If we desire to witness like Jesus witnessed what should we expect?
(Matt. 4:23-25; 5;14; 25:31-46; John 12:31; Eph. 4:15; Col. 4:6) Blog Aug. 16-22, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus are his witnesses. They tell others about God’s saving love. This brings joy to them, to those who believe their testimony, to God, and to the angels in heaven. Every human being is a purchase of Jesus and someone who God desires to save. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony.
Think of a place that you would NOT want to visit!
Immersion (Isa. 8:22-9:2; Matt. 4:13-17; Mark 14:70; Luke 15:2; John 1:46; 7:50-52; 15:18, 25; Acts 2:7)
1. What was the condition of Galilee when Jesus came? It was dark, uncivilized, backwards, full of gentiles, & corrupt.
2. What was Nazareth known for? Corruption & dissolute living.
3. What was the attitude of most people towards Jesus? They hated him without a cause.
4. How was Jesus received by his own people? He came unto his own & they received him not.
5. If we desire to witness like Jesus witnessed what should we expect? We should expect that our surroundings will be unhealthful & corrupt, that most people will hate us, that many will reject our message.
6. Compare heaven’s ivory palaces to earth’s darkness and corruption: They are worlds apart – not comparable!
Infusion (Matt. 12:18-21; Rom. 5:5; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 1:7)
7. Knowing that we will encounter hatred and rejection and be surrounded by corruption how must we prepare to witness? We must study God’s Word in order to answer our opponents, pray in order to have God’s angel’s & Spirit to help us, & be strong knowing that we are in a war that requires diligent effort.
8. How long did Jesus prepare himself for his ministry? Thirty years at his mother’s knee & father’s carpenter shop plus forty days of fasting & prayer in the wilderness.
9. As mentioned in Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34 what was Jesus’ continual attitude towards people? One of compassion.
10. From where do we get compassion for others? From the Holy Spirit that sheds it abroad in our hearts.
11. What must you do to be light in this dark world? You must walk in the light.
12. To help others find assurance of salvation what must a person already have? The assurance of salvation himself otherwise his whole life will be spent seeking his own assurance & not that of others.
Expression (Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 25:31-46; Mark 1:14-15, 32-39; Luke 4:22, 31-32; Col. 4:6; James 5:14-16)
13. What three activities made up the bulk of Jesus’ ministry? Teaching, preaching, & healing.
14. What two things did Jesus always ask people to do that heard his message? Repent & believe.
15. How does Luke describe Jesus’ words? As gracious & powerful.
16. How does Colossians say that our words should be? Gracious
17. Before we tell people to live the Christian life what must we tell them? To believe the gospel.
18. According to Mark 1 what part of his ministry did Jesus consider most important? Preaching the Gospel (to seek & save the lost [Lk. 19:10]).
19. Besides the salvation of humanity what other purpose did Jesus have in coming to this earth? To reveal the Father’s character (& Law) of love.
20. How does James tell us to treat the sick? To pray for them, treat their maladies after asking them to confess & repent of their sins.21. According to Matthew 25:31-46 what can we do to follow Jesus’ example of meeting people’s needs? We can give food to the hungry, the water of life to the thirsty, the clothing of righteousness to the ungodly, & visit the sick & imprisoned.