Class Lesson September 25, 2011

Hey Gang,

This week's lesson concludes our series on a balanced spiritual growth and takes a look at the simplicity of bringing others to Christ. Now, I know what you are thinking, "What's simple about bringing others to Christ?" Well, as Philip says to Nathanael in our lesson this week, "Come and see."

People Need The Lord

Kirk Cameron Witnessing on the Street

Here are some common things we hear about sharing our faith: 

1. My friends think there are other ways to God besides Jesus. Is this possible?
2. I get nervous whenever I start to share about my faith. Why?
3. I have relatives who aren’t saved, nor are they interested. What should I do?
4. I’m not sure what to say when I share about Jesus. I’m afraid I won’t have the answers.

Who had the greatest impact on your decision to become a Christian?

• Parent
• Sunday school teacher
• Coworker
• Neighbor
• Pastor/staff member
• Grandparent
• Other family member
• Friend
• Someone you don't know
• Other

Who has had the greatest influence on your spiritual growth since then?

Looking back helps you see how certain people impact how you follow Jesus. Each matters: the person who first introduced you to Jesus; ones who walked with you through difficult times; ones who thought enough of you and of Jesus to know the two of you can do life together really well and affirmed you for it.

You and I have also done this for others, maybe without realizing it. Let's be intentional about being ones who help others know and obey Christ with delight. 

John the Baptist pointed the crowd to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Andrew and John were disciples of John the Baptist, but when John repeated to them the same message he had proclaimed publicly, they followed Jesus. Andrew went to his brother Simon and told him what had happened. When Simon met Jesus, Jesus gave him a new name, Cephas. Jesus called Philip to follow Him. Philip in turn sought out his friend Nathanael and told him that he had found the One foretold by the prophets - Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael asked, "Can there be any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip challenged him to "come and see." Meeting Jesus convinced Nathanael to follow Him.

I. WHY WE GO – JOHN 1:29, 35-39

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!


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35 Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look! The Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following Him, He asked them, "What are you looking for?" They said to Him, " Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are You staying?" 39 "Come and you'll see," He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day. It was about 10 in the morning.

We need to take John the Baptist as an example of a witness for Jesus. John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets. He was privileged to see that Jesus was the Lamb of God, but he did not live to witness how He did it. Like many prophets, John the Baptist spoke of something he did not fully understand; but God led him to make this proclamation of what Jesus' followers saw later in Hid death and resurrection. 

Think of a positive experience you’ve had (a doctor, a vacation spot, a new restaurant) only because someone recommended it. What made you trust this person’s recommendation? Would you trust them again?



What makes it easy for you to share about Jesus? What makes you hesitate? What should we do about each situation?

Lasting points from these verses:

1. Jesus is the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.
2. All people need to find forgiveness through Him.
3. All Christians need to tell of Him publicly and privately.
4. Thus we should develop the skill of telling others about Christ.

II. WHOM TO TELL – JOHN 1:40-46


40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which means "Anointed One"), 42 and he brought [Simon] to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, "You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which means "Rock").


Philip and Nathanael

43 The next day He decided to leave for Galilee. Jesus found Philip and told him, "Follow Me!" 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets ): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!" 46 "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Nathanael asked him. "Come and see," Philip answered.

Following Jesus means more than walking with Him down a road. it means commitment and obedience. As we go about our work, our schooling, and our lives in our homes, we are to tell those we know or meet about the Lord.

Is it easier to share Jesus with a relative, a friend, or a stranger?




How is sharing about Jesus different with someone who is genuinely interested compared to someone who is indifferent or resistant?

Lasting points from these verses:

1. If God leads you to go as a missionary, be ready to go and tell.
2. As we go about our lives, we should be sensitive to opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
3. Ignorance and prejudice often thwart the words of witnesses.

III. WHAT RESULTS – JOHN 1:49-51

49 " Rabbi," Nathanael replied, "You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus responded to him, "Do you believe [only] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." 51 Then He said, " I assure you: You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."


What convinced Nathanael? Was Nathanael wise, skeptical, cautious, curious, or what?




If you had to choose one word to describe how Andrew and Philip felt about sharing Jesus with Peter and Nathanael, what would it be?

Lasting points from these verses:

1. We should go to our friends and tell them of Jesus.
2. We can use biblical titles to provide a foundation for what we say.
3. We need to recognize that the Lord Himself will use our testimony to speak to the person to whom we are witnessing.
4. Don't be surprised if some people make excuses.
5. Challenge people to give Jesus a chance.
6. We should rejoice with those who receive Christ.

Go and tell the good news of Jesus. Tell of His coming, of His ministry and life, tell of His death to take away sin, and tell of His resurrection. Tell what He has done in your life. Don't limit your witness to one time or place. As you go about each day, tell the good news. Tell your family, tell your friends, and tell strangers you meet. Live a good life, but be sure to give God the glory for what good is in your life. People need to see His good works in you.

Prayer of Commitment

Lord, help me to go where You want me to go and tell others what You want me to say. Amen



I hope you have enjoyed this series on spiritual growth. It's always good to see where we measure up to God's plan. Continue to be in prayer for what God will reveal through this week's lesson on sharing our faith.

See you on Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan