Being an Effective Witness
Notes
Transcript
Handout
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Pre introduction:
Pre introduction:
Other manuscripts render sanctify the Lord God in your hearts as, sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. “The simple meaning of the injunction is that at the very centre of life there is to be one Lord, and that is Christ… Other lords are permitted to invade the sanctuary of the heart, and to exercise dominion over us. Our own selfish desires, the opinion of others, worldly wisdom, the pressure of circumstances, these and many other lords command us, and we turn away our simple and complete allegiance to our one Lord.” (Morgan)
At the very core of being an effective witness is the Lord Jesus…
We can be ready to give a defense if we have made ourselves ready in knowing the Bible. Peter knew how important it was to give a defense to everyone who asks you.
He had to do this in the situations described in
Acts 2:14-39
Acts 3:11-26
Acts 4:8-12
Acts 5:29-32
In each point of testing Peter relied on the power of the Holy Spirit and was able to
give an answer.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
We have established how important Christ is to our soul winning efforts…
I. Developing an Everywhere Mentality
I. Developing an Everywhere Mentality
Sharing the gospel is not just for special occasions; it is a way of life. We must be prepared to share Christ at any time and in any place. Acts 8:4 tells us of the Early Christians...
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
How do we develop this everywhere mentality when we are ready to share the gospel at all times and are seeing fruit among our friends and family?
Allow me to suggest four ways.
A. See People as Souls
A. See People as Souls
Although we believe the great commission is worthy of- and even calls for purposed times and strategic plans for spreading the gospel, there is a danger in using only those purposed times and strategic plans for sharing the gospel...
In reality...
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Far too often we view people as mere inconveniences or we are moved by intimidation of what they would say if we spoke up with the truth.
Every person has an eternal destiny—heaven or hell.
Don’t see people merely as coworkers, neighbors, or strangers; see them as souls in need of salvation.
B. Look for Opportunities
B. Look for Opportunities
We have the tendency to “miss the forest for the trees.” But there are people all around who us who need the Lord. How can you see and seize these opportunities? By specifically looking for them
You would be surprised how many opportunities there are to share the gospel when you are looking for them.
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
You and I were put in trust with the gospel just the same...
Be intentional about turning everyday conversations into gospel conversations.
C. Steward Relationships
C. Steward Relationships
Less than two months after Jesus rose from the dead, the Apostle Peter preached in Jerusalem, and Acts 2:41 records, "the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
What an incredible victory for the gospel as Peter preached that day! But do you remember who led Peter to Christ? It was his brother, Andrew.
John 1:41 says of Andrew, "He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."
Andrew's faithfulness to witness to his own family played a part in the backstory to Pentecost-even though Andrew himself didn't preach the powerful sermon of Pentecost.
When you and I steward the relationships God has given US, who knows the outcomes of that faithfulness? God has placed specific relationships in your life- family, neighbors, coworkers, friends, and even briefer acquaintances such as your barber or accountant or child's soccer coach.
God places people in our lives for a reason.
Build genuine relationships—trust creates open doors for the gospel.
Be a consistent, loving witness so that when the opportunity comes, people will be more receptive.
D. Obey Every Prompting of the Holy Spirit
D. Obey Every Prompting of the Holy Spirit
Acts 8:26-29 – The Spirit led Philip to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch.
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
I can imagine that Phillip could have felt uncomfortable with these instructions. But what Phillip didn’t know is that God had already been working on the heart of the Ethipoian man’s heart.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Because Philip obeyed the Holy Spirit, as awkward as it may have felt to do so, this man got saved.
Happy the man whose words come from the Holy Spirit and not from himself.
Anthony of Padua
When the Holy Spirit prompts you to speak, act in obedience.
Overcoming fear and hesitation leads to divine appointments where God moves in powerful ways.
II. Staying Motivated
II. Staying Motivated
Bernard "Kip Lagat is a world-class runner from Kenya who has set records for the 1500, 3000, and 5000 meter runs. During the 2000 Sydney Olympics, an interviewer asked him how his country was able to produce so many great distance runners - a sport that requires intense motivation.
With clever wit, Lagat told the Kenyan strategy for motivating speed in running. "It's the road signs," he said, "'Beware of Lions."
Many of us struggle with staying motivated in the things that matter most. We're great at starting a new project, hobby, skill, or venture. But when obstacles come up or time passes by, we lose interest or the will to continue. That may be fine for some areas in life, but it's not fine for soul winning.
It’s easy to lose passion for sharing the gospel. Here’s how to stay motivated.
A. The Love of Christ
A. The Love of Christ
Every time we share the message of salvation, we’re telling someone that Jesus died for them. But sometimes we forget to reflect on the fact that Jesus died for us. He died for me. This isn’t simply a factual message- Jesus died for the world - that we tell; it is a powerful demonstration of love that should fill our own hearts with gratitude.
The Apostle Paul never got over the fact that Christ had saved him, and this knowledge motivated his continued surrender to live for Christ in proclaiming the gospel.
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
When we grasp Christ’s love for us, we are compelled to share it with others.
Sharing the gospel is not an obligation—it’s an overflow of God’s love in us.
B. The Reality of Eternity
B. The Reality of Eternity
We live in a day of short attention spans and constant interruptions. Urgent demands press for our time, and
flashy amusements promise stress relief. If we're not careful, we will live shallow, driven lives racing from one urgent
demand to the next with our free moments swallowed up in mindless distractions.
In all of this, we forget the realities of eternity. We forget that the people around us are not merely bodies- they have
souls that will live somewhere forever. We forget that there is a real Heaven and a real Hell and that those who do not trust
Christ as Saviour will go to Hell.
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
The word that grips me every time I read this passage is tormented. A form of it is used three times in just three verses. Hell is a real place with real torment. Let that reality motivate you to share the gospel with the people you love.
Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
People are entering eternity every second—some to heaven, others to eternal separation from God. Understanding the weight of eternity should stir us to action.
C. Compassion for the Lost
C. Compassion for the Lost
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jesus didn’t see people as numbers but as souls.
Jesus wept over lost souls...
41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Do we have the same burden?
Pray for God to give you a heart that breaks for the lost.
D. The Judgment Seat of Christ
D. The Judgment Seat of Christ
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
One day, we will stand before the Lord, and everything that we have done for Him by His grace will be rewarded
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is not a time of accounting for our sins, for that was settled long ago at Calvary. Works do
not save us; only faith in Jesus' shed blood for the atonement of our sins gives us eternal life. But this is a time when our labor for Christ is awarded.
The Greek word used in Romans 14 for judgment seat is the word bema...
Conclusion
Conclusion
Are you ready to share the gospel at any moment?
Will you develop an everywhere mentality—seeing souls, seizing opportunities, stewarding relationships, and obeying the Spirit?
Will you stay motivated by Christ’s love, the reality of eternity, compassion for the lost, and the judgment seat of Christ?
