Why would you share your faith in Jesus with another person? No really, pause for a moment and consider why you would share your faith in Jesus with another person. Consider these reasons.
Obedience.
You may share your faith in Jesus because you feel obligated to obey God’s command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (reference Matthew 28:18-20; The Great Commission). You want to obey God to show God that you love Him.
Security, Freedom, and Love.
You may share your faith in Jesus because you are so secure, free, and loved by Jesus that you cannot help but want others to live in the abundance of a relationship with Jesus as you have. You want others to know Jesus personally – for themselves – because you know that having a relationship with Jesus provides the security, freedom, and love every person desires.
Christian Apologetics.
What if you shared your faith in Jesus with others because you wanted to give a reasoned defense for the truth claims of Christianity? You would be practicing Christian apologetics. You would be meeting people where they are and using the cultural and intellectual context around you to make a clear and compelling defense of whom you believe, what you believe, and why you believe.
The apostle Paul was masterful at presenting a reasoned defense for the truth claims of Christianity. His teachings in Colossians (and other New Testament books) powerfully combat false teaching about Christianity and make declarations about who Jesus is. Jesus is God in the flesh, and through Jesus all other things were made (Colossians 1:15-20). Take a moment to read Colossians 1:15-20 and let the words about Jesus dwell in your mind and heart.
But, just like these early followers of Jesus in Colossae, life difficulties and false teachings can challenge our faith in Jesus, who He is, and the truth claims about Christianity. Paul prays for the Colossians and writes them a letter of encouragement which contains a defense for having faith in Jesus and an exhortation to have complete confidence in who Jesus is, which can empower them to live in freedom (reference Colossians 1:3-5, 9-14; 2:2-4, 20-23).
Paul continues his defense of the gospel throughout the book of Colossians but also gives practical instructions to the Colossians – “devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart” (Colossians 4:2), followed by a request for prayer – “Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should” (Colossians 4:3-4). Then Paul transitions back to providing instructions to the Colossians – “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6).
Paul focused on his desire to share his faith in Jesus with everyone. He asked others to pray as he practiced Christian apologetics at every opportunity God gave him.
Read Paul’s request for prayer from the followers of Jesus in Ephesus.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20
Why did Paul want to share his faith in Jesus with others?
Paul was convinced that Jesus was God, that Jesus had died and resurrected to give Paul the life God intended for Paul to live (Colossians 3:1-4). Paul spent the rest of his earthly existence giving a reasoned defense of the truth claims of Christianity.
What was the primary message Paul shared?
God exists and is knowable through the person of Jesus.
Jesus was/is God – fully divine and fully human.
Jesus died and was resurrected so anyone could have a relationship with God through belief/faith in Jesus.
What was Paul’s consistent prayer request for himself and his instructions to others from the book of Colossians and Ephesians?
Be prayerful always.
Be mentally alert and relationally aware.
Look for opportunities to share your faith in Jesus with others.
Be prepared for faith conversations – think about your words carefully.
Be wise and gracious in your conversations with others.
At Courage For Life, we want you to embrace your God-given courage for life. We desire to see you living the abundant life God intended for you and being equipped to give a reasoned defense for the truth claims of Christianity. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, we want you to be able to share your faith in Jesus with others – give a clear and compelling defense of whom you believe, what you believe, and why you believe. Here is a challenge for you this week:
Settle your “Why.”
Why would you share your faith in Jesus with others? Ask God to help you understand and know your motivation for sharing your faith in Jesus with others. When God helps you better understand your “why,” you will be more apt to share your faith. Paul was clear on his “why” and, thus, could focus on praying, preparing, and seeking opportunities to share. Settle your “why” first.
Know your “What.”
What are the essential truth claims of Christianity that you should share with others? For example, Who is Jesus? What did Jesus do? Why is what Jesus did (i.e., His resurrection) significant to Christianity? There are many other truth claims of Christianity, but seek to know the essential truth claims that are the foundation of Christianity. If you don’t know where to begin, try reading Colossians and Ephesians repeatedly for a few weeks. Ask yourself: What are the truth claims of Christianity based on my reading of Colossians and Ephesians? Write down your discoveries about the truth claims of Christianity.
Determine your “How.”
How will you share your faith in Jesus with others? Here is some practical guidance to help you prepare to share your faith in Jesus with others.
Pray for yourself and opportunities to share with others. Ask God about conversations you want to have with others and insights into the timing, place, and words you share.
Train your mind in Christian truth claims. Make it a habit of reading the Bible to discover the truth claims of Christianity so that you know why you believe what you believe.
Learn conversational skills. Study and practice listening as well as asking clarifying questions with the intention of showing genuine attentiveness and love toward others. Also, increase your ability to remember words and their meaning to support understanding others, who they are, and what they believe.
Practice Christian apologetics. In your day-to-day life, be prepared to share a reasoned defense of the truth claims of Christianity.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you. You do not share your faith in Jesus alone; rather, the Holy Spirit is present in you to help you speak from humility, clarity, and love.
When you share your faith in Jesus, use common words, not religious ones. Use words that would be understood by anyone who has never attended church or been around religion or religious practices. Share who Jesus is and how your faith in Jesus makes a difference in your daily life. As you embrace your God-given courage for life, share your faith in Jesus with others – who Jesus is, what Jesus has done for you (and them), and what Jesus desires for your life (and their lives) with Him.
Watch the LIVE REPLAY to hear more about how to share your faith in Jesus as you embrace your God-given courage for life. Join us LIVE every Monday at 3 p.m. ET on @GodGivesCourage Instagram for our Spiritual Growth Series and check back here on Tuesdays for the companion blog post.
