Pauls Testimony

Introduction

Studies from Current Biology show that humans walk in circles without directional landmarks

Your testimony can be that landmark for someone else to remove their blindfold and introduce them to Christ.

Paul understood the importance of his own testimony

Do you?

Body

1 Timothy 1:12–17 CSB

12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry—13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus strengthens us and our testimony shows the world how.

God doesn’t care who you used to be. He cares who you are going to be.

I-It -Bare minimum

I-They - Know them on the surface level

I-Thou - Have a deep compassion and love for these individuals and know them on a deep level

Jesus embodied an I-Thou mindset

How do we show I-Thou relationships through our testimony?

The mark of an effective Christian is to strive for I-Thou relationships.

3. God will use you to bring others to him. He is your strength.

Why do you think it is so important to realize that God is your strength?

Because of God’s mercy we have the opportunity to share that mercy with others. We do this by living I-Thou relationships and sharing the gospel with our friends.