Bear Witness! Do You Know How To:

A message to Believers.

The Bible provides numerous examples of how to witness effectively, emphasizing relational, compassionate, and thoughtful approaches rather than abrupt or invasive methods. Here are some key examples from Scripture (NASB) that illustrate proper witnessing:

The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:7-26):

Jesus engages the Samaritan woman in a conversation, starting with a simple request for water. He listens to her, addresses her questions, and gently reveals His identity as the Messiah. This approach shows the importance of building rapport and meeting people where they are.

Verse 10: “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.'”

Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26) is a masterful example of how to witness with grace, thoughtfulness, and respect. Let’s break it down step-by-step to understand why this interaction was so impactful and effective as a method of witnessing.

Starting with a Common Point of Connection (Verse 7):

Jesus begins the conversation by asking for something ordinary: water. “Give Me a drink” (John 4:7). This request is non-threatening and relatable, centered around a basic human need. This shows how starting with something familiar can open the door to deeper discussions.

Jesus meets the woman *where she is—both physically and spiritually*. He doesn’t immediately confront her with her sins or overwhelm her with theological concepts but engages her on neutral ground. This highlights the importance of building a natural connection with someone.

Breaking Social and Cultural Barriers:

By speaking to a Samaritan woman, Jesus breaks multiple societal norms. Jews typically avoided Samaritans due to longstanding enmity, and Jewish men rarely initiated conversations with women in public. Jesus’ willingness to reach out demonstrates His inclusive and compassionate approach to sharing the truth of the gospel.

This action shows that effective witnessing often requires stepping outside comfort zones and addressing people with dignity, no matter their background.

Engaging with Curiosity and Building Interest (Verse 10):

Jesus transitions the conversation from the physical need for water to spiritual truths: “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water” (John 4:10).

Here, Jesus sparks her curiosity by introducing the idea of “living water.” This makes her ask questions rather than feel overwhelmed. It also shifts the focus toward the deeper spiritual needs of her soul.

In witnessing, this approach of inviting curiosity encourages engagement rather than shutting someone down with forceful declarations.

Addressing Personal Needs and Spiritual Longing:

The concept of “living water” resonates with the Samaritan woman because it addresses her spiritual thirst—a longing for fulfillment, peace, and salvation. When she asks for this water (John 4:15), it becomes clear that her heart is being stirred toward something greater than her physical needs.

Jesus patiently leads her to reflect on her life and her need for redemption. He says in verses 13-14, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”

Gentle Revelation of Truth (Verses 16-26)
Jesus doesn’t avoid the uncomfortable truths about the woman’s life. He gently exposes her brokenness, saying, “Go, call your husband and come here” (John 4:16). When she admits she has no husband, He reveals that He knows her history—demonstrating divine insight without condemnation.

This shows that witnessing isn’t about judgment but about lovingly guiding someone toward self-awareness and the truth of their need for salvation.

Finally, Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah (John 4:26). He doesn’t rush this revelation but waits until the moment is right, after building trust and leading her step by step.

Why This Was the Proper Way to Witness:

Relationship Before Conversion:
Jesus established a connection before addressing deeper truths, showing that people are more receptive when they feel understood and valued.

Respect and Dignity:
Despite cultural and social divides, Jesus treated the Samaritan woman with respect, breaking down barriers that might have otherwise closed her heart to the message.

Spiritually Led Conversation:
Jesus didn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach but tailored His words to her specific situation and spiritual need.

Patience and Gentleness:
Jesus didn’t force a response. Instead, He invited the woman to explore spiritual truths at her own pace.

Focus on Personal Transformation:
By addressing her specific struggles and pointing to eternal life, Jesus made the gospel personal and relevant.

This encounter transformed the Samaritan woman. She became a witness herself, telling others about Jesus: “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” (John 4:29). Her testimony led many in her town to believe in Him (John 4:39-42).

This story teaches us that witnessing effectively involves connection, compassion, and pointing others to the eternal hope found in Christ.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40):

Philip is led by the Spirit to approach the Ethiopian eunuch, who is reading Scripture. He asks questions, explains the passage, and shares the gospel in response to the eunuch’s curiosity. This example highlights the importance of being Spirit-led and responsive to people’s questions.

Verse 35: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.”

The encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch is a beautiful example of how to effectively preach and reach a soul. The principles demonstrated in this passage can be applied to any effort to share the gospel or engage others in meaningful spiritual conversation.

Being Spirit-led: Philip’s initial action in this story is his responsiveness to the Spirit’s guidance. He listens and obeys, which leads him to the eunuch at just the right moment. This underscores the importance of being attuned to God’s direction in ministry and allowing Him to orchestrate opportunities to share His message.

Meeting People Where They Are:

The eunuch is already engaging with Scripture, but he doesn’t fully understand what he’s reading. Philip approaches him with humility and asks questions that reveal the eunuch’s need for clarity and understanding. This demonstrates that effective preaching begins with meeting others at their point of curiosity, confusion, or need. It’s not about imposing knowledge, but guiding them to discover truth.

Using Scripture as the Foundation:

Philip begins with the passage that the eunuch is reading, which is a prophecy about Jesus, and uses it as the foundation for his message. This shows the importance of grounding our conversations in Scripture, making it the starting point for explaining the gospel in a way that feels authentic and relevant.

Preaching Jesus:

Philip doesn’t just provide intellectual understanding of the prophecy; he connects it to the living reality of Jesus. He shares the person and work of Christ, the fulfillment of the prophecy, and the hope of salvation. This highlights that effective preaching is centered on Jesus, His life, death, and resurrection.

Responding to Receptive Hearts:

The eunuch’s willingness to learn and his eagerness to understand are key. Philip builds on this openness, leading the eunuch to faith and eventually baptism. It reminds us that preaching is most impactful when we engage with those who are ready and willing to receive the message.

This passage is a great model for sharing the gospel: it combines sensitivity to the Spirit’s guidance, a deep connection to Scripture, and a focus on the transformative power of Jesus.

Paul’s Approach in Athens (Acts 17:22-34):

Paul observes the Athenians’ religious practices and uses their altar to an unknown god as a starting point to introduce the true God. He connects with their culture and reasoning, showing the importance of understanding the audience and finding common ground.

Verse 23: “For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.”

Paul’s approach in Athens reveals his remarkable ability to engage with his audience thoughtfully and contextually. In Acts 17:22-34, he meets the Athenians where they are spiritually and intellectually, respecting their traditions while pointing them toward the truth of the gospel. Let’s delve into why this is such an effective way to reach a soul:

Understanding the Audience:

Paul begins by observing and learning about the Athenians’ religious practices. He acknowledges their devotion, even if misplaced, and uses it as a way to connect. This shows the importance of understanding and respecting the beliefs and culture of the people we hope to reach, rather than dismissing or criticizing them outright.

Finding Common Ground:

The altar to the unknown god becomes the perfect bridge for Paul’s message. He identifies this as a point of shared interest—the Athenians’ acknowledgment of a divine mystery—and uses it as the foundation to introduce the true God. This demonstrates the value of starting with what people already know or believe, creating a connection rather than a confrontation.

Reasoned Dialogue:

Paul doesn’t come with accusations or a “one-size-fits-all” speech. Instead, he speaks to their intellect and reason, referencing their own poets and cultural ideas. This approach highlights how engaging minds through thoughtful dialogue can pave the way for hearts to be touched by the gospel.

Revealing the Truth:

Paul boldly proclaims the true God, explaining His nature, power, and role as Creator and Sustainer. He shifts the focus from human-made idols to the living God, inviting his audience into a fuller understanding. This demonstrates that sharing the gospel involves both connecting with people’s context and challenging them to embrace new truths.

Inviting a Response:

Paul’s message leads to mixed reactions—some mock him, others want to hear more, and a few believe. This reminds us that not everyone will respond immediately, but every soul we reach is a step toward transformation. Persistence and patience are essential.

Paul’s approach is an excellent example of contextual evangelism, showing respect for others’ perspectives while introducing them to the life-changing truth of Christ. Have you seen or experienced this kind of strategy in action? It’s fascinating how effective it can be!

Jesus’ Instructions to His Disciples (Matthew 10:16):

Jesus advises His disciples to be wise and gentle in their witnessing: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves.” This underscores the importance of tact and humility.

Peter’s Encouragement (1 Peter 3:15):

Peter emphasizes the need to witness with gentleness and respect:

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect.”

These examples show that effective witnessing involves listening, understanding, and engaging with people in a way that respects their individuality and circumstances.