“Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you…”
Witnessing for Christ is a way of life. The question is not when to witness or where to witness. If we are Christians, we are witnesses. I may or may not be a good witness, but I am a witness nevertheless. Jesus said, “…you will be witnesses unto Me…” (Acts 1:8). Our witnessing is important; we can have a considerable impact on those who do not know Christ. We live in a day of methods. By and large, evangelism has become method-centered. Many have attended seminars on better methods of evangelism. Yet, at the same time, the church has become weaker in her understanding of the content of the message and in her ability to communicate it. How can we prepare ourselves to be more effective communicators of the gospel? The key lies more in going and doing than in technique and style. The apostle Peter exhorts us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).
1. Use the Word of God.
In answering the temptations of Satan in the wilderness, Christ used the Scriptures. In the preaching of the apostles in the book of Acts, the Old Testament was used. Jeremiah says, “‘Is not My word like a fire?’ saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces’” (Jer. 23:29). When witnessing, have the person read the text himself and explain to you his understanding of its meaning. Many times, this has been the turning point in the presentation of the gospel. It prevents tangents and arguments, and confronts the unbeliever with God’s final authority. Memorize verses and their references so you can give the appropriate portion of God’s Word to that person.
Many have used established methods of presenting God’s salvation plan with great success. One of the best known is called “The Romans Road,” consisting of several key gospel verses in Romans (3:10; 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9). Such an outline can help keep us on track; then other verses can be added to suit the individual’s need. It can also help us avoid the fatal mistake of being accusative: “You need to know that you are a sinner.” At this point, the individual will usually become defensive rather than receptive. Instead, have him read, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10); “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Then say, “We’ve all sinned, haven’t we?” More will admit to being a sinner when we include ourselves. Otherwise, they conclude that we think we are holier than they are and that we are being unfairly judgmental.
2. Pray.
Our message may seem foolish to the non-Christian, but if we really believe that only the Holy Spirit can make them respond, we will pray—before, during, and after our presentation of Christ.
3. Work hard and keep at it.
“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Many Christians give up too quickly at gospel work. They go out a few times and knock on doors during a weekend. When only a few contacts are made, they tell themselves, “This isn’t for me. I’m just not cut out for it.” No one is cut out for it; it’s hard work! Satan will fight it at every turn. Keep at it, keep praying and scattering seed, and God will give the increase.
4. Be authoritative.
They said of Jesus, “He taught them as One that had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mk. 1:22). A witness must be authoritative but not arrogant. Some Christians witness with almost an apologetic manner. Generally, this approach does not see many results. The unsaved will not have confidence in a message that is given in an unsure, indecisive manner. They need to hear a strong, “Thus saith the Lord.”
5. Leave the door open.
If the person being witnessed to is not receptive, don’t push. If the person makes smart remarks, never give an unkind remark in return. This can damage all the progress you have had thus far or bar opportunities others may have in the future. Never argue. “The servant of the Lord must not strive” (2 Tim. 2:24). You may win an argument, but lose a soul for Christ. If a witnessing situation is beginning to heat up, stop! Apologize. Let the person know you don’t want to argue and that you are sorry for anything you might have said or done that was offensive. If the gospel is offensive, so be it. But if I’m offensive, that must be corrected.
6. Communicate.
Communicate important biblical concepts clearly so that the person does not read his or her own ideas into them. Be careful to explain that your are speaking about biblical truth, not just giving your opinion. Your message should be faithful to the Word of God in content and emphasis.
7. Don’t use difficult theological terms.
A witness must learn to think as the unsaved think. Put yourself in their shoes. Many have heard the term “born again” but don’t know what it means. To talk about propitiation and justification may only confuse the issue. Keep it simple.
8. Learn to give invitations.
Truth not only informs but transforms. Many people will take up the offer when it is given. Learn to give people the opportunity to respond. Don’t manipulate or force decisions, but do give the unsaved a chance to say yes to God. You never know the heart. An individual may be bursting with conviction inside without any indication or outward emotion. After you have explained the gospel and answered objections and questions, you might want to simply say, “Would you like to receive Christ tonight?” The biblical pattern is to call men and women to response after presenting the gospel. Paul said, “We…preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God” (Acts 14:15).
9. Avoid detours.
Don’t get off on a tangent. If Satan can’t defeat you, he’ll try a detour. If a person asks a question that may be a distraction, suggest that you first finish presenting the plan of salvation and then you will answer the question. Don’t get into a discussion about the doctrine of other churches or the errors of prominent television preachers, Bible translations, etc. The main thing is that the main thing remains the main thing—presenting Christ.
10. Present the issue of sin.
We must clearly and boldly press the issue of sin in their lives (Rom. 6:23). We should present the love, grace, and mercy of God, but we must also present the judgment and consequences of sin. This is the biblical method.
11. Give personal testimony.
Learn how to give a brief yet clear account of how you were saved. Emphasize your need of salvation because of sin and the change in your life afterward. You may want to open the conversation by saying, “May I tell you the most amazing thing that ever happened to me?” After a brief account, you can say, “I found it so wonderful to know that all my sins were forgiven and that I’m going to heaven, I had to tell others about it.” Afterwards you can add, “Do you know for sure you are going to heaven?”
May we be ready always to defend the gospel, preach the gospel, and explain the gospel to those the Lord brings into our lives.