Well, here we are at the last key in the series, witnessing for the Lord. As we discussed, these are not all the keys to spiritual growth, but some of the more prominent ones.
Spiritual growth is the Holy Spirit leading us to be more like Jesus Christ. Following His example is the primary goal in the Christian life.
What is witnessing?
The basic idea of witnessing is having personal knowledge about something. In the courtroom, it means seeing or hearing something relevant to the circumstances.
It is a confirmation when you witness for Jesus Christ that you have experienced His saving grace. You know in your heart that it works. The Holy Spirit prompts us to share our experiences. In other words, we want to tell someone there has been a change in our lives that only Jesus can bring.
Why Do We Witness?
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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'” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV.
This sometimes is referred to as “The Great Commission”. Jesus is speaking to all that accept Him as their personal savior.
He tells them to go and witness to make others His disciples. This means not only bringing them to Him, but teaching what He has commanded.
As a Christian we are to be ready to tell others about Him so they too can have freedom and peace in their lives.
Our Attitude in Witnessing
- Strength for witnessing comes from the Holy Spirit
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12 NIV
Sometimes we are shy about speaking up for the Lord. We’re afraid of what people might say, or not having the right words. This verse tells us that those things are not important when we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our words. Pray for His strength before speaking.
- Do not be ashamed
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 NIV
This is Paul’s testimony. He was never ashamed of Jesus Christ and His gospel. He went through every trial imaginable and never shrank back. He ended his testimony by giving His life for the Lord.
- Rely on Scripture
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
Memorizing scripture is a good idea to help you in your witness. Have several verses ready so you can give them to whom you are talking to. Always make sure to quote scripture correctly. If you are not comfortable quoting by memory, carry a copy of the verses with you.
Ways to Witness
There are many ways to witness. It can be surprising how many people are watching you as a Christian. A small statement can sometimes have a big impact.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16 NIV.
The Lord has left us here to witness to others so they too can enjoy a relationship with Him. When we rely on Him, our good works can shine to others.
- Sharing God’s Word
Sharing how the Bible helps you can be important to someone. You may mention to a friend about waking up in a bad mood and how a particular verse reset you for a better day. This can open up conversation about the Lord.
- Ask Someone to Church
Asking someone where they worship can turn the topic to spiritual things. Then if they are not attending anywhere, you can ask them to go with you. You never know when someone will be ready for the invitation.
- Teaching
Working with children is a wonderful way to witness. Sharing your life with a child can open up a life-changing conversation. Reaching out to them in God’s love, showing you really care, can mean everything to them.
Not only children need God’s love. Many adults appear to have everything under control but have hidden burdens. You can be there to help guide them to the Lord and His salvation.
- Helping others
There is always a place to witness as we help others. Many people have come to the Lord because of a good Samaritan. When we genuinely extend our hand to help, their lives are touched by God’s Goodness. They realize someone cares.
There is always a place in church to serve others. Many organizations need volunteers and would welcome a extra hand.
What is the Gospel?
We talk about sharing the gospel so others can come to the Lord. What is the gospel? Let’s look at Paul’s words.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NIV.
This is the what the gospel is about, what Christ did for us. When we witness, this is our motivation.
Bible Verses to Help When Witnessing
- John 3:16 NIV– “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.“
God loves everyone and want them to come to Him. Jesus died for all of us.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV– “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Salvation is a gift of God and can never be bought with our good works. We have to accept what Christ did for us.
- Romans 3:23 NIV– “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
When we place our good work alongside of God’s, can they measure up? God’s Word says “NO”.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
When God sees the Christian, He sees Christ’s righteousness. When we accept Christ as Savior, we must repent and turn from our sin. We are now a new person.
- Romans 10:13 NIV– “for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
When one accepts what Jesus did on the cross for them personally, trusts He is the Son of God (evidenced by the resurrection) they are then a believer.
Conclusion
Witnessing is a vital key to spiritual growth. It is the purpose of every Christian to follow the commission by Jesus Christ to bring others to Him. It is for their good to come to a God who is lovingly reaching out for them.
We follow Jesus Christ because of His love expressed on the cross. It is something we want to do to show His love to others.
If you have any questions about witnessing, please comment.
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