A. Introduction

Before the resurrected Christ left the apostles, He told them, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses …” (Acts 1:8).

He also told His disciples and those who believed in Him to “... go and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus wants us to pass His love to others.

Knowing Jesus and telling others what we know about Him is known as being a witness for Him or in short – [WITNESSING]. We need not go to the remotest part of the earth to share our faith. We can begin where we are by witnessing to our family members, friends, school or campus mates and office colleagues.

 

B. Why Tell Others

Matthew 28:19,20 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1. In Matthew 28:19,20 - Jesus commissioned us to:

a. [GO] or [REACH OUT]
b. [MAKE DISCIPLES]
c. [BAPTISE]
d. [TEACH]

2. Jesus promised that He will [ALWAYS] be with us.

3. We must not be [ASHAMED] to share the Gospel.

Romans 1:16 - “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

The Apostle Paul in Romans 1:16 says that he is not ashamed of the Gospel because the Gospel (which is the good news about Jesus Christ) is the “power of God for salvation”. This means that it is a powerful Gospel, able to save people. We must remember this whenever we witness – that God through the Gospel is able to save men and women, boys and girls who are willing to believe in Jesus. Let us not be ashamed then to share the Gospel!

C. What To Tell Others

One of the best ways to witness is to share with others how you became a Christian. Now in sharing the story of your experience, remember to:

1. Make it [PERSONAL].

- Don’t preach. Tell what Christ has done for you. Use “I”, “me”, and “my” not “you”.

2. Make it [SHORT].

- 3 or 4 minutes should be enough time to cover the essential facts.

3. Keep [CHRIST] central.

- Always highlight what He has done for you.

4. Use the [WORD] of God.

- A verse or two of scripture will add power to your story. Remember that the Word of God has a keen cutting edge.

Try writing your story or testimony on paper just the way you would tell it to an unbeliever. Make your testimony clear enough that the person hearing it would know how to receive Christ. Tell a little about your life before you trusted Christ; then tell about your conversion, how you came to trust Him; and finally something of what it has meant to know Him – the blessings received. As you prepare your story, ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to share it!

In conclusion, remember that you do not have the power in yourself to convince anyone of spiritual truth. The Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of their need to know Christ.

John 16:8 - “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement.”

As you pray for those with whom you desire to share your story, be sure to ask God to honour the proclamation of His Word, to convince people of their need, and to strengthen you as you share the Gospel.

D. What Stops You From Telling Others

The greatest hindrance to you sharing the Gospel is [FEAR].

1. You are fearful of being [RIDICULED].

2. You are fearful that you will be unable to [ANSWER] questions asked.

3. You are fearful to [TURN] people off.

Also,

4. You do not want to [IMPOSE] on others our belief.

5. You find it hard to [SPEAK] to strangers.

6. You are [SHY].

To overcome these fears, you can begin by sharing your own personal experience with God to others. For nobody can dispute your personal experience.

Acts 4:20 - “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

E. How To Tell Others

We are to witness not only with our lips but also by the kind of life we live.

Matthew 5:14-16 - “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

1. Jesus said that we are the [LIGHT] of the [WORLD].

2. As light, we are to [SHINE] before men.

3. Others should see [GOOD DEEDS] in our lives.

By the testimony of our good works, we can also attract our families, friends and neighbours to Jesus Christ. We are like lights in a darkened world – to show people the way back to God.

Revise Basics 2 – Living the Christian Life, to remind yourself of the new life you have in Christ.

F. We Are Accountable To God

God gave Ezekiel a special position among his people. He was made a watchman. And if Ezekiel failed to warn the sinners, God would require their blood on his hand.

Ezekiel 3:17,18 - “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.”

Like Ezekiel in the Old Testament, Paul in the New Testament understood that God would hold him accountable over those he had been given opportunity to testify.

Hence, everywhere Paul went in Ephesus, he testified two things to all men:

Acts 20:21 - “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”

1. [REPENTANCE] toward God

2. [FAITH] toward our Lord Jesus Christ

Paul could say with a clear conscience that he was pure from the blood of all men at Ephesus because he has “not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God”- Acts 20:27. He understood that he was required by God to keep back nothing but to declare the whole counsel of God.

God still requires the same of Christians today!

And the reward for those who have been faithful in witnessing for Christ is ‘the crown of righteousness.’

2 Timothy 4:8 - “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Are you a faithful witness? Will you be able to say like Paul that “you are innocent of the blood of all men” and “you have kept back nothing” from those to whom God has given you an opportunity to testify?

Remember, the Great Commission is the responsibility of all believers!

 

* Note: "Basics 7 - The Baptism in the Holy Spirit" is not available online.
It will be taught in the Christian Foundation Class.
Call us at 6444 5891 for details.