Lesson 4: Witnessing and the Word of God
Objective: To learn to use the power of God's Word in witnessing. Read: Ephesians 1 & 2
Memorize: I Peter 3:15

When the early Christians received the power of the Holy spirit at Pentecost, the news spread quickly throughout Jerusalem, and a large crowd gathered, seeking the meaning of this phenomenon. Peter, under the control and in the power of the Holy Spirit, addressed the inquisitive crowd.

Who were these people? Some had been present at the crucifixion earlier and had cried, "Crucify Him" and, "Let his blood be on us and on our children" (Matthew 27:22, 25). Possibly some in the front row were those before whom Peter had used profanity when he denied Christ (Matthew 26:73,74).

Under these fearful circumstances, Peter's resources had to be God's Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this lesson is to demonstrate the use of the Word of God in witnessing, and its results.

Peter's Witness

Read Acts 2.

1. Of all the disciples, why was Peter the least qualified to witness for Christ, and yet the most qualified, as suggested above and in Acts 2?

2. How much of Peter's sermon involves quotations from the Bible (such as from Joel, David, etc.)?

How much Scripture memorization do you suppose Peter had done in his early life?

3. What part does the Holy Spirit play...

In those who share Christ's message (John 14:26)?

In those who hear Christ's message (John 16:8-11)?

4. What part does prayer play (Acts 2:42-47)?

5. What did Peter say to convince them of sin (Acts 2:23, 36)?

6. List some great things Peter preached about God (verses 24, 34, 35, 38, 39).

The Crowd's Response

How many became Christians that day?

List the emotions experienced by the hearers before and after conversion.

Why did some listeners respond in anger first?

The Power of the Word

Summarize Isaiah 55:11.

According to Hebrews 4:12, how does the Word of God affect the non-Christian as you witness?

In Ephesians 6:17, what is the Bible called and why?

As you will see in more detail in Lesson 6, it is the Holy Spirit who brings men to grips with the issues as we witness.

The Value of Scripture Memorization

Committing portions of Scripture to memory is the best way to know the Word of God, and as a result, to know Christ. Also, by having the promises and commands of the Word memorized, we can apply them to any life situation at a moment's notice, especially when we want to use them in an unexpected witnessing opportunity.

List some things God has promised us in II Peter 1:2-4.

List some ways that memorizing Scripture will help you according to: I Peter 2:2-3, Hebrews 5:12-14, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3, and Psalm 32:8.

List some ways, mentioned in the following references, in which God's Word will nourish your growth. Romans 10:17, Psalm 119:11, 165.

Name one thing for which God's word is absolutely essential, according to I Peter 1:23.

Life Application

List specific ways in which the preceding Bible verses will help you in your witnessing.

Which verse do you believe you need the most?

Memorize that passage. How will you apply it?

Name     :

Email      :

A Personal Word
How do use this study
Index of All Studies

THE CHRISTIAN
AND WITNESSING
Why We Witness
Jesus Shows
How to Witness
Qualifications
for Witnessing
Witnessing and
the Word of God
Witnessing and Prayer
Witnessing and
the Holy Spirit
Recap


Lead others to maturity.

Purchase printed copies:
Click here
.


Real Player required
for video segments
.


You will receive a copy of the answers to this study sent to the e-mail address entered above by hitting the SEND button.  Hitting the SEND button will also give you the opportunity to submit a question or comment.

Site development and maintenance by GlobalMediaOutreach.com. All materials copyright ©1994, 2007 Campus Crusade for Christ. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, except in the case of brief quotations printed in articles or reviews, or as the normal function of this web site, without prior permission in writing from the New Life Publications. Printed versions of these studies, and the leaders materials are available from New Life Resources.