Sabbath School Lesson for September 5-11, 2020
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Overview
There are many reasons why it’s important to share the story of Jesus. In order to understand the full impact our testimony has on our witness, we must look at…
- how Jesus has impacted our lives (Sunday)
- how the disciples were changed after their three-year ministry with Jesus (Monday)
- how anyone who has been healed by God can be a mighty witness (Tuesday)
- how the certainty of our salvation is worthy to be shared (Wednesday)
- how many ways we are blessed when God comes into our lives (Thursday)
Introduction
Since witnessing is about sharing what Jesus has done for us, we must thoughtfully and prayerfully consider what those things are and how we would share them, if given the opportunity.
The best way to share Jesus is not just by giving Bible studies, and certainly not by engaging in theological debates or arguments. The best argument in favor of God is sharing what He means to us, how He has helped us in the past, and how much we look forward to a future with Him in His kingdom someday.
Some believers have more recognized changes in either their outward behavior or internal attitudes after deciding to follow Jesus. But regardless how much or how little we have changed, we can share how much God means to us in our present circumstances and the hope we’ve been given for an even better future.
Memory Text: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13 NKJV
Having this certainty of being saved brings us incredible peace, which can’t be kept to ourselves.
Sunday: Jesus–The Basis of Our Testimony
One of the best descriptions of how our lives were before we found Christ and how they became after knowing Him is found in Ephesians 2:1-10. These features of our faith can help us create our own testimony to share with those who are interested. They are familiar experiences to many and can be included in our story in a way that makes them personal and inviting.
Here are some of the ways this passage describes those before their conversion to the faith:
- “dead in trespasses and sins” (i.e. our faulty behaviors and attitudes were killing us!)
- “walked according to the course of this world” (i.e. we were following the world)
- “conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh” (i.e. we only wanted to fulfill our own selfish desires)
- “were by nature children of wrath” (i.e. we sided with those who were angry with life and became like our worst role models)
But, here are some of the ways our lives changed after experiencing God’s love:
- “made us alive together with Christ” (i.e. our former way of life was replaced with new life)
- “made us all together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (i.e. gave us a taste of heaven by showing us a community of believers to feel a part of)
- “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (i.e. we can join in the mission of doing good in the world)
Bible Verses to Consider:
Ephesians 2:1-3
- How does this sound like your life before you came to know Christ?
Ephesians 2:4-10
- In what ways has your life changed since you became a Christian?
Monday: The Transformation Power of Personal Testimony
James and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples, received a marked change in their behavior and personality after spending three years in ministry with the Savior.
Jesus knew the shortcomings of these two brothers from the very start. As a matter of fact, He was the one who nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”. See Mark 3:17. This name certainly matched their aggressive, fiery reactions to situations, which Jesus patiently helped them overcome.
A few glimpses of their tendency to blow things out of proportion are revealed in the Gospels. Luke 9:54-56 records one event that characterized their tendency to act in the offensive against those who opposed them. Jesus needed to remind them that the exercise of force is the opposite of what the Messiah came to accomplish.
By repeatedly showing them that love was the better way to deal with people, both James and John became very loving individuals and were strong leaders in the early Christian church. We can’t help but notice how John’s epistles are filled with expressions of love and kindness.
Their story shows how much change is possible when we sit at the feet of Jesus.
Bible Verses to Consider:
Mark 3:17
- What kind of personality would fit the name “Sons of Thunder”?
- Why did Jesus use that name for these two disciples?
- How do you think it made them feel to hear it?
Luke 9:51-56 and John 4:20
- What was the probable reason they didn’t accept Jesus in the Samaritan village?
- What does this incident teach us about retaliating against those who oppose us?
Tuesday: Telling the Story of Jesus
The first missionaries that Jesus commissioned were the two healed demoniacs in the story told in Matthew, chapter eight. The profound transformation of these unfortunate men was enough to make them powerful witnesses for the Savior in the ten cities around the Sea of Galilee.
The fifth chapter of Mark also tells of this event, even though Mark seems to remember only one demoniac who was healed on the shores of Galilee that day. Perhaps it was only one who tried to join the disciples, when they were about to leave.
When we read this story now, we are made to feel the same love for God and the power He has to transform us as those who originally heard it.
Most of us can recall experiences from our past that testify of God’s love and power to save us. These are the kinds of stories we can share with others. Even though our story may be less dramatic, people will pay attention because they happened to us personally.
Jesus was mindful of the impact of personal stories. As a matter of fact, Mark records how the demoniac begged to go with Jesus and His disciples, when they were about to leave in their boat. But Jesus told him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (Mark 5:19)
Bible Verses to Consider:
Matthew 8:28 and Mark 5:2-5
- How dangerous had these men (or man) become, and how do you think the disciples felt when they saw them?
Mark 5:14, 15
- How changed was the demoniac and why did this transformation still cause fear in the townspeople? What were they afraid of?
Mark 5:18-20
- What has happened in your life that would show the love of God to others?
Wednesday: Testifying With Assurance
Although no one can say with certainty that he will remain faithful throughout his life, we can be certain that as long as we look to our loving Savior Jesus, we can have the assurance and peace of mind we need to be able to testify for God.
When we look to ourselves and our own works, we see no hope; but when we look to Jesus and His purity and love, there is no doubt. We can come boldly to His throne of grace, like it says in Hebrews 4:16. A preacher once said, “When I look at myself, I see no possibility of being saved. When I look at Jesus, I see no possibility of being lost.”
God wants us to have that assurance of our salvation. In 1 John 5:12, 13 we find that we can KNOW that we have eternal life. And that is exactly the kind of good news we should be telling others!
When you witness to others, make sure Christ remains the main character of your story. When you repeatedly lift Him up, the true Light of the World will shine in a way that will light the way for others (John 1:6-9).
Bible Verses to Consider:
1 John 5:11-13 and Luke 23:39-43
- What do we need in order to know we have eternal life?
- Why do people do good works, and do we have to have good works in order to be saved?
Hebrews 10:19-22
- Why is Jesus’ blood necessary to get us close to God?
- What gives you boldness when you witness about God to others?
Thursday: Something Worth Testifying About
Besides testifying about how God has changed you, it can also be helpful for people to hear how God has helped or blessed you at some point in your life. Perhaps He healed you or someone you love from a critical illness, or stayed by your side during some trial of economic hardship. How He has helped guide you through life, even when things are going smoothly, could be of interest to more people than you realize.
Letting others know what God has done or has meant to you can impact someone else’s experience with God. Your personal testimony can be just what they need to hear. It might lead them to find God’s blessings for themselves.
Remember to keep your story brief. Try to focus more on what God has done than on what you have done. God’s sacrifice for us far outweighs any sacrifice we might make in our zeal to serve and follow Him. So, keep Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, the main topic as you witness. He has called us to let our light shine (Matthew 5:16). Don’t hide it under a bushel basket (Matthew 5:15).
Bible Verses to Consider:
Galatians 2:20 and John 10:10
- How has your faith changed the course of your life?
- What does it mean to have an “abundant” life?
John 14:27
- What kind of peace are people needing, and how can God supply that need?
1 Corinthians 1:30
- What kind of blessings do you have with Christ in our life?
Friday: Conclusion
Before we decide there is nothing noteworthy about our life to share with others, nothing that would sound interesting enough to even mention, remember that no one else has walked in your shoes. Your life, if not glamorous, is still unique.
In addition, the story isn’t about you in the first place. Instead, focus your testimony on the matchless love and power of God. Making Him appear personal to you will make it easier for someone else to want Him in their life.
This kind of testimony is almost always what draws people to God. Make Him your personal Savior, and your story will attract attention. Even your unwavering smile, as you greet people with kindly concern on a daily basis, will deliver a testimony of faith that is unequaled and priceless.
So, go preach the gospel…and if necessary, use words.
Next Week’s Lesson: A Message Worth Sharing
To read the Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly or see more resources for its study, go to
https://www.absg.adventist.org/
Other Outlook blogposts by Teresa Thompson, are at http://outlookmag.org/author/teresathompson/
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