Effective witnessing -the role of good works

We have recently been studying persuasive, gentle as well as aggressive means by which we can win people to the Lord. As we all have noticed, there is not one formula that works better than the other. The patterns vary significantly in the scripture. There is however, a recurring event that attracts people towards giving the early bearers of the good news a platform to be listened to. Human beings are constituted to be drawn to those who display good works (with some left wingers!) We have a mandate to sell this invaluable stuff. As salesmen, we need baits/tactics to get people to listen to what we’ve got (in the literal sense). We know however, that it is in the nature of God to do good works even if the people would remain unfaithful. As His children, we have no option than to display this important character of maintaining good works (see Eph 2:10).

Text/memory verse: Acts 10:38

1                     According to the text, discuss “good works”

2                     Use the following scriptural verses to discuss good works

a.       Healing the sick/performing miracles- Matt 11:5; 15:31; Luke 7:22

b.      Casting out devils- Matt 17:18; Mark 1:34

c.       Providing food to hungry people- Matt 14:19; Mark 8:6

d.      Comforting those who mourn- Luke 7:11-15; Luke 11:35-40

e.      Solving problems- John 2:3,7

f.        Kept civil responsibilities- Mark 12:17

3                     Relate the works Jesus did with the impact it had on the people of His time

a.       Many thronged Him to listen to Him- Mark 2:2; 5:31; Joh 8:2

b.      Many believed in Him- Joh 2:11

c.       They followed Him even when their food supply ran out- Matt 15:32

4                     How did the early apostles use similar principles to convince the world of their time?

a.       Peter &John – Acts 3:6-12

b.      Phillip – Acts 8:6

c.       Stephen –Acts 6:8

d.      Paul – Acts 13:11,12

e.      Contemporary men of God-

5                     How can we apply these principles in our time?

·         Disposition to do good

·         Love the brethren

·         Love your neighbours

·         Love your wife and family

·         Show grace at your place of work

·         Seek spiritual manifestations

·         Lay hands on the sick –Mark 16:17,18

·         Speak what you want to see happen –Mark 11:23

The good life unto which the Lord has called us need to be lived out in such a manner that it should influence the environment around us. We are challenged to rise up to the occasion. Often times, Jesus would not even invite the people to join Him. He only did the good works as part of His nature; providing witness to His person, and the effect was – the people believed in Him. Following “methods” laid/taught by men have produced a deviation from the divine pattern. No wonder, our results have been disappointing in most instances. We are encouraged to return to the way the Lord did it! The Lord bless you all.