTIMACY of INREACH

Where's the hunger and thirst for Him? Matthew 5:6; John 7:37

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, the living God.

When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? Psalms 42:1-2

Not to be ministry stars.

Not for the praise of people, but for His honor. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Salvation is His idea, isn't it? Ephesians 2:4-5

But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

A worthy goal is to live to righteousness 1 Peter 2:24 so that giving, praying, and fasting are for the Father's eyes. Matthew 6:1-5, 16-18

Jesus criticized religious leaders of His day who loved to be seen and applauded by others. Matthew 23:5-7

He asked them,

"How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" John 5:44

Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.

For they loved praise from men [people] more than praise from God. John 12:42-43

From Christian stars to the least of the Lord's people, Hebrews 8:11-12 we can fall into the trap of wanting to be known for our works of service. Matthew 6:1

There's a better way.

As a preacher often prayed,

"Lord, hide me behind the cross." Galatians 6:14

Another minister said,

"When you know that the Lord has done something through you to help others, get alone with Jesus and give Him the glory.

Let Him know that you know you can do nothing worthwhile apart from Him." John 15:5

Ultimately, don't we want the good works (outreach or inreach) the Father has prepared for us to do Ephesians 2:10 to glorify and testify of the Lord Jesus Christ? John 15:26-27; 16:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:12

As John the Baptist said,

"He [Jesus] must increase; I must decrease." John 3:30

HE KNOWS OUR WORKS Revelation 2:2-3, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15

As the head of His body, the church, Ephesians 1:22-23 the Lord Jesus Christ knows. John 2:24-25; 10:14; Hebrews 4:13; Revelation 1:1

He knows if we're with Him 2 Timothy 2:19 and if we're gathering with Him Matthew 12:30 or not.

He knows if we're feeding His lambs John 21:15; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-2 or not.

As many as He loves, you and me, He warns and corrects. Hebrews 12:11; Revelation 3:19

Let's USE what He has given.

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God.

If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides,

so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,

to Whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

Let's REACH people.

He will thank you.

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.

He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's [people's] hearts.

At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

Your thoughts?

R. Jason