SpiriseBible
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 (KJV)
Jesus didn't say "you might be witnesses" or "you should try to witness." He declared "ye SHALL be witnesses"—it's not optional but inevitable for those filled with His Spirit. Yet many believers struggle with fear, feeling inadequate or worried about rejection. The good news? God doesn't call us to witness in our own strength but promises His power for this vital task.
Understanding Our Calling
Every believer is called to witness:
It's a command: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). This Great Commission applies to all disciples, not just pastors.
It's a privilege: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent the King of kings!
It's urgent: "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35).
It's powerful: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).
What Stops Us from Witnessing?
Common fears that silence our testimony:
- Fear of rejection: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18). Rejection is expected, not exceptional.
- Fear of inadequacy: "I don't know enough" or "I might say the wrong thing"
- Fear of hypocrisy: "My life isn't perfect enough to witness"
- Fear of offending: Worried about being seen as pushy or judgmental
- Fear of questions: "What if they ask something I can't answer?"
- Fear of lifestyle change: Witnessing requires living consistently
Yet God addresses each fear with His promises and power.
Biblical Examples of Courageous Witnesses
Peter's transformation: The man who denied Christ three times became bold after Pentecost: "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them..." (Acts 4:8). The difference? The Holy Spirit's power.
Stephen's boldness: Even facing death, "all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15). His witness converted Saul.
Paul's persistence: "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Despite beatings and imprisonment, he kept witnessing.
The woman at the well: Immediately after meeting Jesus, "The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man" (John 4:28-29). New believers can be powerful witnesses.
Sources of Witnessing Courage
Where does boldness come from?
1. The Holy Spirit: "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak" (Matthew 10:19).
2. Love for Christ: "For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). Love overcomes fear.
3. Compassion for the lost: "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd" (Mark 6:34).
4. Understanding eternity: "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Corinthians 5:11). Eternal consequences motivate urgent witness.
5. Personal experience: "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16). Your story is powerful.
Effective Witnessing Strategies
Biblical approaches to sharing faith:
Start with your testimony: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11). Share what Christ has done for you personally.
Build genuine relationships: "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). Earn the right to be heard.
Live the message: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Your life preaches louder than words.
Use questions wisely: Jesus often answered questions with questions, drawing people to truth. Ask about their spiritual background and listen genuinely.
Share Scripture: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). God's Word has power human words lack.
Pray continuously: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved" (Romans 10:1). Prayer prepares hearts—theirs and yours.
Practical Steps to Build Courage
- Start small: Share with family and friends first
- Practice your testimony: Write it out, keeping it under 3 minutes
- Learn basic verses: Memorize key salvation Scriptures
- Partner with others: Witness with more experienced believers
- Use tools: Tracts, apps like SpiriseBible, or videos can help start conversations
- Set goals: Aim to share with one person weekly
- Expect God to work: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void" (Isaiah 55:11)
Handling Responses
Not everyone will receive your witness positively:
When rejected: "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet" (Matthew 10:14). Move on without bitterness.
When questioned: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). It's okay to say "I don't know, but I'll find out."
When mocked: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matthew 5:11). Rejoice—you're in good company!
When received: Don't stop at conversion. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Disciple new believers.
The Joy of Witnessing
Despite fears, witnessing brings incredible joy:
- Joy in heaven: "Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:7)
- Joy in harvest: "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing" (Psalm 126:6)
- Joy in obedience: Fulfilling Christ's command brings deep satisfaction
- Joy in partnership: Working with God in His redemptive plan
- Joy in transformation: Watching lives change through the gospel
Remember Your Power Source
"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." The same Spirit who empowered Peter at Pentecost lives in you. You don't witness in your strength but His. Trust Him to give words, create opportunities, and draw hearts.
Reflection Questions
- What specific fear most prevents you from witnessing? How does God's Word address this fear?
- Who has God placed in your life who needs to hear about Jesus? Will you pray for courage to share with them?
- How can you better prepare yourself to be an effective witness this week?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You came to seek and save the lost, and You've commissioned me to continue Your mission. Forgive me for letting fear silence my witness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit's boldness. Give me genuine love for the lost that overcomes my fear of rejection. Help me see people as You do—precious souls for whom You died. Prepare opportunities for me to share, and give me wisdom to recognize them. Let my life so reflect You that others want to know my secret. Make me a faithful witness until You return. In Your powerful name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Take three steps toward courageous witnessing today: 1) Write out your personal testimony in 3 minutes or less, focusing on life before Christ, how you met Him, and the difference He's made. 2) Pray specifically for three unsaved people, asking God for opportunities to share with them. 3) Start one spiritual conversation today—it could be as simple as asking, "Do you have any spiritual beliefs?" or sharing what God is doing in your life. Remember, God's Spirit empowers you!
