A few
years ago I developed a Bible study around the word, “Witness.” A witness is someone to testifies or tells
what Jesus Christ has done in their lives.
If you’re not sure what a witness does, let me share these seven habits
with you.
First,
WATCH for opportunities. The Apostle
Peter wrote: But always in your hearts
set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this with
gentleness and respect. Today at
work someone might ask you, “Hey, what did you do this weekend?” That’s the perfect opportunity to tell them
about your day at church, what the pastor preached about or what you learned in
Bible class. Don’t forget – God uses us
to extend His church by telling others about Jesus.
Next,
INVITE family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers to worship and Bible
study with you. The psalmist exclaimed: I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let
us go to the house of the Lord.” I’ve
read a number of times that people who don’t go to church would go if they were
invited. Who can you invite to church
this Sunday? Pray about it.
Third,
pray with THANKSGIVING! The Apostle Paul encouraged the Colossians to: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful
and thankful. And pray for us, too, that
God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of
Christ, for which I am in chains. Paul
didn’t let a little matter like being thrown in prison keep him from giving
thanks to the Lord for the blessings of salvation and eternal life. We, too, can pray with thanks to the Lord for
His blessings and promises. And we can
keep praying for those to whom we are witnessing.
Next,
beware of your NEMESIS! Paul advised the Ephesians and us all to: Put on the full armor of God so that you can
take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Satan is never pleased when you and I are testifying about the
forgiveness and salvation we’ve received as a free gift from our Lord and
Savior. Ask God to give you strength so
that you might resist the tricky methods of the devil.
Fifth,
exude ENTHUSIASM. The Gospel writer,
John, tells us: Andrew, Simon Peter’s
brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed
Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to
find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the
Christ). The Jewish people had been
waiting for thousands of years for God to keep His promise to send a Savior to
His people. Andrew had spent the
afternoon with God’s promise – Christ Jesus.
He couldn’t wait to tell his brother.
Tell your family and friends about the Lord with the same kind of
enthusiasm. People will want what you’ve
got.
Next,
SOW the seeds of the Gospel. How is this
done? Paul explains to the Corinthians: I
planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. You see, it is not your job to convert
another person to Christ. You are to be
a gospel gardener, your testimony about Jesus is like a seed that goes in the
ground with the hope that it will grow and produce a bountiful crop.
Finally,
let the Holy SPIRIT do His work! Paul wrote to the Romans: I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the
salvation of everyone who believes.
I remember a time when I witnessed quite strongly to a fellow. However, he seemed to be indifferent to
Jesus’ love and salvation. But later he
came to me and made a confession of faith and told me that he had embraced Jesus as his Savior and
Lord. I had given up on the fellow. The Holy Spirit did not. When we think our efforts have failed to
accomplish anything, we need to sit back and let the Holy Spirit do His work in
that person we’re witnessing to. The
Holy Spirit does good work.
So
there you have it, my friends. Practice
these habits, be faithful and watch what God does. And then, give Him the glory for His might
and salvation.
