Chapter 4: Courageous Witnessing

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:

· The difficulty of living in a compromised world.

· The power of your personal testimony.

· The Timothy principle of evangelism.

· Tools needed for discipling.


AS A RESULT, you will be able to:

· Live without compromising your beliefs.

· Write and present an effective testimony.

· Multiply your results when witnessing.

· Implement useful discipling tools.

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 87-97.

Key Scripture: “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth” (Ps. 26:2-3).

Has the American dream of success through individual effort disintegrated into a nightmare? We have always admired the rugged individualists who carved out this nation through grit and determination. Certain men and women have stood head and shoulders above the crowd — people like Daniel Boone and Abraham Lincoln. In former days it was simply assumed that the moral backbone of these individuals had been strengthened through families that lived by biblical principles. But because today’s history books overlook or purposely ignore our Christian heritage, many people are not aware of the spiritual influences of our Founding Fathers.

Our American Heritage

Rugged individualism was personified in Daniel Boone, who felt closed in if he could see the smoke from his neighbor’s chimney. Though he lived in turbulent times, he never shot a man in anger — or boasted of the men he was forced to kill in battle. Having Quaker parents no doubt molded a gentleness into young Daniel. In addition to his gentle nature, the older Daniel was respected for his wisdom. So great was the people’s confidence in him that he was made a judge, although he could barely read or write.

Abraham Lincoln, who also had little formal education, became a great president. Throughout the world he is known as the man who freed the slaves. But not much mention is made of the fact that this idea of freedom was planted in him as a young boy by his Baptist parents who were against slavery. Neither do most history books record Lincoln’s love for the Bible. It was the only book his parents owned, and he read it over and over. Lincoln kept a copy on his White House desk — to refer to often for guidance and wisdom. His dreams came true through hard work and a deep love for God. This rugged individualist knew the source of his success.

A person can still rise from rags to riches, so a dream of sorts has survived. Some people rise from the ghetto of poverty and pain to fame and fortune. Even so, many today lack the moral fiber needed to give substance to their nebulous dreams. Individualism, which made America great, has also become the cause of her demise. In our search for success we have left God out of our dreams, our government, and our lives.

Secular Individualism

American individualism, manifesting itself in our day as a spirit of selfishness, has weakened the underpinnings of our nation. Our elderly are mistreated, and unborn babies are killed under the guise of pro-choice. The traditional family is no longer a unit of society. Where love once was the cement holding families together, selfishness is now the wedge driving them apart. Full-blown immorality has grown from a root of self-centeredness. Freedom of expression has replaced morality, and the government has swung far to the left to please an immoral minority. Therefore, under the guise of freedom, we are plagued with splintered families, teen pregnancies, homosexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, and violent behavior.

Furthermore, selfishness has plunged the United States into unfathomable debt. Even so, secular marketing experts continue to appeal to consumer greed. Their methods have been devised to eradicate traditional values such as the nuclear family, the Protestant work ethic, the savings mentality, even the concept of a biblically-based morality. Therefore, many people are either unsympathetic to Christian beliefs or outright hostile. Cultural and spiritual forces now dominate our society, which has stopped hearing from the Holy Spirit.

Counterfeit Christianity

Into this climate has arisen a group of moral chameleons who look like Christians one moment and like the world another. Often it is difficult to distinguish such Christians from unbelievers. These lukewarm Christians are attempting to reach heaven by the middle road. They practice a “Good Life Gospel,” which appeals to the selfishness of the old nature. With its promise of happiness, this gospel espouses the following counterfeits:

· Salvation without submission · Love without law

· Discipleship without discipline · Reformation without repentance

· Conversion without confession

The cheap grace and carnality of counterfeit Christianity appeals to the baser instincts of many people. Yet God has called us out of the darkness of indulgence to be people of influence and light in our communities.

Personifying Integrity

Those of us who have fled the darkness have the responsibility to witness to compromised neighbors and acquaintances. By following these guidelines, we can avoid compromise while witnessing to our faith:

Ask God to cleanse our conscience (Heb. 9:14); Never do anything that will hurt our personal walk with Jesus (1 Peter 1:14-15); Abstain from every form of evil (2 Cor. 7:1); Don’t flaunt our freedom by imposing it on other people (1 Cor. 8:9-10); Expect to be misunderstood at times in our witnessing efforts (Acts 21:27-29); Seek a spiritual sponsor to whom we are accountable (2 Sam. 12:1-15). By adhering to these principles, we can keep our own spiritual house in order so that we can minister to others.

Presuppositional Questions

Once our spiritual houses are in order, we can begin to ask value questions of unbelievers, since everyone has a value system. One of the most effective ways to witness is to ask presuppositional questions. Their purpose is to aid in bringing to the surface what a person really believes — and why. As a witness we are to help an unbeliever see the truth without offering an opinion. These philosophical questions fit into two main categories:

Being. How did we get here? Who are we? Where are we going?

Oughtness. What should we do? How do we determine right from wrong?

Asking these types of questions will provoke people to think. The ultimate purpose of this method is to force unbelievers to conclude logically that certain things are wrong. Perhaps they have never formulated into words exactly what they believe. As we actively listen, inserting an appropriate response here and there, one question leads to another. In the process the person will reveal his or her religious and political views, as well as a personal philosophy of life.

Intense interest on our part will often prompt the other person to ask for our opinion. Given the opportunity, we should emphasize the lack of meaning in life without God as the ultimate source of morality, based on our own experience. Some unbelievers will accept this and ask to know more. Many scoffers and seekers have been won to Christ through presuppositional questions, but this type of witnessing will not appeal to everyone. Therefore, we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit regarding which kinds of witnessing tools to use at any given time.

Key Concepts: [All answers above]

1. True or False. Most Americans know about the Christian influences on our Founding Fathers.

2. Selfish individualism in America today is (weakening, strengthening) our nation.

3. The government often seeks to please the (moral majority, immoral minority).

4. True or False. Although they may disagree with Christians, most unbelievers are sympathetic to their views.

5. The “Good Life Gospel” promises salvation without submission and discipleship without ________________.

6. Everyone (does, does not) have a value system.

7. True or False. The purpose of presuppositional questions is to get the unbeliever to conclude that certain things are wrong.

8. All philosophical questions fit into two categories, being and .

Further Study: Read “iii. Motives for Christian Behavior” and “iv. Corporate Harmony and Personal Convictions,” IBC, pp. 1340-43.

Mission in Action: The richness of a person’s relationship with God flows down to the family and to others. List your priorities and estimate the time you spend with each one. Remember that “quantity equals quality” when speaking of time. If you spend more time with church members than with your family, reestablish your priorities. Refer to your list from time to time to check your progress.

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 98-105; Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 94-97.

Key Scripture: “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart” (1 John 5:9-10).

A testimony from the heart is believable — and powerful. Its purpose is to use personal experiences to interest unbelievers in the gospel. Perhaps you have hesitated to give your testimony — afraid that it is colorless or boring. Your experiences may seem dull compared to those of a reformed drug addict or a hardened criminal who has done a complete turnaround. Although everyone enjoys hearing this kind of testimony, few people can relate to it. More hearts will be touched by the normal “man on the street” statements of how God changed his or her life. Being released from constant worry or fear is no small thing — nor is forgiving a parent who has abused you. As you obediently share your testimony, God will provide a receptive audience.

Giving a testimony is simply telling what we have seen and heard. One of many outstanding examples in the New Testament is recorded by Luke. He related the story of a man healed of demon possession (8:26-39). For a long time this wretched creature had not worn clothes or lived in a house. Too violent to be restrained by shackles, he lived in the tombs in the region of the Gerasenes. But when he met Jesus, the demons inside threw him at the feet of our Lord. With authority and compassion Jesus ordered the demons out of him and into a herd of pigs, which promptly ran off a cliff and drowned in the sea below. Bystanders scattered into the nearby village, telling everyone what had happened. Curiosity seekers returning to the scene found the man clothed and in his right mind. Grateful for his deliverance, the man begged to be allowed to travel with Jesus. But our Lord replied, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you” (8:39). And the man did — giving his personal testimony to anyone who would listen.

The apostle Paul, realizing the power of his personal testimony, eagerly shared it on many occasions. The first recorded account appears in the book of Acts. After having been seized from an angry mob by soldiers, Paul asked for permission to speak to the crowd. Describing his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul related how the Lord had authorized him as a witness. He reminded the crowd that he (Paul) had given his approval to the stoning of Stephen and had actually held the coats of the murderers. The angry mob listened until Paul mentioned his commission to the Gentiles. Then everyone went berserk and cried for his death (22:1-22). Obviously this is an extreme reaction to a personal testimony. Hopefully you won’t be subjected to such danger when you relate what Christ has done for you, though you can be assured, as Paul was, of the Lord’s protection. But Paul’s account does emphasize the power of a personal testimony.

Preparing Your Testimony

Every Christian has a testimony. As you begin to think about what the Lord has done for you, write it down. Preparation is important since every minute counts when you speak. Start by dividing your testimony into three parts: before, during, and after your conversion. Select the highlights of specific events. Pick one mood or problem that you struggled with before salvation. Next, tell an incident showing in real life how the problem was affecting you. Finally, and most importantly, share your conversion experience by telling how Christ became real to you, how you experienced salvation. Give examples of how He is still working in your life today. Keeping your testimony brief and to the point will capture the attention of your audience (adapted from The Reluctant Evangelist, pp. 160-63).

Paul’s Example

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul gave his abbreviated testimony, which included the following basic parts:

Before. “Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee” (3:5). Basically Paul related his enviable status in the community.

During. “As for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (3:6). Right up to the moment of his conversion, Paul believed he was a righteous man.

After. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (3:8). Once Paul encountered the Lord, nothing else mattered. His heritage, his job, and his reputation became inconsequential as his goal changed from persecuting Christians to suffering for Christ.

By emphasizing these relevant parts, you can have a succinct two- to three-minute testimony. Joseph Aldrich in Gentle Persuasion, p. 20, has suggested some topics to help you in the preparation. Perhaps you can include one or more of the following: How Christ changed your marriage; How Christ altered your vocabulary; How peace has become a reality in your life; How God’s forgiveness brings joy; How a new sense of purpose and meaning fills your life; How you are increasingly being delivered from frustrating and sometimes destructive habits.

People are fascinated by human interest stories. A personal testimony serves a special purpose to unbelievers, often proving the existence of a God who cares for individuals and their needs. Every testimony should witness to the goodness of God — his protection, provision, and promises. It should also show that Jesus lives today — still saving souls and healing bodies, marriages, and families. In all ways every testimony should glorify God.

Key Concepts:

1. Using an door means taking advantage of a common interest through which you can share the gospel. [BBA, 94]

2. Jesus (did, did not) use abstract theological terms in communicating spiritual truth. [BBA, 94]

3. True or False. Speaking Christianese will open spiritual doors. [BBA, 95]

4. Paul used Greek as an interest door to the philosophers on Mars Hill. [BBA, 95]

5. True or False. It is unnecessary for Christians to be informed about such secular areas as economics and sports. [BBA, 95]

6. An interest door should be relevant, , and applicable to the hearer. [BBA, 97]

Further Study: Read “II. Encouragement to Timothy,” IBC, pp. 1485-87.

Mission in Action: Peter and Kate Fitzgerald were able to give testimony to the character of God: He loves us, never goes back on His pledge, and pursues us with faithfulness and compassion (LDD, p. 104). Has God been pursuing you? Or are you holding on to a promise God has made to you? It is easier to remember a promise if you write it down. Keep a prayer journal. If the Lord has given you a specific promise in scripture, write the date beside it in your Bible. Be sure to note in your journal and Bible when the promise comes to pass. Then both your Bible and journal become excellent sources of personal testimonies.

Reading: Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 111-28.

Key Scripture: “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Cor. 3:7).

Farming varies from culture to culture and over time. Planting crops in first-century Palestine was considerably different from American agriculture today. The Palestinian farmer plowed the rocky fertile soil in autumn, but the summer grain was sown between the end of January and the end of February. He usually scattered his seed by hand from a basket. It was within this context that Jesus told the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23).

Sowing Experience

Though a majority of Americans live in urban settings today, almost everyone has a rudimentary understanding of farming. If you asked someone living in the city, “What is necessary to grow corn?” they might answer, “Soil, seeds, and water.” But if you asked a farmer, the answer would come from his experience in the fields. Only through experience can we gain a true perspective of what transpires between the sowing of the seed and the reaping the harvest.

The farmer would tell you that there is a season for planting corn. During that time the ground must be carefully prepared to receive the seeds. The seed itself must be of good quality — saved from previous bumper crops. Water is essential, for germination cannot take place if the seed is too dry. Too little or too much water will damage a growing plant. The farmer must nurture the baby plant. He digs around it, keeping the soil loose to help it grow. He protects it from insects and disease. Furthermore, the farmer pulls away any weeds that would choke the life from it.

A farmer makes an investment of his time in the helpless plant. Under his care, the plant grows into a healthy cornstalk. Even harvesting is an important step in the process. If the farmer picks the corn too early, it will not have reached its full maturity — volume and taste will suffer. Likewise, picking the corn too late will result in loss due to rot. A good farmer knows exactly when to harvest — when the succulent ears of corn have reached maturity.

Sowing Eternal Seed

How like that farmer we should be in our witnessing. Perhaps we should think of ourselves as “farmers” as well as “fishers” of men. We should be excited over the gospel, for there is nothing more important than helping people come to know Jesus. If you are interested in sowing eternal seed, here are some tips:

Be sensitive as you prepare the soil; if the ground is hard, break it up through prayer, spiritual warfare, love, and friendship.

Get a variety of “seeds” (e.g., tracts, books, tapes) since every person is different; saturate the ground with intercessory prayer to protect the precious seed. Stand with them spiritually.

Keep the crows — people with secular philosophies who take advantage of young Christians — away; pull out the weeds sown by the enemy — those mixing Christianity with other philosophies.

Keep well-meaning Christians from pushing new converts to “perform” right away, since they need time to grow; nurture young converts through teaching the foundations of the faith — the doctrines of first importance.

Danny Lehman has suggested that every witness needs a “farmer’s evangelism belt.” On this belt is a seed bag, a trowel, a watering can, and a sickle. Each item has a specific purpose — and a time for use. A sensitive farmer knows the time for sowing and reaping. An important ingredient in effective evangelism, then, is wisdom, but its essence is cooperation with God. Humanity’s threefold responsibility is plowing, planting, and watering. On the other hand, the Holy Trinity does three things that we cannot do: (1) Christ draws a person to himself (John 12:32). (2) The Father reveals who Jesus is (2 Cor. 4:6). (3) The Holy Spirit convicts a person of sin (John 16:7-11).

Even Satan has a job. “While everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away” (Matt. 13:25). The enemy sows lies into the hearts of witnesses. One of his lies is to convince them that they are not responsible for evangelism and are incapable of answering difficult questions. Moreover, he insinuates that they can never enjoy witnessing. As a result, many Christians are ineffective as laborers in the spiritual harvest. But Christ has called us to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). He has promised that every person will receive a reward according to their labor (1 Cor. 3:13-14).

Key Concepts:

1. True or False. As a witness, I am not only to lead people to salvation, but to keep them saved as well. [BBA, 112]

2. Seed in Jesus’ parables most often refers to the of God. [BBA, 113]

3. True or False. Both physical birth and salvation have a gestation period. [BBA, 113]

4. Jesus told us to pray for (harvesters, sowers, workers). [BBA, 114]

5. If a person has been witnessed to and needs encouragement, it’s time for the evangelist to (water, harvest). [BBA, 115]

6. is the visual witness to the world of the gospel. [BBA, 119]

7. The four agents in conversion are God, the gospel, the , and the non-Christian with a free will. [BBA, 123]

8. Manipulating unbelievers into accepting Jesus (accelerates, slows down) their repentance. [BBA, 124]

9. are spiritually hungry sinners who are searching for the truth. [BBA, 125]

10. True or False. Keeping a spiritual scoreboard helps us reach our witnessing goals. [BBA, 127]

Further Study: Read “Agriculture,” pp. 22-24 and “Farming,” pp. 346-48 in the New International Dictionary of the Bible.

Mission in Action: Sally was having difficulty early in her pregnancy, and Floyd was away on a trip. During her waiting time, the Holy Spirit helped her to understand herself. He showed her how to adjust to the ministry while remaining true to herself. “It wasn’t necessary for me to play a role for anyone, I could just be me, and he would use me that way.” (LDD, p. 95). Are you afraid that people won’t like you unless you act or dress a certain way? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways that you can be true to yourself while witnessing for the Lord.

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 106-112; Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 134-42.

Key Scripture: “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14).

As a layman in the congregation, Philip realized that witnessing was the responsibility of every person. Chosen as one of the first deacons in the growing church, Philip spread the good news of Jesus as far away as Samaria. On one particular occasion, however, God entrusted Philip with an especially important assignment. He was to witness to one person — an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). This was no ordinary man, for the eunuch was a God-fearer who had embraced the Jewish faith. Furthermore, he was the chief treasurer for Queen Candace.

After obtaining a copy of the scroll of Isaiah in Jerusalem, the eunuch was returning home to Ethiopia. He was reading chapter fifty-three aloud when suddenly Philip appeared running beside the chariot. The evangelist casually asked the Ethiopian if he understood what he was reading. “ ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him” (8:31). What an opening for witness! Philip used the passage that the eunuch was reading to introduce him to Jesus Christ. Philip then baptized the eunuch in a pool they just happened to be passing, and he returned to Ethiopia rejoicing. No doubt this one disciple shared his good news with someone else who discipled another, and so on. Philip had used a very effective method of discipling, which we now call the Timothy principle.

The Timothy Principle

Paul was using the Timothy principle of discipling when he admonished his young associate, “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2). Simply stated, the Timothy principle of discipling is for a mature Christian to accept prayerfully the responsibility for nurturing the spiritual growth of a new Christian, who would in turn nurture the spiritual growth of another, and so on. According to Paul, the Timothy principle of discipling was to produce multiple generations of disciples. In his own experience he had proven this method, for Jesus had taught Paul, who taught Timothy, who was to teach faithful men, who in turn would teach others.

This principle was first implemented in the New Testament by Jesus when He chose twelve men as His disciples. He concentrated on grounding a few in the faith, rather than trying to evangelize the masses. Jesus had no training program. His disciples learned from being with Him — listening, asking questions, and obeying. In fact, the last commandment Jesus gave to His disciples was to make more disciples (Matt. 28:19). Some other great disciplers who used the Timothy principle are mentioned in Scripture: Moses discipled Joshua, Elijah discipled Elisha, and Priscilla and Aquila discipled Apollos.

Discipling in the spiritual kingdom works through exponential multiplication. Although this principle may yield only one disciple a year, it works like compound interest in the financial world. Considered a mathematical miracle, compound interest produces much higher yields than simple addition. In contrast, mass evangelism works on the principle of addition. This method may add phenomenal numbers of converts in one year, but they often lack endurance. Without true discipling, the majority of these converts fall by the wayside.

Realizing the tremendous power in the Timothy principle, Christian leaders have effectively implemented it in building religious movements, colleges, and organizations. Each of the following had a dream to disciple individuals, who in turn would disciple more — and more — and more:

· Count Nicholas Von Zinzendorf — The Moravian Movement

· William and Catherine Booth — Salvation Army

· Charles Finney — Oberlin College

· D. L. Moody — Young Men’s Christian Association

· George Verwer — Operation Mobilization

· David Wilkerson — Teen Challenge

· Bill Bright — Campus Crusade

· Pat Robertson — Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University

· Dawson Trotman — The Navigators

· Loren Cunningham — Youth With A Mission and Pacific and Asian University

· Gordon and Freda Lindsay — Christ for the Nations

Count Zinzendorf founded the Moravian Movement which sent more than two thousand young missionaries to the whole world. John Wesley trained over four hundred itinerant preachers during his lifetime and, after his death, these disciples had increased to 100,000 creating the Methodist Movement. These men saw evangelism without discipleship as worthless. Furthermore, they were willing to invest large amounts of time to disciple.

The Timothy principle, of course, does not preclude other kinds of efforts to reach the lost. Where one person sows, another waters, and still another harvests. However, it is always the Lord who gives the increase.

We can see how the Timothy principle works in the life of a church or a movement, but how does it translate into individual lives? First, we should see people as disciples, not decisions. Because we live in an instant society, our sole concern often is to get as many saved in as short a time as possible. But if we follow the example of Jesus, we are to disciple both before and after salvation. A new convert needs to be nurtured through learning the teachings of Jesus and the principles of Scripture. Second, we should each pray for one convert to disciple. When considering this principle, we should not get caught up in a particular method or mode. Using the tools that God has given us works best. He has given each of us specific spheres of influence where we can be used mightily. Third, make sure we ourselves are consistently being discipled. Maturing spiritually is a process that requires maintenance. It is important that we remain accountable and dependent on the Lord, and on those whom He has placed in authority.

Key Concepts:

1. True or False. Paul’s challenge to Timothy was to witness personally to as many people as possible. [BBA, 134]

2. Timothy was to gather (talented, faithful) disciples around him. [BBA, 134]

3. Jesus’ last commandment was to go and make . [BBA, 135]

4. We must use principles of (addition, multiplication) if the whole world is to be evangelized. [BBA, 136]

5. The Timothy principle (spreads, concentrates) the work load of evangelism. [BBA, 137]

6. True or False. Only professional ministers are called to be God’s ministers of reconciliation. [BBA, 137]

7. John told Gaius about his great upon hearing that his spiritual children were walking in the truth. [BBA, 138]

8. John Wesley put as much emphasis on (leadership, discipleship) as he did on soul winning. [BBA, 140]

9. True or False. New Christians should be given the same amount of attention as mature believers. [BBA, 140]

10. New Christians are usually (more, less) effective soul winners than more mature believers. [BBA, 141]

Further Study: Read “III. Directions to Timothy,” IBC, pp. 1487-89.

Mission in Action: Sally McClung found herself worrying about her young daughter’s health and safety. The Lord reminded Sally that He loved Misha more than she did. He encouraged her to do her part in taking precautions. But in things beyond her control she had to relax and trust God (LDD, p. 108). This principle also pertains to spiritual children. Are you concerned about young Christians whom you are discipling? Are their immature decisions and behavior upsetting you? Again, you must relax and trust God because you are only a waterer. It is God “who makes things grow” (1 Cor. 3:7).