A witness is someone who sees, has knowledge of, or experiences an event. When you “witness” to someone, you are describing something that you saw, have knowledge of, or have experienced. If you are a follower of Christ – a Christian – you have knowledge of the truth of the gospel and have experienced his saving grace. A person would witness to someone if they were asked to. Or a person would witness to someone if they had a tremendous amount of zeal to share what they know.
Why Witness? Because You Are Asked to be a Witness
As disciples of Christ, we are commanded to go into all the world to preach the gospel. Mark 16:15. Jesus commands us to be representatives of Him. In Acts 1:8, after the Holy Ghost came upon the disciples, they were “witnesses unto me (Christ) both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Jesus asks us to be a witness of him; to testify of what he has done in our lives.
People may ask what has happened in your life. When I was first saved in my junior year of High School, my history teacher asked a question for the class to answer. Historically, I was known as a class clown, not really caring about participating in class unless it brought me attention. I raised my hand and the teacher called on me. I gave my best answer, which happened to be obvious and correct, of which he thanked me with a smirk as he felt I was being disingenuous. After time, he realized that I had changed as I was trying to get good grades and I no longer desired to be the class clown. He came over to me after class and asked, “what happened to you? You have changed.” I told him I gave my heart to Christ and that I was now a Christian. He responded, “that is great. I like it – keep it up!” I was able to provide him an answer of the reason of the hope that is in me. I Peter 3:15
"Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks"
Matt 12:34 says that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” In other words, the things on your mind will overcome your ability to NOT talk about them. For example, when you meet someone new, what is the topic that comes to your mind? This is what is bubbling in your heart, and this is the topic you will speak about with your new friend. Sports, love, religion, cars – whatever you are dwelling on. When Jesus saves you and delivers you from sin, the inexpressible joy and liberty you experience overwhelms your thoughts and you cannot help but speak of what God has done in your life.
When you truly believe what the scripture says about being born again and about what happens to the lost, you have a desire out of love for mankind to share the gospel. God forbid anyone you know ends up in hell for all eternity. If you truly believe the Word of God, you will want to speak about heaven and hell and the question of “why witness” would be irrelevant.
Why Wouldn't Someone Want to Witness of what Christ has Done in Their Life?
- Maybe there is nothing to witness about because he has done nothing in your life
- Maybe you are still in sin
- Maybe you do not believe what the scripture says about heaven and hell
- Maybe you are scared? (Zeal overcomes this – you cannot help yourself)
- Maybe you feel it would be useless
- Maybe you are embarrassed
Draw Near to God and He Will Draw Near to You.
Friend – if you lack a testimony; if you don’t have anything to witness about; if you are empty inside; Jesus wants to change your life! He wants to dine with you. Humble yourself before Him; confess your sins and ask Him to forgive you. “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37
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