Living a Life of Witnessing for Christ – SS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Witnessing for Christ means telling others about Jesus Christ through our words and our lives. Believers do this in obedience to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define witnessing for Christ.
2. State the biblical basis for witnessing.
3. Describe the ways a Christian can witness at school, at home and in the community.
4. Name the qualities of a good Christian witness.
5. Identify the problems Christians face when witnessing.
6. Give examples of witnesses in the Bible.

What is witnessing for Christ?

Witnessing for Christ is telling others what we know and have experienced of Jesus, and showing it by the way we live.

• Witness: a person who tells what he or she has seen, heard or experienced.
• Christian witness: a believer who shares the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
• Gospel: the good news that Jesus died for our sins, rose again and offers salvation.
• Evangelism: the act of spreading the gospel to people who have not accepted it.

What is the biblical basis for witnessing?

The Bible commands every believer to bear witness to Christ.

• Matthew 28:19-20: Jesus told the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising and teaching them.
• Acts 1:8: Jesus said believers would receive power from the Holy Spirit and be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
• Matthew 5:16: Jesus said believers should let their light shine so that people see their good works and praise God.
• 1 Peter 3:15: Believers should always be ready to explain the hope that is in them.
• Matthew 10:32: Jesus promised to acknowledge before his Father those who acknowledge him before people.

What are the ways of witnessing for Christ?

A Christian can witness through words, through lifestyle and through service.

Witnessing by words

• Preaching: sharing the gospel in church, at crusades, on the street or in public places.
• Personal testimony: telling others how Christ has changed your own life.
• Inviting others: bringing friends and family to church or fellowship.
• Literature and media: sharing tracts, Bibles, radio, television and social media messages about Christ.

Witnessing by life

• Honesty: refusing to cheat in examinations or to take bribes.
• Love: being kind to classmates, neighbours and even people who offend you.
• Obedience: respecting parents, teachers and lawful authority.
• Purity: keeping away from immoral behaviour and bad company.

Witnessing by service

• Helping the needy: giving food, clothes or money to the poor and the sick.
• Visiting: calling on the sick, prisoners and the lonely.
• Prayer: praying for people who do not yet know Christ.
• Giving: supporting missionary work with offerings and gifts.

What is the difference between witnessing by words and witnessing by life?

Witnessing by words is speaking about Christ. Witnessing by life is showing Christ through behaviour. A good witness does both.

Who are examples of witnesses in the Bible?

Many people in the Bible told others about Jesus.

• Andrew: he brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:40-42).
• Philip: he told Nathanael to come and see Jesus (John 1:45-46).
• The Samaritan woman: she told her townspeople about Jesus, and many believed (John 4:28-30, 39).
• Philip the evangelist: he explained the scriptures to the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:26-39).
• Peter: he preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
• Stephen: he witnessed boldly and was stoned to death (Acts 7).
• Paul: he travelled widely, preaching the gospel to Jews and Gentiles.

What are the qualities of a good Christian witness?

A good witness is a person whose character agrees with the message he or she speaks.

• Love: he or she cares for those being reached.
• Honesty: words and actions agree.
• Humility: he or she does not look down on others.
• Courage: he or she speaks even when others may mock.
• Knowledge of the Bible: he or she can explain what Christians believe.
• Prayerfulness: he or she depends on God and the Holy Spirit.
• Patience: he or she does not force people to believe.

What problems do Christians face in witnessing?

The problems of witnessing are the obstacles that stop believers from sharing Christ freely.

• Fear: some believers fear ridicule, rejection or loss of friends.
• Persecution: in some places, believers are threatened, beaten or killed for their faith.
• Hypocrisy: believers who live badly make the message look false.
• Lack of knowledge: some believers do not know the Bible well enough to explain it.
• Shyness and pride: some feel embarrassed or think it is not their duty.
• Religious differences: people of other faiths may refuse to listen.
• Lack of resources: missionary work needs money, transport and materials.

How can a student witness for Christ at school?

A student witnesses at school by living and speaking for Christ in daily activities.

1. Pray and read the Bible daily.
2. Be honest in tests and examinations.
3. Be respectful and obedient to teachers and prefects.
4. Be kind to every classmate, including those who offend you.
5. Join the Christian fellowship and invite friends.
6. Share your testimony politely when there is a chance.

What are the rewards of witnessing for Christ?

• Souls are won: people come to know Christ and are saved.
• Personal growth: the witness grows stronger in faith.
• God’s approval: Jesus promised to acknowledge faithful witnesses before his Father (Matthew 10:32).
• Peace in society: good conduct promotes love and order in the community.

Evaluation

1. Define witnessing for Christ.
2. State two Bible passages that command believers to witness.
3. List four ways a student can witness for Christ at school.
4. Mention four problems Christians face when witnessing.
5. Name three people in the Bible who witnessed for Christ and say what each did.

Assignment

Write a short note on how you can witness for Christ in your home and your community. Give four points and support each with one Bible reference from this lesson.