When the church gathers together, narrow road followers of Jesus are expected to speak up and encourage, strengthen and help others to move past head knowledge and experience the reality of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT2) explains that “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” And more importantly, the power of a Christian’s testimony can bring supernatural conviction that will bring a non-Christian guest to salvation.
Paul mentions this in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (AMP) and says, “But if all prophesy [giving inspired testimony and interpreting the divine will and purpose] and an unbeliever or untaught outsider comes in, he is told of his sin and reproved and convicted and convinced by all, and his defects and needs are examined (estimated, determined) and he is called to account by all. The secrets of his heart are laid bare; and so, falling on [his] face, he will worship God, declaring that God is among you in very truth.”
When all the saints work with the pastor’s leadership and permission, and actively participate in church gatherings by giving Biblical testimonies they reinforce truth and God blesses. So carefully read the following helps and volunteer to help when the pastor sees the need and coaches you to be clear and concise.
A Testimony Must Exalt Christ – Not Just an Experience
“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified” (Psalm 40:16). “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together: (Psalm 34:4). “That no flesh should glory in His presence…. That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:29,31).
- Tell what the Lord did – not just what you did.
- Explain the truth of Christ’s teachings, not just the emotions of an experience.
- Describe how all things work together for good to conform you to Christ’s character.
A Testimony Must Edify Other Believers and Unbelievers – Not Simply Entertain
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders” (Psalm 107:1-32).” And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Confess a fear, fault, or problem common to all.
- Explain how your solutions did not work.
- Describe how you followed God’s wisdom and ways.
- Report the results to the praise of God and His Word.
A Testimony Must Promote Unity – Not Divisive Doctrines
“Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, (being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13).
- Base your testimony on clearly understood interpretation of scripture.
- Explain how you applied biblical principles.
- Describe situations that allowed you to learn specific character qualities.
- Do not describe experiences that other believes would question or react to.
A Testimony Must be Positive and Uplifting – Not Discouraging
“Let not corrupt communication proceed out of our mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6).
- Reporting circumstances without explaining God’s purpose can be discouraging.
- Do not discuss unsettled matters.
- Talking negatively about people or groups is wrong.
- Do not point out flaws in other people.
A Testimony Must be Discreet and Appropriate – Not Defrauding
“For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (Ephesians 5:12), “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaks frowardness” (Proverbs 10:32).
- Exalt life in Christ- not life in past sins.
- Do not tell more details of sin than are necessary.
- Avoid words and expressions that are offensive or inappropriate.
- Word your testimony to avoid putting others in a bad light
- Do not injure the reputation of others
- Do not use names without permission
A Testimony Must Demonstrate Humility – Not a Superior Attitude
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3). “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12). “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12).
- Be prepared for new testing in areas of past victory.
- God allows new testing to deepen your message
- Make sure Christ is the “here” of your testimony not you.
- Do not make excuses for past failures.
A Testimony must be Specific and to the Point – Not Rambling
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter (any) thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let they words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16). “Make known his deeds among the people… Talk ye of all his wondrous works.” (Psalm 105:1-2)
- Be sure your sharing is prompted by the Holy Spirit, not your human will
- Spend time choosing words that communicate the clearest message.
- Determine who all will benefit from what you have to say.
- Emphasize what God taught you, not what you think about the events.
Remember….
- To speak loud enough so that all can hear
- Your message has influence on the lives of others
- Your goal is to confirm the truth that has been presented
- Be as brief as possible out of deference for others
