What does "appointed you as a servant and witness" mean for believers today? Setting the Scene: Acts 26:16 “ ‘But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you.’ ” (Acts 26:16) Who Does the Appointing? • The risen Jesus, speaking with sovereign authority • His commission carries the same weight today because His Word endures unchanged (Matthew 24:35) Servant: Our Posture and Purpose • A servant submits—Jesus is Lord, not adviser (Luke 6:46) • A servant obeys—“Whatever He tells you, do it” (John 2:5) • A servant mirrors Christ’s humility—“He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7) • A servant lives for the Master’s agenda, not personal acclaim (Galatians 1:10) Witness: Our Message and Mission • A witness speaks facts—what has been seen and heard (Acts 4:20) • A witness upholds truth regardless of cost (Revelation 12:11) • A witness testifies publicly—Christian faith is personal but never private (Acts 1:8) “Of What You Have Seen” – Personal Testimony • Paul recounted the Damascus encounter; believers share the moment Jesus saved them (1 Peter 3:15) • Testimony highlights Christ’s power, not our merit (Ephesians 2:4-5) • Each testimony is uniquely designed to reach specific hearts (Mark 5:19) “And What I Will Show You” – Ongoing Revelation through the Word • Jesus promised continued unveiling of truth (John 16:13) • Daily Scripture intake equips new insights to pass along (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • The servant-witness keeps learning so the message stays fresh and faithful (Colossians 3:16) Empowered by the Spirit • Appointment includes enablement—“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8) • The Spirit supplies boldness (2 Timothy 1:7) • The Spirit convicts listeners; we simply speak (John 16:8) Practical Ways to Live as Servant-Witnesses Today • Start each day surrendering plans to Christ’s lordship • Look for natural openings to share how Jesus changed you • Keep Scripture ready—memorize key verses like Romans 5:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 • Serve tangible needs: a meal, a ride, a listening ear • Cultivate integrity; conduct backs up confession (Titus 2:10) • Support global missions—prayer, giving, going (Matthew 28:19-20) Encouraging Promises for Servant-Witnesses • Jesus is with us “to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) • The Word we share “will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11) • Faithful witnesses will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) |
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