Widows Lesson

The following is an outline and brief notes of the lesson we shared with the widow women on Saturday morning. It is a lesson that is more than worth reading for us all.

When we become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, we become responsible to tell others about Christ. There is no greater privilege than sharing the love of God with your friends, family and neighbors. –Thirty Discipleship Exercises, The Pathway to Christian Maturity

WHO does God call to tell others about Christ?
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19.

Jesus was a rabbi who bypassed the learned scholars and instead chose ordinary men to be his disciples. There are not any who are “more” or “less” qualified to tell of the blessed hope of Jesus Christ. God calls anyone and everyone to follow Him and share the good news with others.

HOW do we tell others about Christ?
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

We don’t have to say a word in order to share Jesus with others; our inner peace and joy coupled with the outward extension of selfless good works will go further in speaking to people than a lecture ever could. However we must guard against Satan the Tempter, who comes to steal our light and ruin our testimony. We must be diligent to daily put on the full armor of God so that we stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)

WHEN do we tell others about Christ?
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

We should always be ready and willing to tell others about Jesus without shame or hesitation. Yet we must remember to speak out of genuine love or we risk being as appealing as a “resounding gong or clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) As Christians, we should strive for our lives to exhibit the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23) When others see us set apart living for Christ, we will have every opportunity to share with them the reason for our hope.

WHY do we tell others about Christ?
For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard…Acts 4:19-20

Peter and John were thrown into prison for telling others about Christ. They were later questioned and warned to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. Peter and John answered simply and to the point. They could not help speaking about Jesus, and the impact He had in their lives. Sharing the good news was not a choice for them and it should not be a choice for us.

WHERE do we go to tell others about Christ?
But you will receive my power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

We are called, as a Christian people, to go anywhere and everywhere sharing the good news of Christ. We all receive the power of the Holy Spirit when we invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives, so none of us have the excuse of weakness or ineptitude. As far as where we go, it is no more or less important to go across the world as it is to go across the street. The only question left is: are we going?