The last few weeks we have been covering suffering as a disciple of Jesus Christ. We looked at suffering that came with being a disciple because the world would hate us. We talked about dealing with our suffering and how we could use our suffering for the benefit of others. 

This week we ask why should we enjoy all this by ourselves? Why not go out and invite others to join us in our suffering? This week we are going to look at witnessing for Jesus Christ as his disciple to spread the “Good Word”, the Gospel to others, and share the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

MAKE DISCIPLES OF OTHERS

Matt. 28: 18-20, 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

How do you make disciples out of all nations? How did the disciples and Paul do it?

(Acts 1:8; Acts 16:17; Luke 24:25)

There are different ways you can be a witness for Christ.  Here are a few:

1. The way you live your life; How do others see you?
2. The way you treat others; Are you mindful of others?
3. Tell your Testimony; how were you saved and what has Jesus done for you.
4. Tell others who Jesus is; Proclaim the Gospel 

1 Peter 2:9, But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


WHAT KIND OF WITNESS AM I?

ARE THERE THINGS IN MY LIFE I CAN CHANGE THAT WILL ALLOW ME TO BETTER SHINE MY LIGHT FOR THE LORD?

The most powerful thing you have to share Jesus Christ and the Gospel with others is your testimony, your own story. What has Jesus done for you? How has Jesus helped you? How did you come to salvation? It’s best to write it down and be prepared to share it with others.

WHAT IS YOUR TESTIMONY? SHARE YOUR STORY!

Luke 24: 46-49, 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

There is a great example of witnessing by Peter in Acts chapter 2:14-39. Please read it in your Bibles. Notice four things as you read that we can discuss:

First, Peter never got defensive, hostile, or argumentative

Second, Peter gave an explanation of what was happening

Third, Peter gave a declaration concerning Jesus of Nazareth

Finally, Peter gave the people an application that would benefit them.

When you witness to someone, and share the Gospel with them, this would be a good formula to follow.

TO MAKE A DISCIPLE OF SOMEONE…

Jesus commanded us to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:18-20. God has placed you where you are at this particular time for His purposes.  

Someone becomes a disciple when you witness to them and they decide to become a follower of Jesus Christ. Remember that is how you became a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you share the Gospel with someone and they want to accept Jesus Christ with you you can pray with them to be saved and receive the  Holy Spirit. Here is an example of a prayer you can use or use your own, however the Holy Spirit leads you:  

Lord, I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross to pay for my sins. I believe that you rose from the dead and are alive today. I know that without you I am lost forever. Please forgive my sins and come into my life as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS FOR JESUS CHRIST AND MAKE DISCIPLES WHEREVER YOU ARE!!!

1 Thessalonians 2:4, But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

NEXT WEEK:

WALK THE WALK

TALK THE TALK