Sharing Your Story

Main Point: Every Christ-follower has a story to share, and we need to be prepared and willing to do that.

Proper Motivation

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” —Acts 4:18-20

But in your hearts revere 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. —1 Peter 3:15-16

Personal Experience
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

Intentionality and Desire
Always be prepared to give an answer…

A Contrasting Hope
…to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Respectful Gentleness
But do this with gentleness and respect…

A Willingness to be Vulnerable

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” —John 4:39-42

“Your greatest ministry will likely come from your deepest pain.” —Rick Warren

An Invitation

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip. —John 1:45-46

Takeaway: If God has changed your life then get out there and tell somebody!

Discussion Questions
1.Think of a time when someone else shared their story of how God had changed them. How did that impact you? Looking back, what stands out to you about that interaction?
2.What does a “contrasting hope” look like these days? Who do you know that exemplifies that?
3.Why is it crucial that we are respectfully gentle when we share our story?
4.What vulnerable areas of your life do you need to be more willing to share out of?

Table Discussion Question - What is your story? What is your own personal experience with God? How has he changed you, how has he seen you through things you weren’t sure you could make it through?