Review of T4G
I’ve been researching this spiritual workout for a long time. In the past six-ten months, it has really intensified as I began to pull together this ‘workout’ plan. This plan has six elements and this post today is on the final element. Before we get to witnessing, let me just list the other elements. My workout plan, which I now call T4G, starts with Bible study. Daily prayer is the second element and tied very closely to the Bible study. Our daily discipline should also include Praising God. We don’t have to do this all alone, so fellowship with other believers is also an element. We are to ‘do good works’ on a daily basis in obedience to His Word. This brings us to witnessing on a daily basis.
Preliminary Notes
Just out of curiosity I checked on a definition of ‘witness’. A witness is one who testifies or gives evidence. Now in the early church, many witnesses who were retelling what they knew of Jesus Christ were killed.
I did read a great reminder by Dr. Charles Stanley. He said that we are responsible for sharing the truth, not the converting of individuals.
Our Actions Speak Volumes
John Wesley said it well, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Our previous workout element was to DO GOOD WORKS. When our faith drives our desire to do those good works, it speaks loudly!! When our faith drives those good works, we will articulate that faith in our everyday language. It will be seen in how we speak to others, how we respond to challenges, and how we deal with opportunities!
Say So! Speak Up for Christ!
When Jesus was at a festival in John chapter 7, the Jewish leaders were looking for Him. There was a lot of chit chat about Him, both good and bad. However, fear stifled many because they were afraid! They would now speak up for Jesus of Nazareth. We are told, even in the Old Testament, that we are to proclaim God’s message and that people will listen. When Jonah finally entered the city of Nineveh and delivered God’s message, indeed the people listened. (Read Jonah 3:4-9) Do you have the enthusiasm to speak up for Christ? Do you hesitate? Campus Minister Ryan Spurrier, from the Wesley Campus Ministry at UNC, reminded me recently that “God goes before us. He is just waiting for us to take the next steps.” I’ve referred to it before, but one of my favorite songs right now is “Say So!” The lyrics talk about how we have a purpose - to be the salt and the light of the world! “Let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO!”
Peter and John were questioned by the rulers and elders of the Jewish people after preaching about Jesus. They were told not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name ever again. Their response was clear and simple - “We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
Don’t be afraid, be bold! Be a witness for Christ!
Pass on the Faith
Paul instructed Timothy about teaching the truths he’s learned from him. We too are to pass along the Good News to others!
Final Thoughts
I want to urge you to NOT think of witnessing as ‘just standing on the corner preaching’ or ‘going door to door’. Witnessing is so much more and I hope you can think of being a witness as an everyday discipline and part of your spiritual workout! Pray about those individuals who God may place in your path each day. Pray that your eyes will be open to those opportunities. Work on your attitude so that you are willing to have spiritual conversations no matter where you are. Be the salt and the light of the world!
Find my podcast at https://chaplaingray.podbean.com/. You'll find my other episodes focusing on spiritual workouts there as well. A new series of episodes are coming this summer called “Rooted Principles”.
Thanks for reading this post. I would greatly appreciate you sharing a link to the post with your friends and your network. Feel free to comment below as well.
"His faithful love endures forever."
Until next time...
Chaplain Gray
