How can we ensure our actions draw others to faith, as in John 12:11? Setting the Scene in John 12:11 “for on account of him many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.” (John 12:11) Lazarus simply lived as one raised from the dead. His very presence verified Jesus’ power and moved crowds toward faith. Scripture records this as literal history, underscoring how God uses tangible, observable change to draw people to His Son. A Life Transformed Becomes Irrefutable Evidence • Just as Lazarus’ restored life authenticated Jesus’ claims, our visibly changed lives authenticate the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Believers are “letters… known and read by everyone” (2 Corinthians 3:2‐3). • When people cannot deny the reality of Christ in us, they must wrestle with Him, not merely our words. Priorities That Signal Christ, Not Self • Seek the kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). What we pursue most loudly proclaims what we believe. • Reject the craving for human applause (Galatians 1:10). Motives matter; purity of intent keeps the spotlight on Jesus. • Steward everyday roles—employee, parent, neighbor—as platforms for His name (Colossians 3:17). Integrity That Silences Critics • “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that… they may glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). • Consistency between confession and behavior guards credibility (Titus 2:7‐8). • Quick repentance when we fail testifies to God’s grace and our sincerity. Visible Love and Service • “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) • Practical ways: – Meeting material needs in Jesus’ name (James 2:15‐16) – Welcoming outsiders and showing hospitality (Romans 12:13) – Bearing others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2) Joy Amid Trials • Paul and Silas sang in prison; the jailer believed (Acts 16:25‐34). • Unexplainable peace (Philippians 4:6‐7) highlights Christ’s sufficiency when circumstances do not. Words That Match Our Walk • We “shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:15‐16). • Speak Scripture naturally, recounting God’s faithfulness in personal stories just as Lazarus could point to his own resurrection. • Gentle, respectful answers (1 Peter 3:15) open doors rather than slam them. Daily Practices That Keep the Fire Bright • Time in the Word renews our minds (Psalm 1:2‐3). • Continual prayer keeps dependence clear (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Fellowship with other believers sharpens witness (Hebrews 10:24‐25). Keeping Jesus Central • Lazarus did not promote himself; his life promoted Christ. We must do the same (John 3:30). • Any praise we receive becomes an opportunity to testify, “The life you see is His work in me” (Galatians 2:20). Live resurrected. Let the tangible evidence of transformation, integrity, love, and joy direct every onlooker to the One who called you from death to life. |
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