Witnessing

Introduction: It's A Mind Game!

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The Word of the Lord declares:

For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he – Proverbs 23:7.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus – Philippians 2:5.

So, if you think you dare not, you don’t. If you would like to win and you think you can’t, it’s almost a cinch you won’t. Life’s battles do not always go to the swifter man. The man who wins is the man who thinks he can!

The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me – John 14:30.

There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan's sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character – Desire of Ages, p. 123.

For with God nothing shall be impossible – Luke 1:37.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth – Mark 9:23.

According to your faith be it unto you – Matthew 9:29.

Q1: WHAT IS IT THAT YOU BELIEVE?

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Q2: BY WHAT MEANS DID JESUS OVERCOME IN THE CONFLICT WITH SATAN?

Desire of Ages, p. 123: By the word of God. Only by the word could He resist temptation. "It is written," He said. And unto us are given "exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4. Every promise in God's word is ours. "By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. "Thy word," says the psalmist, "have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." "By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer." Ps. 119:11; 17:4.

Q3: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE RECEIVE THE WORD OF GOD BY FAITH?

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 38: In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realised. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.

What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve by the grace of God!

2 Corinthians 12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Q4: WHAT IS THE SECRET OF SUCCESS?

Colporteur Ministry, p. 106: The secret of success is the union of divine power with human effort. Those who achieve the greatest results are those who rely most implicitly upon the Almighty Arm.

If man is willing, God is able!

The Call

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For many are called, but few [are] chosen – Matthew 22:14

Q5/6: WHAT IS THE CALL THAT JESUS SENDS OUT TO ALL MANKIND? WHAT ARE WE CALLED TO?

Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Everyone who accepts Jesus as Saviour and Lord is expected to co-labour with Him for the salvation of the human race. Many folk have been chosen for various things from corporal to sergeant, from ordinary man to Premier...

1 Peter 2:9: But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Matthew 5:14: Ye are the light of the world.

Isaiah 43:10: Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen.

2 Corinthians 5:12: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.

From ordinary to extraordinary! From common to holy! We are chosen to become God's visual aid. His letter to mankind. He places us on stage as "Exhibit A".

Gospel Workers, pp. 13 & 26: In every period of this earth's history, God has had His men of opportunity, to whom He has said, "Ye are my witnesses." Since His ascension, Christ the great head of the church, has carried forward His work in the world by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men, and ministers to their needs. The position of those who have been called of God to labour in word and doctrine for the upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christ's stead, they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God; and they can fulfil their mission only as they receive wisdom and power from above. There can be no harvest without seed-sowing, no result without effort. So today, God's servants are to go where He calls, trusting Him to guide them and to give them success in their work.

Q7: HOW DOES GOD CHOOSE THOSE FOR HIS SERVICE?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 144: In choosing men and women for His service, God does not ask whether they possess learning or eloquence or worldly wealth. He asks: "Do they walk in such humility that I can teach them my way? Can I put My words into their lips? Will they represent me?

Q8/9: HOW DOES GOD WORK IN AND WITH US TO MAKE US SUCCESSFUL IN HIS SERVICE? HOW CAN WE CO-OPERATE WITH HIM?

Christ's Object Lessons, p. 146: It is not the capabilities you now possess, or ever will, that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you...He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you.

Desire of Ages, p. 668: It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses.

Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 382: When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit.

Matthew 26:40: Jesus said, "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Q10: WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO CO-OPERATE WITH GOD?

James 1:5-7: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Q11: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE SURRENDER OURSELVES TO CHRIST?

Desire of Ages, p. 324: When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one.

Steps to Christ, p. 47: What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centred upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

If we put our wills on God's side, he will put His power on our side. Then we will have will power to do His will. Is this a Ripley story? Are these "cunningly devised fables?"

Q12: WHAT IS FAITH AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO OUR CHRISTIAN WALK?

Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Matthew 4:4: But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Romans 1:17: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

1 John 5:4: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:).

Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Philippians 2:12, 13: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Salvation is not of works but it must be worked out. We must not be intimidated by a beaten foe. We must take God at his word! The principles of the Word of God can be lived out - natural and normal!

Q13: WHAT IS AN EXCELLENT OBJECT LESSON OF FAITH FROM THE BIBLE?

Matthew 8:5-10: And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Q14: WHAT IS THE LIFE OF FAITH LIKE?

My Life Today, p. 313: When souls are converted their salvation is not yet accomplished. They then have the race to run; the arduous struggle is before them to do, what? "To fight the good fight of faith," to press forward to the mark for the prize of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus. There is no release in this warfare; the battle is lifelong, and must be carried forward with determined energy proportionate to the value of the object you are in pursuit of, which is eternal life.

IT'S A MIND GAME!

The Mission

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Q15: WHEN JESUS WAS ABOUT TO ASCEND TO HIS FATHER, WHAT WERE HIS PARTING WORDS?

Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Q16: HAS JESUS CHANGED HIS PROMISE TO MANKIND?

Malachi 3:6: For I [am] the LORD, I change not.

Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Acts of the Apostles, p. 50: The lapse of time has wrought no change in Christ's parting promise to send the Holy Spirit as His representative. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If the fulfilment of the promise is not seen as it might be, it is because the promise is not appreciated as it should be. If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit.

Q17: WHO WAS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE WORK OF THE DISCIPLES?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 16: Christ made full provision for the prosecution of the work entrusted to the disciples, and took upon Himself the responsibility of its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail.

Q18: WILL JESUS WORK WITH US IN THE SAME WAY? IF SO, WHEN?

Evangelism, p. 697: When we bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with His work, the Spirit that fell on the disciples on the day of Pentecost will fall on us.

Desire of Ages, p. 825: It is in doing Christ's work that the church has the promise of His presence. Go teach all nations, He said; "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." To take His yoke is one of the first conditions of receiving His power. The very life of the church depends upon her faithfulness in fulfilling the Lord's commission. To neglect this work is surely to invite spiritual feebleness and decay. Where there is no active labour for others, love wanes, and faith grows dim.

Q19: HOW SHOULD THE GOSPEL BE PRESENTED AND HOW SHOULD WE PRESENT OURSELVES?

Desire of Ages, p. 826: The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall be witnesses to its power.

Education, p. 18: Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children. Godliness--godlikeness--is the goal to be reached.

Remember that "talents used are talents multiplied" and that "if we use our means for His glory, He will give us more" (Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 353, 354). Also, we should not be satisfied with conquest in part. We cannot be satisfied with crumbs when Jesus has set a banquet table for us!

The Method

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Q22: WHICH BIBLE PASSAGE CLEARLY SHOWS CHRIST'S METHOD IN REACHING PEOPLE?

John 4:4-19: And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

Q23: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE JESUS' METHOD IN DETAIL?

Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [John 4:7]: The process of winning the woman of Samaria deserves the most careful study on the part of all who set out to win others to Christ. There were four main stages in this process: (1) The awakening of a desire for something better, vs. 7–15. (2) The awakening of a conviction of personal need, vs. 16–20. (3) The call for a decision to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, vs. 21–26. (4) The stimulus to action appropriate to the decision, vs. 28–30, 39–42.

Jesus gained the woman's attention with the request, "Give me to drink." Her response is evident in the question of v. 9, "How is it …?" Having thus secured her undivided attention, Jesus aroused her interest by the offer of "living water" (v. 10). Her reaction appears in the question as to "whence" He obtained such water (v. 11) and whether He professed to be "greater" than Jacob, who had dug the well (v. 12). From attention and interest, Jesus led her on to desire the "living water," declaring that those who drink it will "never thirst" (v. 14). She responded with the request, "Sir, give me this water" (v. 15), even though she had little conception, as yet, of what she was asking for.

Ministry of Healing, p. 143: Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me". . . .

There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. . . .The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counselled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit.

Q24: WHY DO MOST PEOPLE MINGLE WITH EACH OTHER AND WHAT IS THE USUAL REACTION?

People mingle with each other for all kinds of reasons. Often they do so with some ulterior motives rather than altruistic ones. Because so many have been manipulated, used, and exploited by others, we can understand why, when we mingle with them, they assume that we are after something. Isn't this the reason that we hear them probing with such familiar questions as "What is in this for you?" "What are you really after?" "What do you want?" "What is the catch?" "What are you selling?" Such questions betray how wary people have become about being used – Christ's Way of Reaching People, p. 45.

Q25: WHAT SHOULD BE OUR MOTIVE FOR REACHING OUT TO PEOPLE?

Christ reached out to people for their own sake–simply because He loved them and because they had a need which He could fill! His motive was disinterested benevolence.

Let's reveal God's character by precept and example. "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I'd rather you just don't tell me, show me the way."

Love makes, maintains and upholds all right relationships. Love is the glue!

Q26: WHAT ARE SOME METHODS OF APPLYING JESUS' METHOD IN OUR CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHERS?

We can use the acronym "FORT" to remember four areas that people like to talk about.

F = Family O = Occupation R = Religion T = Testimony

Keep in mind that all the people you come in contact with wear an unseen button that says, "Show me that you care!"

You cannot be pleasing and antagonising at the same time!

Finally, never forget the power of a sincere compliment!