Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 17, 2018
The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. Luke 12:12
My friend, Bonita, is a powerhouse evangelist. Everywhere she goes, whether it’s the grocery store, gas station or gym, she shares Jesus’ love.
When I hear her tell her stories witnessing to new friends, I sometimes wish I had her boldness. Maybe you can relate. Perhaps those sermons at church when the pastor exhorts you to share your faith make you feel afraid and incompetent. After all, you can’t quote all the scriptures on salvation from Romans, and you definitely don’t have your testimony memorized!
If you’ve felt incompetent in sharing your faith, here are a few golden nuggets in Corinthians that I hope encourage you. Keep in mind that these principles don’t just apply to pastors or those in full-time ministry, but to all who call themselves Christ followers because we are all ministers of the gospel in our communities and homes. And like my friend Bonita, we can speak about Jesus to our best friend, our next-door neighbor, and our Aunt Becky.
Competence to do ministry comes from God alone (see 2 Corinthians 3:5).
Doesn’t this make you want to breathe a sigh of relief? It’s not about your ability as you witness. Jesus will make you competent. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read Scripture or pray for guidance as you speak, but that He will give you what you need to share His love. You don’t have to agonize about “getting it right.” He will be at work as you witness.
Boldness and courage in ministry comes from the hope that is in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 3:12)
There is something about admitting that we are inadequate in ourselves that gives us boldness. When you have hope in Christ and you know it’s not all up to you and that God is empowering you, you will experience the boldness you need to share His love.
True ministry means dying to oneself so that it may result in life in someone else (see 2 Corinthians 4:12).
It’s empowering to witness as you recognize you are giving someone else the gift of Christ. Focusing on helping someone else instead of focusing on yourself will empower you to share.
As you share Christ, I pray that these principles will encourage you to remember that you have been equipped by the Equipper.
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).
Prayer
Lord, I praise you that I am able to share your love because you give me the ability, the competence, and the courage. Help me to remember that it’s not about how well I can perform when I share your love. You just want me to be authentic and you will move through me as I share what you have done in my life. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.Application
Share the Lord with someone today. You don’t have to memorize, prepare, or agonize over what to say. Just share about what Jesus has done in your life.Related Reading
1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 4:13; John 15:5Post/Tweet today
God is empowering you with the boldness you need to share His love. #WisdomHunters #gospelWorship Resource
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I can’t find “True ministry means dying to oneself so that it may result in life in someone else.” Anywhere in the Bible, especially in 2nd Corinthians 4:12. Are you paraphrasing that verse? I am very interested in knowing that.
Good morning Michelle. Thank you for reaching out to us. Great question. While I cannot speak directly for Shana, I believe she is referring to what 2 Corinthians means about first dying to self before we can effectively witness to others.
2 Corinthians 4:12 states “So the, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” (NIV)
In the paragraph before, when Shana stated 2 Corinthians 4:12, she speaks to the importance of dying to self and realizing that it is in Christ and by Christ that we can go out and share His good news with others. She said “When you have hope in Christ and you know it’s not up to you and that God is empowering you, you will experience the boldness you need to share.”
I believe when Shana stated “True ministry means dying to oneself so that it may result in life in someone else,” she is applying 2 Corinthians 4:12 to explain her statement. We (as believers sharing the good news with others) first have to “die to ourselves” before life (believing in Jesus) can be brought to others.
Michelle, did I help clarify or make it really confusing by my explanation (I can do that, sometimes…) In my case, dying to self is not a one time thing. It is almost a daily process, but a necessary one to shine His Light.
We are so thankful for you, Michelle, and look forward to hearing from you again sometime.
Rejoicing in our Lord and Savior,
your sister in Christ, Gwynne
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10