How can we overcome fear to share our testimony as in Luke 8:39? Grounding Our Study in the Text Luke 8:39: “Return to your home and describe all that God has done for you.” Why Fear Creeps In • Worry about rejection or ridicule • Feeling inadequate to articulate the gospel • Forgetting Christ’s authority and presence Recognize Who Sends You • Jesus gives the command; therefore the outcome is His responsibility (Matthew 28:18–20). • Our role: obedience; His role: results (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). Rely on His Authority and Presence • “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). • We never witness alone; Christ promises, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Receive the Spirit’s Power • Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” • 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Pray for fresh filling and boldness (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 4:31). Replace Fear with Love • 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” • Ask God to deepen love for the lost; love turns apprehension into compassion. Remember What He Has Done for You • The delivered man in Luke 8 couldn’t debate theology, but he could recount a changed life. • Psalm 66:16: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me.” Simple Steps to Sharing 1. Identify one specific way Jesus has changed you. 2. Describe your life before Christ, how you met Him, and your life now. 3. Keep it personal and Christ-centered; He is the hero of your story. 4. Invite response: “Can I tell you how He can do the same for you?” Practical Helps for Today • Write a 3-minute and a 30-second version of your testimony. • Practice with a trusted friend until it flows naturally. • Carry Scripture cards (Romans 1:16; John 3:16) for quick reference. • Look for everyday openings—shared struggles, answered prayers, acts of kindness. Encouraging Examples from Scripture • John 4: The Samaritan woman simply said, “Come, see a man…” • Mark 5:19: Jesus told another delivered man, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” • Acts 4:13: Ordinary, uneducated men astonished the council because they had been with Jesus. Key Takeaways • Fear fades when we focus on Christ’s authority, Spirit-given power, and God’s love for people. • Your transformed life is irrefutable evidence of the gospel’s truth. • Start where you are, tell what you know, and trust God for the rest. |
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