Introduction
Jesus’ parting instruction to the early apostles contains three sequential promises:
- Receive the Holy Spirit
- Receive power through the Holy Spirit
- That power enables you to become His witnesses
The word “witness” is a legal term. A witness:
- Provides firsthand knowledge to affirm a truth
- States the facts as they know them — not their own invented truth
- Can be prosecuted for giving false testimony
Key Challenge:
A believer who has received the Holy Spirit and is sitting idle is not making use of the power given to them. The power is specifically for witnessing — not for self-gratification or performing miracles for show.
Three Biblical Models of Witnessing
Model 1: John the Baptist (John 1:6–9)
John 1:6–9 "There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light." |
1. He Was Sent by God, Not by Men
- His calling began before birth — the angel announced his birth to his father
- He leaped in the womb when Mary greeted Elizabeth (Luke 1)
- Application: You too have been sent by God (Matthew 28:18–20). Understand the mission — you will not abandon it.
2. His Purpose Was to Lead People to Christ
- He did not witness to draw attention to himself
- His goal: “that all might believe through him” (John 1:7)
- He revealed Jesus to a world that did not yet know Him
- Application: Your witnessing is not to announce yourself or show how anointed you are — it is to lead people to Christ.
3. He Spoke Truth With Courage
- He confronted Herod’s unlawful marriage and was arrested for it
- He held on to his calling even to the point of death (beheading)
- Application: Do not change your message because of fear. Don’t let fear disrupt your witness.
4. He Had Accurate Knowledge of Christ
- He knew Jesus was the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit
- Warning: Going out without accurate knowledge can do more harm than good
- Application: Ensure your message about Christ is accurate and biblically grounded.
Model 2: The Samaritan Woman (John 4:29, 39)
This woman met Jesus at a well. After one brief encounter, she immediately went into her city to tell people about Him.
1. An Encounter With Jesus Transforms a Person
- She was so moved by one conversation that she could not keep the news to herself
2. You Don’t Need to Know Everything Before You Witness
- She did not understand the full divinity of Christ
- But her personal story was enough to bring people to Him
- Warning: Don’t wait 10, 20, or 30 years “preparing” — start with what you know.
3. Share What You Know
- Her message was simply: “He told me everything about myself. Could He possibly be the Messiah?”
- She redirected people to Christ, not to herself
4. God Can Use Anyone, Regardless of Their Past
- She was not an apostle, prophet, pastor, or even a church member
- She was likely ostracized by her community
- Yet she forgot the ridicule and boldly spoke about Jesus
- Application: Your past does not disqualify you. Once Christ has cleansed you, your testimony becomes your message.
Model 3: The Apostles (Acts 1:8; 2:1–4; 4:8–20)
The apostles received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and immediately became witnesses.
1. They Preached With Boldness
- When mocked for speaking in tongues, Peter stood up and addressed the crowd
- Result: 3,000 souls were added to the church in one day
2. They Kept the Message Centered on Christ
- After healing the lame man at the temple gate, Peter said: “It is not by our power, but through Jesus of Nazareth”
- When healing Aeneas: “Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole”
- Application: When people try to distract you with your appearance or background, remember — you are not preaching yourself but Christ.
3. They Persevered Despite Opposition
- Arrested, imprisoned, flogged by the Sanhedrin
- They counted it joy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41)
- Paul received 39 stripes five times
- Paul was stoned and left for dead — got up and went to the next town to preach
- Challenge: Have you been arrested for the gospel? Received death threats? If not — what is your excuse?
Conclusion: You Have Been Subpoenaed
Every believer has received a subpoena from heaven to take a stand in the witness box.
John the Baptist Witness with deep humility. He decreased so Christ could increase. | The Samaritan Woman Let no background or past prevent you. Share what you know. | The Apostles Spiritual assignments need supernatural power and endurance. |
Closing Truth:
“The exact same Holy Spirit who turned timid fishermen into bold apostles resides in you. The question is not whether we are called to be witnesses — but whether we are being faithful to the testimony we have been given.”
- You have a story.
- You have a commission.
- You have the power to go.
Go and tell the world the story of Jesus the Messiah.
