Acts 25-26: How to Share Your Testimony Effectively

Bible Verse of the Day

1 Peter 3:15 (NLT): “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”

Welcome

Welcome, everyone! We’re excited to delve into Acts 25-26 today and explore how to share our personal testimonies effectively, just as Paul did before Festus and Agrippa. Our stories are powerful tools God uses to impact lives, and we’ll learn how to share them with clarity and boldness. Let’s begin with a heart of expectation and prayer.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts open and ready to learn. As we study the example of Paul in sharing his testimony, we ask for your guidance and wisdom. Grant us boldness to speak your truth, clarity to articulate our stories, and above all, a deep trust in your power to use our testimonies to touch the lives of others. Prepare our hearts to receive your word and empower us to be effective witnesses for your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Wins for the Week

Before we dive into our study, let’s take a moment to celebrate the victories and blessings we’ve experienced this past week. Sharing our ‘wins’ helps us recognize God’s faithfulness in our daily lives.

Prompt: Share a moment from this past week where you felt God’s presence, saw His provision, or experienced a personal victory, no matter how big or small.

Talking Points

• Divine Opportunities: Any moment can be a divine opportunity to share our faith. We must be ready, like Paul, even when facing challenges. (Acts 24:27, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Peter 3:15)
  

  “After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.” – Acts 24:27 (NLT)

  “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not…” – 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

  “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

• Audience Awareness: Paul tailored his message to his audience. Understanding others’ perspectives helps us connect our stories to their journeys. (Acts 25:17-19, 1 Corinthians 9:22-23)
  

  “But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.” – Acts 25:18-19 (NLT)

  “…Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT)

• Life Before Christ: Sharing our struggles before Christ helps others see the power of transformation. Paul described his past, including his opposition to Jesus. (Acts 26:4-11)
  

  “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene… Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.” – Acts 26:9-11 (NLT)

• Turning Point: Describing the turning point and how our lives have changed matters. It doesn’t have to be dramatic, just clear and honest. Share how Jesus is still shaping you. (Acts 26:19-22)
  

  “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.” – Acts 26:19-20 (NLT)

• Gospel Connection: Paul tied his story back to Jesus and the message of salvation. The ultimate goal is to highlight God’s grace and invite others to experience it. (Acts 26:17-18, Acts 26:22-23)
  

  “Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.” – Acts 26:17-18 (NLT)

  “that Christ must suffer and must be the first to rise from the dead, so that he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” – Acts 26:22-23 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

1. As you reflect on the talking points and scripture references we’ve covered, what resonates with you personally, and what challenges you in your own journey of sharing your faith?
2. Have you ever had an unexpected opportunity to share your faith? What happened?
3. What was your mindset or lifestyle before you met Jesus? How did you view faith? What questions or doubts did you have?
4. What was your turning point? How did you realize your need for Jesus?
5. In what ways has following Jesus changed your perspective, priorities, or lifestyle?
6. How can you make sure your testimony ultimately points people to Jesus, not just to your own story?
7. What holds you back from sharing your testimony? Fear? Doubt? Uncertainty?
8. How can you “put yourself in a seeker’s shoes” when sharing your testimonies? What practical steps can we take?
9. How can we cultivate a mindset of looking for divine encounters everywhere?

Conclusion

Sharing your testimony is one of the most effective ways to witness for Christ. By following Paul’s example in Acts 25-26, you can share your story in a way that is:

• Relatable (Start where they are)
• Personal (Tell your journey)
• Gospel-Centered (Point to Jesus)
• Bold (Trust God with the response)

Your testimony is unique and valuable. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God can use your story to bring others to Him.

1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) – “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”

Are you ready to share your testimony?

Life Application Tips

• Be Prepared: Take time to reflect on your testimony and how you can share it effectively.
• Seek Opportunities: Be intentional about looking for moments to share your story, rather than waiting for the “perfect” time.
• Know Your Audience: Consider the background and perspective of those you’re speaking to, and tailor your message accordingly.
• Focus on Transformation: Highlight how your life has changed since encountering Christ, emphasizing the specific impact He has had.
• Point to Jesus: Ensure your testimony ultimately directs people to Christ and the gospel message, rather than focusing solely on your own experience.
• Be Bold: Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from sharing your story. Trust God with the results.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Paul and the reminder of the power of our personal testimonies. We ask for your strength and courage to share our stories with boldness and clarity. Help us to be sensitive to the leading of your Spirit and to trust you with the results. May our testimonies be used to draw others to yourself, and may we always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Additional Notes

• For Members:
  • Consider how you can refine your personal testimony this week, focusing on clarity and connection to the gospel.
  • Pray for opportunities to share your testimony and for boldness to speak when those opportunities arise.
  • Reflect on how you can better understand the perspectives of those you share your faith with.
• For Leader:
  • Encourage a supportive and non-judgmental environment for sharing.
  • Be prepared to offer guidance and encouragement to those who may be hesitant to share.
  • Remind the group that the focus is on glorifying God through their testimonies, not on personal performance.
  • Allow time for silent reflection and prayer after the discussion, giving members space to process what they’ve learned.
  • Consider sharing your own testimony as an example, if appropriate and relevant to the discussion.