How can we ensure our testimonies glorify God and strengthen others' faith? Witnesses at the Tomb: John 12:17 “Meanwhile, many people from the crowd who had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.” In a single sentence, Scripture shows us how testimony is meant to work: those who personally experienced Christ’s power couldn’t keep silent. Their words honored Him and stirred faith in others. The same pattern guides us today. Key Principles for God-Glorifying Testimony • Center it on Christ’s work, not our performance – “He called Lazarus… raised him…” The crowd’s story revolved around what Jesus did. – 1 Corinthians 1:31: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” • Speak from firsthand encounter with the living Lord – 1 John 1:3: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard.” – Authenticity flows naturally when we share what Christ has done in us. • Keep Scripture woven into the story – Psalm 119:46: “I will speak of Your testimonies before kings and will not be ashamed.” – Let God’s own words validate and shape our words. • Aim to stir faith, not admiration – Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” – The apostles’ goal was conviction, not applause. • Speak with humble boldness – 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet do so with gentleness and respect.” – Bold about truth, gentle toward listeners. Practical Steps to Strengthen Others’ Faith 1. Remember the miracle daily • Rehearse what Christ rescued you from (Ephesians 2:1–5). • Gratitude fuels a fresh, vibrant testimony. 2. Frame the narrative around God’s character • Highlight His love, power, faithfulness. • Avoid making yourself the hero of the story. 3. Use clear, ordinary language • The crowd “continued to bear witness”—plain, conversational recounting. • Complex jargon can cloud the glory of simple grace. 4. Connect your story to the gospel message • Lazarus’ resurrection pointed to Jesus’ own death-conquering power. • Our stories should naturally segue to Christ’s cross and empty tomb. 5. Invite listeners to respond to Him, not to you • Revelation 12:11: “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” • Victory is in the Lamb; direct people there. Guardrails That Protect the Purity of Testimony • Accuracy over exaggeration – Proverbs 12:22: “Truthful lips endure forever.” • Holiness over hype – Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine… that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” • Dependence on the Spirit’s power, not human persuasion – 1 Corinthians 2:4–5: “My message… were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” Fruit We Can Expect • God receives visible honor (Psalm 115:1). • Believers are emboldened (Philippians 1:14). • Unbelievers are drawn to investigate (John 4:39). • Our own faith deepens (Philemon 1:6). Living It Out Today • Share one fresh example this week of how Christ has met you. • Keep a journal of answered prayer to maintain accuracy and gratitude. • Memorize a verse that anchors your story, ready to quote it naturally. • Pray for sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings when and where to speak. Just as those who witnessed Lazarus emerging from the tomb kept telling everyone what Jesus had done, we testify so that the risen Lord is seen, trusted, and adored—now and for eternity. |
    |