John 1:6-8
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
INTRODUCTION
John the Baptist knew and understood God’s divine purpose for his life. We also need to know our divine purposes in order to glorify Jesus and make a lasting impact in the world.
WE ARE SENT
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. (John 1:6)
John the Baptism was born into the world with a special mission. He proclaimed the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ and prepared the way for him. (Isaiah 40:3, John 1:23). We too have been commissioned and sent by God into our home, school, university, work place and community to share the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20).
"The courage to share the gospel comes from knowing God has sent us".
We are sent by God and not by men or any organization. Let us go out to share the gospel with a deep conviction that we are SENT. This knowledge of being sent by God will instill boldness and confidence into our hearts. We don’t have to be apologetic or feel ashamed when approaching people. God has sent us into the World to fulfill His purposes through the local church (Eph 3:10).
WE ARE HIS WITNESS
7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. (John 1:7-8)
John the Baptism testified about Christ in order to bring ALL people to Christ. How did John testify about the light? Firstly, John declared the truth to people from the scriptures. He told them that he was the messenger proclaiming the coming of the Christ (John 1:23). Secondly, John lived a righteous life and exhorted people to repent of the sins (Matt 3:5-6).
Mt 3:5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
Mt 3:6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
"We can become His witness through our words and lifestyle".
We were made to bear witness to God’s love and nature to the non-believers. Ask God today to help you to testify about His love, grace and mercy to your friends, family and community.
CONCLUSION
We can touch many people as we live according to our divine purpose, rather than for the World or our selfish desires. We need to recognize that we are SENT by God to be His WITNESS locally and to the ends of the earth.
How do you feel about sharing your faith with others?
How can we apply the teaching today in evangelism?
