But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1Timothy 1:16 (NLT)
I just completed a series of devotionals entitled, Sharing In Faith which covered the basics of a Christian sharing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with others. We learned within these devotionals, that each of us is qualified to share the simple, loving truthful message of the Gospel with those in our lives. But some people will be the first to tell you, I cant do that! Im just not built this way, they would reason.
Im sure you know many people who would say this, and you would probably have no problem agreeing with them. I would agree with many of them too, until I witnessed the most mild manor, introverted people sharing the faith over and over.
You see, we often think to ourselves, it is necessary to know a lot about the Bible before we go and talk to others about Jesus. We may feel a sense of fear, perhaps from the possibility of not having an answer for a potential question from the person whom were sharing with. And, in this fear, we can become frozen, and end up squandering the opportunities which the Lord has given us.
There are still other Christians, who feel it is necessary to prepare for such encounters. They may even attempt to choreograph every step they intend to take when theyve finally psyched themselves up to share the Good News about Jesus Christ. They would feel it necessary to have a certain established relationship built with someone before ever beginning to share with them.
How about when you blow it in front of someone who doesnt know the Lord as his or her personal Savior yet? Have you found yourself in this position yet? I know I have, and Ive done more than I care to admit. You know what Im talking about here; its when you do something totally opposite to what you know to be right, and you realize youve probably blown your witness as a Christian, and youve definitely squandered a chance to share what you truthfully believe.
Chances are, youve experienced this as well, and have probably walked away, and have given up any chance of sharing your faith with this person.
Is this what God would want us to do? Do we actually think this helps complete our task of sharing the faith with the World? I really dont think any of us do, but this doesnt stop us from doing it either.
God has a way of doing things, and it is not like our ways either.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)
So what am I suggesting then? Am I suggesting we still proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those whom weve lived a false witness before?
Believe it or not, this might be the exact way the Lord allows them to see how loving He is, and how great His mercy and grace are.
I want to expand upon this point in Part II of this message. And I am going to do this by sharing a story of a friend of mine. I believe it will answer many questions as well as share his personal testimony of how the Lord worked through him in the most remarkable way.
I want to encourage you to know some things that are critical in being the kind of Christian our Lord wants us to be, and it is this.
"God is the one who does the wondrous works through us.
"God is the one who gives us the ability to be bold.
"God is the one who gives us the ability to forgive those who have hurt us.
"God is the one who forgave us.
"God is the one who will help us to do everything He has called us to do.
"God is the one who supplies the Power of the Holy Spirit.
It is 100% God! The cool part is this:
"He wants to do it through you!
"He chose you to share in His ministry.
"He did this because He wants to share this blessing with you.
Will you let Him work through you today?
STUDY QUESTION: According to 1Timothy 1:16, what did God do for us, and for what reason?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to allow God to use your life to help others into the Kingdom for eternity?
APPLICATION: Ask God to use you, and then simply lay down your wants and desires, while seeking His.
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