LOVE “MOTIVATES” us to -TESTIFY.

” For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.   “

{2 COR 5:14-15}

What is it that “motivates” you to share about your faith in Jesus Christ? For some they are intimidated to, others of us are more concerned about being “liked” rather than the eternal soul of the person who stands before us. We “fear” what they will think of us, so we choose “love” of self over “love” for the Savior and “love” for the eternal welfare of others and do not share with them. Some are “motivated” because it is a “program” their church is going to do for the next “six months on a Monday night going door to door, or once a week on the street handing out “tracks” and not wishing not to be thought of as “un-spiritual” they join in but are mortified and horrified at the thought and can’t wait till it is all over! Though there is nothing wrong with either going door to door or handing out tracks yet it always comes down to the “motivation of the heart,” of why do you do what you do? Too often, people can be “guilted” into sharing the Gospel and when this happens- people burn out, give up, withdraw, quit. For “fear of others” and “guilt” can only “motivate” for so long and is NEVER God’s way.

What is the Scriptural “Motivation” to TESTIFY to Jesus Christ?

1. – THE LOVE OF CHRIST – COMPELS ; “For the Love of Christ, COMPELS US…” – {2 Cor 5:14-15}. His death, burial, resurrection a demonstration of His love made known personally to them compelled them to TESTIFY to others of the SAFETY that is found in Jesus Christ. THE LOVE OF CHRIST- IS THE GREATEST MOTIVATION TO- TESTIFYING of the Risen Savior.

2.- THE LOVE OF CHRIST – ASSURES;  What is needed? Well, consider what is done, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly…”– this is GREAT NEWS- since we all fall into this category. Upon repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has “POURED OUT the Love of God within us through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”-{Rom 5:5}, to ASSURE us we are loved by God and indeed, we are now known by this wonderful title in Heaven as those who are “The BELOVED of God.”-{ Rom 1:7}.  AND PERSONALLY knowing Him, His Love for us through the fact of the Cross and the personal assurance of the Holy Spirit and the ability to pray to Him that we may “comprehend and know the depth, breath, width and height of the LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST.” –{Eph 3:13-21}- The Assurance of the Love of Christ for us compels us to TESTIFY of Him…

3. – THE LOVE OF CHRIST –IS CONTINUOUS; “To Him who loves {continuously} us and had freed us from our sins to Him be the Glory”- {Rev 1;5-6}. These words were written by John from the isle of Pathmos where he had been banished and a life of hardship because of his faith in the Lord Jesus. His response to hardship was not to ask “why me, Lord?” but to think on the truth and DECLARE of the CONTINUOUS LOVE OF CHRIST- manifested in having freed him and all believers from the penalty, guilt of sin and his conclusion was not a focus on himself or horrible circumstances but on Jesus Christ and how He is to be glorified because of His continuous love, that includes forgiveness! John got in trouble for TESTIFYING…and you may too- AND YET- HE TESTIFIES TO THE CONTINUAL LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST!

A. –THINK ON THE LOVE OF CHRIST;

* The Love of Christ is known by this- He laid down His life for us.-1 John 3:16

* The Love of God has been poured out in our heart through the Holy Spirit to ASSURE us God Loves us.-Rom 5:5

* The Love of Christ can be comprehended and experimentally known- Eph 3:13-21

B. –TRUST IN THE LOVE OF CHRIST;

THINK ON THE LENGTH HE WENT THAT YOU MIGHT KNOW HIS LOVE- The Cross; the circumstances and people He brought into your life so that you may hear the Gospel and His gift of salvation to you.

C.- TESTIFY TO THE LOVE OF CHRIST;

The Love of Christ is the Motivation to TESTIFY OF Jesus Christ, His love for you compels you to share, so strong is His love, and the desire within to share of the Wonderful love of Jesus Christ!

* Difficult circumstances do not negate opportunities to testify of the Lord Jesus and His love. {See Phil 1:12; Rev 1:5-6; 2Cor 12:7-12}

* THANK JESUS CHRIST for His Love.

*THE LOVE OF CHRIST MOTIVATED PAUL TO TESTIFY AND IT WILL YOU TOO.

*TELL SOMEONE TODAY OF HIM!

What “Motivates’ you NOT to share Jesus Christ?

When “love for self….pleasures…money…this world are primary…..love for Christ is voided! People do not hear of Him because we have abandoned, forsaken, “FIRST LOVE for the LORD JESUS.”

What is the Scriptural Motivation according to 2 Cor 5:14-15 to “WITNESS”…TESTIFY?… “THE LOVE OF CHRIST COMPELS US.”

** Ask Him to “Motivate” you with His Love- He will, because He loves you and those whom He brings into your life!