Don’t Keep It To Yourself (Week 4)
Preacher: Daniel Erasmus
Worship:
This week, start your time together by listening to “I’ve Witnessed It” by Passion. This song expresses how we have witnessed the faithfulness of God, so we are called to share the Good News that we have witnessed with those in our world.
Check-in:
Sunday’s message challenged us in how it explored that we may experience spiritual near-sightedness. Have you ever experienced being spiritually nearsighted? How did this message challenge you in that regard?
Synopsis of message:
The church is not just for us – it exists for the world we are sent to. God’s Kingdom is not something we keep to ourselves; it is something that we carry and share. Sunday’s message urges believers to overcome spiritual near-sightedness and actively share their faith.
In this message, we were given four reasons why sharing our faith matters:
- We are Christ’s Ambassadors: We carry the message of reconciliation – there is no backup plan (2 Corinthians 5:14–20).
- People Need the Lord: Heaven and hell are real, and Jesus came to rescue, not condemn (John 3:16–17).
- People Want the Lord: Many are hungry for something real – even if they don’t realise that it’s God that they’re searching for (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
- Because We Were Once Lost: Just as someone reached us, we must reach others (1 Peter 2:9).
We were also given four practical ways to share our faith:
- Live an Attractive Life: Be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Let your lifestyle reflect Christ in a way that draws people in.
- Love All People: We are called to love all people, even those who we disagree with (Luke 10:25–29). Especially in divided times, love and compassion must precede correction.
- Enter Their World: Find common ground and meet people where they are (1 Corinthians 9:20–23). Jesus asked questions, listened and met people where they were.
- Choose the Right Approach: Share truth with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Build connection before correction.
Lastly, the message concluded with a statement by John Maxwell: “People don’t reject God, they reject the wrong picture of God. When I share my faith, I help people see the false picture they’re holding and then I help replace it with the truth.”
Discussion Questions:
Select a few questions from the following potential questions for group discussion:
- Why we share our faith
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:20. What does it mean to be “Christ’s ambassador”? How does that responsibility impact how you live?
- The message asked: “If God answered all your prayers from the last six months, would the world be different – or just your world?” How would you answer that question honestly?
- How does knowing that people need and want the Lord, change your urgency or approach to sharing your faith?
- Reflect on your own salvation story. Who “didn’t keep it to themselves” and helped lead you to Jesus?
- How we share our faith
- Which of the four practical ways to share our faith (live an attractive life, love all people, enter their world, choose the right approach) do you find easiest? Which is most challenging?
- “You don’t have to agree with someone to value them.” How does this principle apply in your relationships – especially with those who are different from you?
- How can we build bridges instead of walls with people who are sceptical or resistant to faith?
- Heart posture and motivation
- The message emphasised sharing our faith with gentleness and respect. What does that look like practically in conversations about Jesus?
- What’s one specific relationship or opportunity where you sense God may be asking you to share your faith?
- Living it out: The message ended with the reminder: Don’t keep it to yourself. What’s holding you back from sharing your faith more consistently – and how can you overcome it?
Check-out:
What’s one step you can take this week to “put your spiritual glasses back on” and notice those around you?
Additional Resources:
- Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14–20; Luke 10:25–29
- Optional Devotional: “Growing In Love” (YouVersion)
