The Witness of Christ

1 Corinthians 1:5-6

Speaker: Rev Isaac Ong

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The Corinthian church was a gifted church (1:4-5, 7). However, the church was not living up to its full potential in Christ because of strife, carnality and immorality in the church. Nevertheless, Paul said “that in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge even as (according to the measure of) the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you” (1:5-6).

         Paul is saying that while every Christian is equally enriched in all things by faith in Christ Jesus, the evidence of these spiritual riches in a Christian’s life depends on two things: the testimony of Christ in you, and the confirmation of that testimony.

The testimony of Christ (1:6a)

The word “testimony” in Greek is the root word for “martyr.” It is also sometimes translated as “witness” (Acts 1:8). Every believer is to be an witness that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:5).

         Our Lord Jesus is the best witness for Himself (John 8:18; 18:37). The prophets and the apostles could only preach and write what had been revealed to them. Our Lord also commanded the disciples to be witnesses for Him (Acts 1:8). However, a person can be a testimony for Christ only if he has the testimony of Christ (1 John 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:16).

+       Lesson: The effectiveness of your witness for Christ is dependent upon your personal knowledge and experience of Christ in our lives. Is your witness for Christ effective?

+       Lesson: The effectiveness of your Christian witness is seen in your words and your deeds (1 Thess. 1:5; Prov. 22:6).

Testimony of Christ Confirmed in You (1:6b)

The word “confirmed” means “to be established.” The testimony of Christ is confirmed in you – in the heart of every Christian. The Christian’s life confirms his faith. How?

A.      By Prayer

Prayer establishes the believer’s relationship with God. David’s prayer life is both a reflection and a confirmation of his position in the LORD (Ps. 17:6-8).

+                Lesson: Prayer puts your successes and failures in the biblical perspective.

B.      By Afflictions

The testimony of Christ is confirmed in the Christian by afflictions.

+                Lesson: Afflictions strengthen your faith. The afflictions of the Christian turn you into polished gold (Job 23:10; 1 Pet. 1:6-8)

C.      In Daily Living

The testimony of Christ is established by practising obedience in the believer’s daily life.

+                Lesson: Do all things for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31-32).

Conclusion: testimony confirmed for ourselves and others

The testimony of Christ is confirmed in the believer for his own confidence. It is also confirmed in unbelievers as evidence of the veracity of the Christian faith; this is the privilege and responsibility of every Christian (and perhaps our failure as well).

Unbeliever:        Do you have hope in death? The only certain hope is our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

    Christian:        Put off the old man, and “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph. 4: 24). The extent of your effectiveness as witness for our Lord Jesus is directly dependent upon your obedience to Him.