Witnessing for the Lord
The bible states that the person who seeks to win souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30). A true witness will save souls (Proverbs 14:25). When we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit we are told to be witnesses for Jesus to all peoples of the earth (Acts 1:8). This witness of the Gospel to the whole world will precede the coming of our Lord and thus ushering in the end of this present age (Matthew 24:14).
A “witness” is someone who attests to a fact. In witnessing for Jesus it is vital that a person has first-hand knowledge of Jesus and actually knows Him personally. Christians are meant to be witnesses to Christ Himself, not mainly to a particular favourite teaching (doctrine) or about a particular church denomination or an experience. Jesus said, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32).
The central fact of all Christian testimony should be:
- His resurrection – Acts 1:21-22, Acts 4:33, Acts 10:40,
- His death – Acts 10:39
- All the things He has done – Acts 10:39
It is good to tell of God’s deeds and wondrous works – 1 Chronicles 16:8-9
The Example of the Apostles
The Apostle Paul’s testimony is a pattern for all Christians. It was based on personal experience. It pointed to Jesus Christ. It proved the record of the Scriptures.
Paul witnessed to what he had seen and heard – Acts 22:15
Paul testified to everyone, both small and great – Acts 26:22
Pattern for Winning Souls
Peter became the leader among the Apostles and the chief preacher. But it was his brother Andrew who introduced Peter to Christ (John 1:35-42.
We also read that it was Philip who brought Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:43-47).
Be Witnesses of What God has Done for Us
Someone has said that, “A person with an experience is not at the mercy of the person with only an argument.” This means that personal experience speaks louder than just words.
When the Pharisees questioned a man, who had been born blind but had been healed by Jesus simply told them “I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)
Many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the Woman at the Well’s testimony to them that “He told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:39)
After Jesus delivered a demon possessed man (Legion), he went away and told many people about what had happened to him and they were amazed (Mark 5:20).
Don’t Be Afraid to Witness
Paul told Timothy that fear or timidity is not a godly characteristic (2 Timothy 1:7). Timothy was also very conscious of being a “young man” and thought that this might be a barrier too for people taking him seriously but Paul him not to let that deter him either (1 Timothy 4:12).
Even the “great apostle” himself, Paul, was susceptible to becoming fearful, but when Paul’s testimony was opposed in Corinth, God told him: “Don’t be afraid but keep speaking.” (Acts 18:9).
The fear of man can become a snare! (Proverbs 29:25)
We should never be ashamed of our testimony (2 Timothy 1:8)
We should have an inner compulsion and cannot help but tell people about what Jesus has done for us (Acts 4:20).
We must obey God, not human beings. (Acts 5:29).
When people try and prevent us from witnessing, we should pray (Acts 4:24).
Warnings
Live Good Lives
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:12)
We should take heed to the warnings given to both Ezekiel and Paul.
If Ezekiel failed to warn sinners then he would be accountable for their blood (Ezekiel 3:18).
The apostle Paul testified to all men in Ephesus that they should turn to God in repentance and have faith in Jesus. Because Paul proclaimed the whole will of God he was able to say that he would be innocent of any blood of the Ephesians who had heard his testimony. (Acts 20:26-27).
Blessings
The final rewards laid up for all faithful witnesses of Christ are:
A crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8
Jesus will say: “Well done, good and faithful servant…” – Matthew 25:23
Power to Witness
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit will tell us what to say – Luke 12:11-12, Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11
A Model Prayer
“…enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
(After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly! Acts 4:30)
