GETTING AND KEEPING A GREAT CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY!

James 1:22-27

INTRODUCTION: Our Christian testimony is not what we say about ourselves but what others who know us best would say about our character, our conduct, and our speech. If we talk to others about our love for the Lord but do not show God’s love to others it harms our testimony: John 12:1-6. On the outside Judas looked good: “See how much he cares for the poor!” But on the inside Judas was a thief who cared only about himself: Matthew 23:27-28.

I. HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN EARN HIS OR HER CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY?

We earn our Christian testimony in basically two ways: 1.) By our communication, verbal and non-verbal. 2.) By our deeds. James 1:22-27; Numbers 32:23. How does your mate, your children, your parents view your walk with your Lord? Ephesians 3:14-15: As Christians we bear the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Does His Name fit you? A Christ-like one! We are Christ’s ambassadors: How well do you and I represent Him? 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 20:11.

II. HOW CAN WE TRANSFORM OUR CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY?

We can each transform our Christian testimony in the same way we earned our present testimony! 1.) By our communication. 2.) By our deeds. If you will is to do God’s will in your life rejoice because that is your God’s will also: Philippians 2:13-16. Our God not only gives us the desire to live godly lives but He also gives us the power to live godly lives for His glory: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Chronicles 16:9. If you have tried before and failed to have a great Christian testimony don’t give up. Honestly confess your sin and get right back to living godly for our Lord’s glory: 1 John 1:8-10. We all need to see if we are doing the first step toward a great Christian testimony: Romans 12:1-2.

III. HOW TO KEEP YOUR GREAT CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY!

We must realize that each of us can change for the better or the worse at any time in our lives: 1 Corinthians 10:11-13. Young King David was a man after God’s heart: Acts 13:22. Yet even King David could make some very sinful decisions: 2 Samuel 11:1-27. Could something like that ever happen to one of us? It takes years to build a strong Christian testimony but it can be ruined in just seconds. When we become proud of ourselves it can happen to anyone: Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 16:18. We must constantly strive to be more like our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:3-10. If we will do those things we will gain and maintain a strong Christian testimony for our Lord’s glory and the good of all those around us.