The Point and Purpose of A Testimony

What is a testimony?

The Word Testimony isn’t used often aside from court cases

Maybe with the recent 2 BIG court cases recently you have heard it more…and maybe why its been on my mind…

Testimony:

Evidence in support of a fact or statement; Proof

(Law)- Statement or Declaration of a witness under Oath

Its a statement declaring: This is what I have heard, seen, examined or touched.

So it is to believed as fact…

As we walk through the book of 1 John we will ask:

What is the purpose of the testimony John is sharing?

What does the Testimony of my life point to?

Purpose of the Testimony of 1 John

That you may know the Blessing of Being Found in Christ

Your Joy May be Full

That you May be Kept from Sin

That you may know the Truth

That you know you have eternal Life

1 John 1:1–2 (NKJV)

1 That which was from the beginning(Jesus), which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life (Jesus)—2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—

The Testimony of the Disciples points to Jesus’ Existence in their lives

“That which was from the beginning…The Word of Life..was with the Father and was manifested to us—”

That The Word of Life:

John 1:1 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

was with the Father and was manifested to us

John 3:16—

For God so loved…He SENT

Every Testimony Must be Validated

There are Multiple Points of Validation

Which we have heard

Heard His voice, teachings & Truth First Hand & from others

We Have Seen With our Eyes

John 1:14 “14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Luke 1:1-4 (Read for HW)

“Dr Luke”- Shares how many people of written accounts of Jesus

He wrote so we can be certain of the truth of everything taught

Which we have looked upon

He’s Seen the effects of Jesus in and through the Lives of others

2 Peter 1:16 “16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

THERE IS SUPPORT…ITS NOT MAKE BELIEVE

SUPPORT DOC

Our Hands have handled

The Disciples Physically touched Jesus after His Death, Burial and Resurrection:

Luke 24:39 “39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.””

John 20:27-

Jesus Says…”Thomas Put your hands in the wholes in my hands and feet”

1 John 1:3–4 (NKJV)

3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

The Testimony of the Disciples Shows the Purpose of Jesus’ Life

That you may have Fellowship

Fellowship With the Disciples (Other Believers)

Fellowship With the Father & Son

Fellowship: (Koinonia)- Community; Partnership; Benefaction (Beneficiary)

Benefits of Fellowship with others:

Support, Care, Help, Encouragement, Wisdom, REBUKES ;P

Benefits of Fellowship with God

Joy May Be FULL

John 15:1-8 (Read for HW

He is the Vine, we are the branches, if we abide in Him (Have Fellowhip and connected with Him) WE WILL BEAR FRUIT

Joy: Its Not Happiness

It is your Spirit (Deepest Part of Who you are) Being Pleased no matter the Circumstance

To Walk in Joy Daily

Focus on JOY

Jesus

Others

You

When we put Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, You Last

Your perspective is off your needs (Mission Trip)

John 15:11 “11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Other Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

Who doesn’t want a life full of these Characteristics?

1 John 1:5–10 “5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

The Testimony of the Disciples Requires a Verdict

After Having heard a Testimony a Decision is required

Walk in the Deception of Darkness

Walk in the Light of His Light and be made right

We have a choice…but a decision is required

Can’t procrastinate because you don’t “Know what to do”

Personal Story :}

So I Ask you tonight…What is the Point and Purpose of your Testimony?

People are looking on at your life

Does it point to Jesus?

Do you purpose to show His Goodness?

Does the Walk that you live validate a work that He Has done?

Do you say…or Think “V:10- Im living a “Good” Living …but in reality to His standard you are not?

People can smell a phony 100 miles away…

More Importantly HE knows the depths of your heart

What “evidence” of Christ in your life or the Life of someone else drew you to Him?

Can you share of a time you have benefited from Fellowship with other believers that has made an impact on your life?

How can you be more intentional to give “Testimony” in word or deed of who Jesus is to you?