A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 1: I nt roduc t i on

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2. A testimony that is compelling gives convincing evidence of the truth of the claims of Christ and his Kingdom.

a. We simply don’t make arguments, we ourselves are the argument!, 1 Thess. 2.19-20 – For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? [20] For you are our glory and joy. b. We are living epistles written by the Spirit of God, 2 Cor. 3.1-3 – Are we beginning to commend our selves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? [2] You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. [3] And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

3. A testimony that is compelling provides credible models for new and immature members of the body to follow.

a. Phil. 3.17 – Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

b. Phil. 4.9 – What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

c. 1 Thess. 1.6 – And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.