What does "we speak of what we know" teach about sharing our faith? Context of the Phrase John 3:11: “Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you people do not accept our testimony.” • Jesus is explaining new birth to Nicodemus. • “We” draws from the prophetic tradition (cf. John 1:32; 1 John 1:1) and underscores firsthand certainty. Knowing Before Speaking • Evangelism is rooted in personal acquaintance with Christ, not hearsay. • Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • 1 John 1:3: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us.” Takeaway: Believers share because they possess genuine, lived-out knowledge of the Lord. Authority of Eyewitness Testimony • Jesus models speaking with divine authority; we echo His certainty when we relay Scripture and personal experience. • 2 Corinthians 4:13: “It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.” Takeaway: Confidence comes from believing truth revealed in God’s Word and witnessed in our lives. Integrity and Credibility • Authentic witness flows from consistent life and lips (Philippians 1:27). • When what we know shapes how we live, our message gains credibility. Clarity Over Speculation • “We speak of what we know” excludes vague philosophy; it centers on the gospel facts—Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Staying with what Scripture affirms guards against error and confusion. Boldness in the Face of Rejection • Jesus continued to testify even when Nicodemus struggled. • Similarly, believers remain faithful whether or not listeners respond (2 Timothy 4:2). Practical Ways to Share What We Know • Immerse in Scripture daily, so knowledge remains fresh and accurate. • Recall specific instances of God’s work in personal life—answered prayer, transformed habits, comfort in trials. • Combine biblical truth with personal story for a balanced testimony. • Speak naturally in everyday settings—meals, workplaces, online—so faith conversation flows rather than feels forced. • Trust the Holy Spirit to use clear, sincere words (John 15:26-27). Encouragement to Keep Speaking • Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” • The more we grow in knowledge of Christ, the more compelling our witness becomes. |
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