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Learning What You Don't Know
Sharing the Good News
Introduction
If you share the good news long enough, someone will ask you a question you don't know how to answer. Yesterday, we talked about the importance of telling what you know. Today, we'll talk about learning what you don't know.
Scripture Reading
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1Pe 3:15)
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (Luk 12:47)
Ready to Answer
We began this week looking at Peter's call for Christians to be ready to give an answer. We're back to that call today. Are you mentally prepared to tell others about Christ? The word translated "answer" here is the Greek word "apologia," the source of our word "apology." It's also where we get the idea of apologetics - the defense of our faith.
Let's start with the basics. Are you ready to share your testimony? Have you thought it through? Could you explain to a friend or neighbor how you came to know Christ as your Savior? What parts of your story are important? What parts would be distracting? Take a minute or two now and jot down the key points?.
Next, let's talk about the questions you fear. You know, the questions you can't answer, so you don't share the gospel. Maybe you've already been asked and you felt like a fool because you didn't have an answer. Maybe they are questions that nag at you personally, and you're afraid to be asked them because it will expose your own doubts. Either way, isn't it time you found an answer?
The question could be as simple as, "Where did Cain get a wife?" It might be deeper, such as, "Doesn't the Bible contain many errors and contradictions?" or, "With all the religion in the world, how can I know which one is right?" Maybe the question is emotionally charged, like, "How can there be a God with all the senseless violence in the world?" or, "If God is powerful, good, and loving, why did my loved one suffer and die, even though I prayed?"
You can see questions like this coming a mile away. Doesn't it make sense to have an answer ready to common questons like this? It will do wonders for you witness. Not only that, but you will be a servant that is prepared to do his Master's will. That will help you avoid some unpleasant consequences.
What About You?
- Are you ready to share your testimony? Not sure? Why not try this test? Ask God, right now, to bring a lost friend, relative, neighbor, or coworker to mind that you can share your testimony with. Ask for God's help and commit to sharing your testimony with that person before the week is out. Seriously - isn't it about time you told someone about Christ? If you don't feel prepared, take a few minutes and jot down the key points of your testimony. Then share your testimony with someone who already knows Christ and get their feedback.
- Are you shy about sharing the good news because of some questions you fear? What are they? Jot them down and then spend a month on each on doing your best to find an answer. Pray, study, ask your pastor, read commentaries, research online, and come up with you best answer to each question. Don't keep using these questions as an excuse to be silent.