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Scripture Focus
Acts 4:13, 14; John 1:37-50; Psalm 139; 1 Peter 3:1-15; John 4:37, 38
Concept
When we experience the joy of salvation, we will want to share that joy with others.
Materials Needed
Several pieces of paper, pens, whiteboard, markers
Connecting with the Scripture Topic
- Name one person who has had a positive impact on your life. What was your relationship with this person, and how did he or she help you?
- Which Bible character—besides Jesus—do you most admire? What admirable traits do you see in that person?
Sharing and Receiving Scripture
- If humans won’t witness, God can use rocks to share the gospel. For the next minute, have each group member name one thing he or she can do better than rocks (just blurt it out). Now discuss the blessings you would lose if you let rocks witness for God in your place.
- Thought Questions
Read Acts 4:13, 14. What stands out to you as the key component of effective witnessing?
- Boldness
- Being uneducated and untrained
- Spending time with Jesus
- Healing (helping) others
- No one can argue against your personal testimony
- Other...
In the story of the first disciples (John 1:37-50), which disciple is most like you?
- John, the preacher and prophet
- Andrew, who went to tell his family first
- Simon Peter, who needed a new name—a fresh start
- Philip, who needed Jesus to find him
- Nathaniel, who scoffed first and believed later
- Other...
From reading 1 Peter 3:1-15, what would you say is the best way to exert your personal influence?
- Be passive and submissive
- Dress plainly
- Be compassionate, tender-hearted, courteous, and willing to return a blessing for evil
- Avoid evil and pursue peace
- Study and plan out your response for those times when people ask about your faith
- Other...
If we reap what another sows (John 4:37, 38), who really does the sowing?
- People who diligently tell strangers about Jesus
- The Holy Spirit, who always plants seeds in people’s hearts and minds
- Through our personal influence—sowing seeds we’re not aware of
- Church outreach programs in the community
- Evangelistic flyers and mailings
- Other...
Applying the Message of Scripture
Gather in groups of two or three. Choose one of the following options and work on a solution. Then report back to your group when your facilitator says time is up.
- Option 1: If you had a coworker who claimed to be a Christian but gave Christ and the church a bad name by his or her reputation or actions, how would you counteract that influence?
- Option 2: Think of a witnessing chain reaction that you’d like to see—like in John 1:37-50. Who would be the first person to accept Christ? To whom would that person witness? Draw the chain reaction on several slips of paper, complete with stick figures and names. Distribute the list and covenant with your group to pray for these people.
- Option 3: On the whiteboard, draw a witnessing harvest cycle. Illustrate a sowing activity that you believe would be effective. Then draw an activity that will help people make a decision for Christ. Finally, illustrate what will keep new believers in your church.
Valuing Scripture in Your Life
- For the next three minutes, reflect on how you use your personal influence. What do you think others see in you?
- If there is one person (or more) in your group who does not see what others see in him or her, go around the circle and have those who want to say what they see in that person. Make it a time of real affirmation.
Next Week’s Scripture Focus
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Acts 16:14, 15, 33, 34; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Philippians 1:5-18; Colossians 1:28, 29