Witness, Witnessing

<<observer, testifying>>

A witness is a person who observes then testifies, giving evidence concerning what they know first-hand as a fact or about an event (Jn 3:11).

Being a witness for Christ means we have a personal knowledge of Him and the change He has made in our lives which we can share with others. The gospel (good news) will be communicated through our lifestyle in the everyday relationships of life, with what we do often speaking more effectively than words. It should be a normal result of being ‘in Christ’, just as fruit is a normal function of a healthy plant (Jn 15:5,16). Obviously it’s important to be walking uprightly with Him so the words we speak confirm the truth of the life we claim, otherwise we are hypocrites. 

We testify we are followers of Jesus and represent Him as we live moral, God-honouring lives; use our resources to help advance the gospel and minister to those in need; speak up for Christ and His cause even in situations when we would rather remain neutral or will be persecuted because of that stand; share our faith with others; praise Him for what He has done, is doing and will do for us; are salt and light in the world (Mt 5:13-16). Gratitude and humility should be the foundation of our mission of sharing Jesus to the world (1 Cor 9:19-24, 10:24).

We are responsible to warn non-Christians of the consequences of not following Christ, and although only a few may believe, either then or later, the seed will be sown (Mt 13:3-9; Lk 13:3; Jn 3:36). Lovingly share what Christ has done for you, praying their spiritual eyes will be opened and the Holy Spirit will bring a clear revelation to their hearts, convicting them of their failure to believe in Christ (Jn 16:8; Act 16:14; 2 Cor 4:4; 1 Thes 1:5). It is wrong to keep this good news to ourselves (2 Kgs 7:9). Reflect where you would be headed if someone had not shared Christ with you.

may create ‘a thirst’ in them, just as a vibrant, enthusiastic testimony is an effective technique for others to purchase a product or join a cause. God has entrusted His public image to us – we are the billboards that display Him, advertisements to inform lost humanity of the offer of salvation. What an incredible privilege and responsibility to share Jesus with the world. Do I create sales?

We don’t have to know all the answers but the focus of attention should be on God. As we speak ‘a word in season’, giving a reason for the hope within, we are witnessing to His achievements [the offer of salvation for a lost world] (Isa 50:4; 2 Cor 4:7; 1 Pet 3:15). The nature and life of Christ will flow out of us through serving those in need. However, the corrosive effects of living in a sinful world means this must be replenished by an on-going filling with the Spirit and refreshment from the Word (Mk 5:30; Lk 8:46; Jn 7:37-39; Eph 5:18).

We must be sensitive to God’s Spirit working in us and in the life of the person we are sharing with, regardless of the method or approach used. It’s not our fine speech, rather the Holy Spirit’s power, that will enable what we say to touch their hearts (Act 2:14-41; 1 Cor 2:1-5). We should not force our views onto others yet speak as the opportunities present themselves, so pray for openings to witness in a natural way, not an artificial manner.  Be friendly and genuinely interested in others, for by building bridges of friendship we gain the right to speak into their lives, especially when they are experiencing tough times and they approach us for help. Conversions resulting from friendship evangelism have the highest retention rate as a bond has already been formed between the witnessing believer and the new Christian.

We need to exercise wisdom in what we share and with whom, especially in countries where any form of proselytising (seeking to change the religion of another) can carry the death sentence for the one converting to Christ. While we should not jeopardize the safety of another, everyone on earth has the right, at least once in his or her lifetime, to hear a clear presentation of the gospel.  If we don’t warn them they can accuse us before God’s judgement throne that they were not told. However if we tell them about Jesus the decision is theirs and we have discharged our responsibility (Ezek 3:17-21). 

for we owe unbelievers a valid encounter with God, as we live out our faith.

People might reject the good news but they can’t deny or fail to notice the transformation of a life touched by Christ (Jn 9:25; Act 4:13).

Initially the disciples were fearful to admit knowing Jesus, yet He said “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses [throughout] the earth’ (Mk 14:50,68-71; Act 1:8). After being dramatically impacted by the Holy Spirit they boldly spoke of Christ, challenging those listening about their relationship with Him, emphatically declaring, even at the risk of their own lives,  “We can’t help speaking about the things seen, heard and experienced for ourselves” (Act 2:14-41, 4:8-13,20,31, 7:1-60, 28:31).

Although we may be shy and consider we are not articulate in sharing our personal testimony in the course of daily conversation, through developing a clear concise outline of what God has done for us together with a few key verses is good preparation for when opportunities open up. Having a genuine love for people compels us to communicate the good news with conviction to others desiring they are saved from eternal punishment. It is a privilege to be a part of spreading God’s good news to the world.

Although Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes”, he continued to ask for prayer that this would remain a top priority, saying “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel” (Act 20:26,27; Rom 1:16, 9:28; 1 Cor 9:16; Eph 6:19,20). How would I describe my speaking about the Lord? It helps to be spurred on by the testimony of others (Phil 1:14). Don’t be intimidated or fear those who can only harm our bodies but not our souls (Mt 10:28; Act 4:12). Pray that God will make you a confident, courageous communicator of the gospel and try not to be distracted by some irrelevant question when you are talking to others about Christ.

give false testimony against your neighbour” which is lying or twisting what has been seen and heard, motivated by an evil heart (Ex 20:16; Prov 12:17; Mt 15:19; Mk 14:56-59; Act 6:13,14). Likewise, don’t manipulate your own testimony.

Witnessing something is both evidence-based and personal.  A witness in your spirit is an inner confirmation that something is either right or wrong, often indicated by a feeling of peace or its absence. “The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom 8:16; 1 Jn 5:6). After prayer and consideration, desiring to do God’s will, the Jerusalem Council announced, “It seemed good…” that this is ‘of the Lord’ (Lk 1:3; Act 15:28).  In order to share such experiences we sometimes use symbols to keep the memory alive. Joshua said this stone will be a witness (Josh 24:27). It obviously couldn’t testify to the fact but it was a visible reminder, just like a wedding ring is symbolic of a marriage covenant.

Having another person present as a witness in what otherwise could be a compromising situation is a safeguard to protect your integrity and character. Similarly, many official matters require an independent signatory validating the facts.

See also: being and doing, confession (2), evangelism, gospel, lifestyle, testimony, world-view.