What does Acts 15:4 teach about sharing testimonies of God's work in our lives? Acts 15:4 in Focus “On their arrival at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, and they reported all that God had done through them.” A Warm Welcome Creates the Right Setting • The believers “were welcomed” — an open-hearted reception that made testimony-sharing natural, not forced. • Hospitality says, “We expect God to be at work and we’re eager to hear about it.” Reporting, Not Boasting • “They reported all that God had done through them.” – The subject is God; the missionaries are merely instruments. – The word translated “reported” (Greek: anēngellon) means to declare or announce; it carries no hint of embellishment. • Testimonies are factual recountings of God’s activity, not platforms for self-promotion (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:31). Why Share Testimonies? 1. To glorify God publicly (Psalm 66:16). 2. To build up the church’s faith (Romans 1:12). 3. To confirm the spread of the gospel beyond local boundaries (Acts 14:27). 4. To model obedience and encourage others to step out in faith (Hebrews 10:24). Guidelines Drawn from Acts 15:4 • Wait for a receptive setting; relationship precedes report. • Speak to the gathered body—leaders and members alike—so unity grows around God’s work. • Tell “all” that God has done, including obstacles He overcame; honesty magnifies His power. • Keep the focus vertical: God the Actor, we the vessels (John 3:30). Practical Steps for Today • Cultivate welcoming spaces—small groups, family tables, church gatherings—where stories of God’s work are expected. • Prepare testimonies prayerfully, rehearsing what God did, not what we achieved. • Anchor each account in Scripture to show consistency with God’s revealed character (Js 1:17). • Celebrate together—applaud the Lord, not the storyteller (Psalm 115:1). Supporting Passages • Acts 14:27 — “They reported everything God had done and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” • Mark 5:19 — “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” • Psalm 9:11 — “Proclaim among the nations what He has done.” • Revelation 12:11 — “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Key Takeaway Acts 15:4 shows that sharing testimonies is a natural, expected, and vital rhythm of Christian community: God acts, His people recount, and the church welcomes the stories, giving all glory to Him. |
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