Witnessing
1. IT IS THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS TO WITNESS:
A. Jesus gave “the Great Commission” to all His disciples:
Matthew 4:19 Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men
Matthew 28:19–20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
Mark 13:10 The gospel … must be published among all nations
Mark 16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
Luke 24:47 Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations
John 15:16 Ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit
(See also Matthew 24:14.)
Acts 1:8 Ye shall be witnesses … unto the uttermost part of the earth
B. Jesus sends us as His labourers and witnesses:
Isaiah 6:8 Whom shall I send? … Here am I; send me
Matthew 9:37–38 Labourers are few; Pray … the Lord … that he will send forth labourers into his harvest
Luke 9:2 [Jesus] sent them to preach … the kingdom of God
John 20:21 As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you
Romans 10:14–15 How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are ambassadors for Christ
2. WHY WE NEED TO WITNESS:
A. To share what we believe in:
Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed [saved] of the Lord say so
John 3:11 We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen
Acts 4:20 We … speak the things which we have seen and heard
2 Corinthians 4:13 I believed, and therefore have I spoken (See also Psalm 116:10.)
B. To save souls from death:
Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them … from the power of Satan unto God
James 5:20 He which converteth the sinner … save a soul from death
C. If we don’t, we and they will suffer:
Ezekiel 3:17–19 Nor speakest to warn the wicked … his blood will I require at thine hand (See also Acts 20:26–27.)
Mark 8:38 Of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed when he cometh
Luke 12:8–9 He that denieth me before men shall be denied
1 Corinthians 9:16 Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel
2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost
(See also Jeremiah 8:20; Jonah 1:1–17.)
3. DON’T BE SHY OR ASHAMED TO WITNESS:
Psalm 119:46 I will speak of thy testimonies … and will not be ashamed
Isaiah 40:9 Lift up thy voice with strength … be not afraid
Isaiah 62:6 Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence
Matthew 5:14–16 Ye are the light of the world … cannot be hid … Let your light so shine before men (See also Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16.)
Mark 8:38 Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words … of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed
Acts 18:9 Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ
Ephesians 6:18–20 [Pray] I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak
1 Thessalonians 2:2 We were bold … to speak unto you the gospel of God
2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord
(See also Jeremiah 1:6–9.)
4. POINTERS ON HOW TO BE A GOOD WITNESS:
• Ask questions: He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly (Proverbs 18:13)
• Listen: Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak (James 1:19)
• Get them to speak their heart: Draw it out (Proverbs 20:5)
• Ask what they believe: Believest thou the prophets? (Acts 26:27)
• Find points of agreement: Your own poets have said (Acts 17:23–28)
• Be adaptable: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:19–22)
• Give your personal testimony (Acts 26:1–20)
• Illustrate your point: [Jesus] taught them many things by parables (Mark 4:2)
• Use current events: Pilate; tower of Siloam falling (Luke 13:1–5)
• Patiently explain: And with many other words did he exhort (Acts 2:40)
• Have a broken heart: He was moved with compassion on [the lost sheep] (Matthew 9:36)
• Speak in love, or it’s just empty words, like sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1)
• Music has spiritual power: Example of David playing the harp for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23)
• Be zealous and determined: Compel them to come in (Luke 14:23)
• Bring them to a decision: How long halt ye between two opinions? (1 Kings 18:21) (See also Joshua 24:15; Hebrew 3:7–8; 2 Corinthians 6:2.)
5. USE THE WORD IN YOUR WITNESSING:
A. The Word is powerful and convinces people:
2 Chronicles 17:9 [They] had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about … and taught the people
Luke 8:5,11 Sower sowed seed … the seed is the word of God
John 4:41–42 Many more believed because of his own word … Now we believe, not because of [the woman’s] saying
John 5:39 Search the scriptures … they testify of me [Jesus]
John 20:31 These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 17:2–3 Paul … reasoned with them out of the scriptures
Acts 18:28 He mightily convinced … showing by the scriptures
Titus 1:9 [The] word … sound doctrine … convince the gainsayers
B. Familiarity with Scripture is important to witnessing:
Psalm 119:42 Wherewith to answer him … for I trust in thy word.
Proverbs 22:17–21 Answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee
Malachi 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth … and did turn many away from iniquity.
Matthew 12:34–35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things
Acts 13:32–35 [Quote the Word] As it is also written in the second psalm
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word … exhort with all … doctrine
1 Peter 3:15 Be ready always to give an answer to every man
6. KEEPING YOUR WITNESS SIMPLE:
John 12:32 If I [Jesus] be lifted up … will draw all men unto me
1 Corinthians 1:17 Preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words
1 Corinthians 2:1–2 [I] came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom
1 Corinthians 2:4 My preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom
1 Corinthians 14:9 Except ye utter … words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken?
2 Corinthians 1:12 In simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom
2 Corinthians 3:12 We use great plainness of speech
7. WHAT YOU SHOULD PREACH (WITNESS ABOUT):
A. Preach the gospel; preach Jesus:
Matthew 28:19–20 Teaching … all things whatsoever I have commanded you
Mark 16:15 Preach the gospel [good news of salvation in Jesus]
Luke 9:2 [Jesus] sent them to preach the kingdom of God
John 3:16 [That they may have eternal life by believing in Jesus]
Acts 4:2 They taught … the resurrection from the dead
Acts 5:42 They ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ
Acts 13:32–35 [Jesus fulfilled old Messianic prophecies]
Acts 13:38 Through [Jesus] is preached … forgiveness of sins
Acts 20:21 Testifying … repentance toward God, and faith toward Jesus
Romans 5:8 God commendeth his love toward us … while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us
1 Corinthians 1:23 We preach Christ crucified
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 I delivered unto you … that Christ died for our sins … He was buried, and … rose again [from the dead]
2 Corinthians 4:5 We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord
2 Corinthians 5:20 We pray you … be ye reconciled to God
1 Timothy 1:15 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
1 John 4:14 [We] testify that the Father sent the Son to be the saviour
(See also Acts 10:42; 24:25; Ephesians 3:8.)
B. What not to talk about:
1 Corinthians 3:2 Not with meat [strong doctrine] … ye were not able to bear it
1 Thessalonians 2:3–6 Our exhortation was not of deceit … nor in guile … neither at any time used we flattering words
2 Timothy 2:23 Foolish and unlearned questions avoid
Titus 3:9 Avoid foolish questions … and contentions, and strivings
Hebrews 5:14 Strong meat [doctrine] belongeth to [the mature]
8. WHOM TO WITNESS TO:
A. Jesus commanded us to witness to the whole world:
Isaiah 61:1 Preach good tidings unto the meek
Ezekiel 2:7 [Give everyone a chance, even the rebellious]
Ezekiel 3:17–18 Warn the wicked from his wicked way
Matthew 11:5 The poor have the gospel preached to them
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
Mark 5:19 Go home to thy friends and tell them
Mark 16:15 Preach the gospel to every creature [person]
Luke 8:39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things
Acts 17:18–21 [To curious philosophers and intellectuals]
Acts 22:21 Unto the Gentiles [people of many nations]
Acts 26:22 Witnessing both to small and great
Acts 28:28 Salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles
Romans 15:20–21 I strived to preach … [to] they that have not heard
B. Whom not to witness to:
Proverbs 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man
Proverbs 23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine
Matthew 9:13 I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners
Matthew 10:14 Whosoever shall not … hear your words … depart
Acts 13:45–46 [Don’t continue witnessing to unreceptive rejecters]
Acts 18:6 When they opposed themselves, and blasphemed … [he] said … I will go
Titus 3:10–11 Heretic after the first and second admonition reject
9. A WINNING PERSONAL EXAMPLE:
A. Our personal example is part of our witness:
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine … they may see your good works
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another
2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle [letter] … known and read of all men
Philippians 2:15–16 Be blameless and harmless … shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life
1 Timothy 4:12 Be thou an example of the believers
Titus 2:7–8 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works
1 Peter 3:1–2 [Unbelieving spouses to be won by believer’s example]
(See also 1 Timothy 5:14.)
B. The believer’s sample of happiness is appealing:
Psalm 51:12–13 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation … and sinners shall be converted unto thee
C. Win souls with love, not by arguing:
1 Thessalonians 1:7–8 We were gentle … affectionately desirous of you
2 Timothy 2:23–24 The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle
(See also 1 Corinthians 13:1–2,8.)
D. Our personal example must back up our witness:
John 13:15 I [Jesus] have given you an example, that ye should do as I
Romans 2:21–24 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not … dost thou?
(See also 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:4–5.)
10. WHEN TO WITNESS:
A. We are to constantly witness:
Ecclesiastes 11:6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening
John 4:35 Look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest
Acts 5:42 Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not
2 Timothy 4:2 In season, out of season [even when not convenient]
1 Peter 3:15 Be ready always to give an answer to every man
(See also Acts 20:31.)
B. Pray for God to “open up” witnessing opportunities:
Colossians 4:3 Praying … that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ
C. Wait until it’s God’s time to witness to certain people:
Matthew 10:5–7 Go not into the way of the Gentiles [but later, He said to go into all the world (Mark 16:15)]
Acts 16:6–7 [Paul] forbidden … to preach … in Asia [but did with great success a few years later (Acts 19:1,10)]
11. WHERE TO WITNESS:
■ In your own house (Acts 28:30–31)
■ In every house (Acts 5:42)
■ From house to house (Acts 20:20)
■ In schools and lecture halls (Acts 19:9–10)
■ In church (Hebrews 2:12)
■ In marketplaces (Acts 17:17)
■ In neighbourhoods of different ethnic groups (John 4:1–42)
■ In the streets, lanes, highways, hedges (Luke 14:21,23)
■ All over the city (Luke 8:39)
■ In cars [chariots] (Acts 8:29–35)
■ On boats (Acts 27:22–25)
■ In prison (Philippians 1:12–13)
■ In court (Matthew 10:18–20)
■ In the wilderness (Matthew 3:1–2)
■ Everywhere (Acts 8:4)
12. THE “FRUIT” CHRISTIANS SHOULD BEAR IS OTHER CHRISTIANS, NEW SAVED SOULS:
Proverbs 11:30 He that winneth souls is wise
Mark 4:14 The sower [witness] soweth the word
Luke 8:5–15 [The parable of the sower] (See also Matthew 13:3–8,18–23; Mark 4:2–8,14–20.)
Luke 8:11 The seed is the word of God [which we sow in hearts]
John 12:24 But if it die [to self] it bringeth forth much fruit
John 15:5 He that abideth in me … bringeth forth much fruit
John 15:8 Herein is [God] glorified, that ye bear much fruit
Romans 7:4 Married to [Jesus] … bring forth fruit unto God
13. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WITNESSING:
A. The Holy Spirit anoints us to witness about Jesus:
Isaiah 61:1 Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me … anointed me to preach
Acts 1:8 Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
Acts 4:29–31 They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness
1 Thessalonians 1:5 Our gospel came … in power, and in the Holy Ghost
(See also Colossians 1:27–29.)
B. Only God and His Holy Spirit can really win people:
Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit
Matthew 10:20 It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit … which speaketh in you
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father … draw him
John 15:5 Without me ye can do nothing
1 Corinthians 3:6–7 I have planted … but God gave the increase
14. WITNESSING, THE GREATEST WORK ON EARTH:
A. Witnessing is a job worth giving all for:
Matthew 4:19–22 Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they … left their nets (See also Luke 5:9–11.)
Mark 8:35 Lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s
Mark 10:29 [Leave house, family, wife, lands for gospel’s sake]
B. Heavenly reward for witnessing:
Proverbs 11:30 He that winneth souls is wise.
Daniel 12:3 They that be wise shall shine … and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars
Luke 12:8 Him shall the Son of Man confess before the angels
1 Corinthians 3:8 Every man shall receive … reward according to his own labour
1 Corinthians 9:16–17 If I preach [the gospel] willingly, I have a reward
15. REACTIONS TO THE GOSPEL:
A. The receptive believe the Word:
Jonah 3:1–9 [Jonah preached in Nineveh, and entire city repented]
John 4:39–42 [Samaritans at Sychar received Jesus and believed]
Acts 8:5–6,8,14 [Samaritans] with one accord gave heed … Samaria received the word of God
Acts 16:14 Lydia … whose heart the Lord opened … she [listened]
Acts 16:32–34 They spake unto him the word … [he] rejoiced, believing
B. The unreceptive reject the Word:
Luke 8:5,12 Devil taketh away the word, lest they believe
1 Corinthians 1:18 Preaching … is to them that perish foolishness
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this world hath blinded the minds of [unbelieving]
(See also Jeremiah 36.)
C. Unpopularity and persecution because of witnessing:
Luke 6:22 Men shall cast out your name as evil for [Jesus’] sake
John 7:7 The world … hateth [me] because I testify [it is] evil
Acts 16:20–21 These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful
D. Our witness a testimony against the unrepentant:
Matthew 10:18 Brought before … kings … for a testimony against them
Mark 6:11 Shake off dust … for a testimony against them
John 12:48 The word that I have spoken … shall judge him
16. WITNESSING BOLDLY DESPITE OPPOSITION:
A. Neither threats, persecution, nor martyrdom should stop us:
Luke 21:12–15 They shall … persecute you … I will give you … wisdom
Acts 4:29,31,33 Behold their threatenings … spake the word with boldness
Acts 14:1–3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord
Acts 20:24 None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear
1 Thessalonians 2:2 Even after that we had suffered … we were bold in our God to speak
Revelation 6:9 Them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by … the word … loved not their lives
Revelation 20:4 Them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus
B. We should find ways of sharing our faith even when it is forbidden:
Amos 7:12–15 [Evil priest said:] Prophesy not again any more at Bethel … the Lord said unto [Amos], Go, prophesy
Matthew 10:16 Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves
Luke 10:3 I send you forth as lambs among wolves: be wise
Acts 4:17–20 We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard
Acts 5:27–29 We ought to obey God rather than men
Acts 5:40–42 Commanded that they should not speak … [but] they ceased not
17. MORE VERSES ABOUT WITNESSING AND TESTIFYING:
A. From the Old Testament:
■ I will publish the name of the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:3)
■ Make known his deeds among the people (1 Chronicles 16:8)
■ Declare among the people his doings (Psalm 9:11)
■ I give thanks unto thee among the heathen (Psalm 18:49)
■ Publish … tell of all thy wondrous works (Psalm 26:7)
■ I will declare what he hath done for my soul (Psalm 66:16)
■ My mouth shall show forth … thy salvation all the day (Psalm 71:15)
■ With my mouth will I make know thy faithfulness to all (Psalm 89:1)
■ Declare his … wonders among all people (Psalm 96:3)
■ Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth (Psalm 96:10)
■ So shall I talk of thy wondrous works (Psalm 119:27)
■ I will speak of glorious honour of thy majesty (Psalm 145:4–7)
■ Make known to the sons of men his mighty acts (Psalm 145:11–12)
■ Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord (Isaiah 43:10)
■ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace (Isaiah 52:7)
B. From the New Testament:
■ They went forth, and preached everywhere (Mark 16:20)
■ Preaching and showing glad tiding of the kingdom of God (Luke 8:1)
■ Many believed on him for the saying of the woman (John 4:39)
■ Lovest thou me? Feed my sheep (John 21:17)
■ Go, speak to the people … all the words of this life (Acts 5:20)
■ And we are his witnesses of these things (Acts 5:32)
■ He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify (Acts 10:42)
■ Word of the Lord published throughout all the region (Acts 13:49)
■ Being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught diligently (Acts 18:25)
■ Thou shalt be his witness unto all men (Acts 22:15)
■ How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel (Romans 10:15)
■ The things which thou hast heard … commit to faithful men, who shall … teach others (2 Timothy 2:2)
■ Preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season (2 Timothy 4:2)