Election and Evangelism

The common argument is that a theological system based on predestination and election, vis., Reformed Theology and Calvinism, precludes, or at least puts a damper on, evangelical fervor (wordy, aren't we?). I suppose this is true IF one misses the point of Scripture and misunderstands God's mode of reaching the elect with the Gospel.

Consider these words of Paul to Timothy:

"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10 (emphasis added)

What was Paul enduring . . . ?

"Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." 2 Corinthians 6:4-10

Paul doesn't seem to have downplayed the role of evangelism because of election. On the contrary, he poured his life out for the elect. He understood it was his job (and that of every believer) for God's glory to preach the Word to reach those God had predestined for salvation.