The Gospel at Work in Our Own Lives

Have you ever used the acronym “TMI?” It stands for “too much information.” As important as it is for Jesus followers to be able to tell the gospel story that points to Jesus, most of the time for a pre-Christian, it’s just TMI. They’re not interested in that much information when they interact in a spiritual conversation with you. But they probably would be interested in a little snippet of your own story that points to Jesus. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us:

“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.”

If we’re not respecting where the listener is at in their own spiritual journey, we run the risk of turning him or her off in a spiritual conversation because we give way more information than what the person is asking for.

When someone is just dipping their toe in the water with their interest in your faith, a less-is-more response, rather than a full-blown presentation, shows gentle wisdom.

This section of Disciple Path is about making sure we’re ready, not just to share the gospel, but to share what hope looks like in our everyday lives because of Jesus. It’s one of the exciting ways we can embody the words of the gospel!

The 1 Peter passage above points out how important it is for us to be prepared to share. So in this section, you’ll think through some specific areas of your life where Jesus has made a difference, and then work on being able to tell that part of your story in a way that is concise and uses simple, non- “churchy” language. Remember, you won’t be getting ready to share your entire faith story, just a few parts that might have relevance to someone else’s life.

Your goal is to have some short conversation points ready that highlight the difference God has made in your life.

So let’s get started.

Begin by thinking about two or three areas of your life that have been touched and changed by God in a meaningful way. Consider things like self-image, money, relationships, your life’s direction or purpose, bad habits, stress, marriage, parenting, forgiveness, health, or your perspective on suffering. After you’ve chosen the topics you want to prepare to share about, try to concisely articulate what motivated a change and how you are now different. Be sure to include something about God’s activity in the process. Here are a few questions that might help you process, so you can communicate clearly.

How did you attempt to meet a need in your life apart from God?

What things motivated you most before you became a follower of Jesus?

Where did you previously find your source of identity, and how do you see yourself now that you follow Jesus?

What or who did God use to awaken your need for him?

Were the changes God made in you immediate, or did they happen over time?

What misconceptions did you have about God?

Have you had any significant “aha” moments in your relationship with God?

Are there any Scriptures that God used to really shape how you think or behave?

Here’s something to take note of: the more prepared you are to talk about your own journey with God, the more likely you are to actually talk about it.

Those who prepare the most, share the most.

So take your time with this. Try to keep your story to about two minutes in length. Keep it honest and real. If you’re able to share simply, concisely and from your heart about something that has touched your life, you’ll know you’re ready.

And then finally, do some practicing with your Disciple Path group when you meet. Each person should share one or two of their own gospel stories, giving feedback to each other on the length of your story (remember, keep it short and sweet!), and on the simplicity of your language (don’t use words a pre-Christian wouldn’t connect with).

Also practice including an all-important follow-up question, such as:

I’m wondering if what I just shared made sense to you?

Did that resonate with you in any way?

I’d love to know what you were thinking about as I shared that.

By asking for a response, you might open the door into an even richer conversation.

So let’s be faithful and ready. God has been so good to us—let’s shine a light on Him so others can see his goodness. Let’s ask him to give us the opportunity to point someone to Jesus in this simple way, either through his gospel story or through small parts of our own.

Action Step

Take some time to prepare one or two conversation points that highlight how God has made a difference in your life using the questions above. Be prepared to share with your group the next time you meet.

Daily Scripture

Read the daily Scripture passage and journal your responses.

Luke 11 | Luke 12 | Luke 13 | Luke 14 | Luke 15

What to do when you meet
with your group:

Begin with a short prayer.

Ask God to open your eyes to his perspective on things. Take turns each week.

Questions.

Begin by discussing how you are loving others.

What opportunities has God given you to love other people through serving, speaking truth in love, or pointing them towards Christ since we last met? How did you respond?

Talk about what God has been stirring in you through your time in the Word.

Share about one of your quiet times in God’s Word. What has God been teaching you and how did you respond?

Questions about section 3.

Who do you know that might need to hear a little of your faith story? What part of your story might connect with this person?

How are you feeling about sharing parts of your faith story—nervous, reluctant, excited, ambivalent? Process this with your discipler.

End your time by praying for each other.

Pray over each other’s discipling efforts and for people in your lives who don’t yet know Jesus. Pray for boldness and a willingness to take a step of obedience this week.