Lesson Four of REMEMBER. RECORD. RECITE.
In Lesson One, we learned the importance of remembering and preparing. We ended with Philemon 1:6 (ESV): “And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” The NIV says: “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”
Matthew Henry writes in his commentary on Philemon 1:6: “The apostle joins prayer with his praises, that the fruits of Philemon’s faith and love might be more and more conspicuous, that is, clearly visible, so as that the communication of his testimony might prevail on others to the acknowledgment of all the good things that were in him and in his house towards Christ Jesus; that their light might so shine before men that they, seeing their good works, might be stirred up to imitate them, and to glorify their Father who is in heaven.”
We should desire that the sharing of our faith—our testimony—be effective in prevailing on others. There are six precepts from Scripture that will make your testimony more effective:
YOUR TESTIMONY SHOULD:
1. Glorify Jesus and Him Alone
As said in Lesson Two, sometimes God may use human intervention to do His will. And it may be necessary to describe the real people, places, or events God used in your story when relevant. However, we may unintentionally cause focus on those entities rather than on Christ. While we can appreciate the people, places, and events God uses for His will, you should always ensure that your testimony’s sole focus, admiration, and gratitude is directed to Jesus Christ.
With that said, unless it is absolutely relevant to your story, give careful consideration to the using proper names of people, places, organizations, and events you mention, making sure they do not detract from glorifying Jesus.
Use Roles, Not Names
When writing your testimony, avoid using real names—even if the person was central to your story. Whether they hurt you, failed you, supported you, or were part of God’s miracle, naming them can shift the focus away from God’s work and toward the individual. Your goal is not to expose or elevate a person—but to glorify Jesus.
Instead, refer to people by roles—either relational or professional.
Examples include:
- “My mother”
- “My best friend”
- “A pastor at the time”
- “My doctor”
- “A counselor I trusted”
- “One of my former coworkers”
- “A teacher who encouraged me”
- “My church”
Using roles protects privacy and helps your story stay focused on what God did through others, not who they were.
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7 (ESV)
Whether someone caused harm or helped bring healing, remember:
The glory belongs to God alone.
Use wisdom. Use roles. Keep Jesus at the center.
- 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV): “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
- John 14:6 (NIV): “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”
- Matthew 5:16 (NIV): “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
2. Be Rooted in and Confirmed by Scripture
What is a Christian testimony without Scripture? It may be personal—but it’s not the Gospel. The Word of God is the foundation of our faith and the lens through which we understand our story rightly.
Your testimony should clearly show cause and effect—how sin, brokenness, or trials revealed the weakness of human nature, and how God’s truth brought conviction, hope, and transformation. It should reflect the ongoing battle between flesh and Spirit (Galatians 5:17 NKJV), and the faith required to receive God’s promises (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).
When you include Scripture, you don’t just tell your story—you testify to God’s Word at work in your life.
Ask yourself:
- Which verse came alive during my trial?
- What truth from God’s Word changed my thinking or direction?
- How did His promises carry me through?
A true testimony doesn’t just inspire. It points to Jesus, confirms His Word, and gives Him glory.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV): “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
- 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
The disciples of Jesus used His words, as well as Old Testament Scripture, to spread the Gospel. We learned in Lesson One that the Great Commission involves baptizing and teaching others. Teaching them through your testimony is accomplished in part by incorporating relevant Scripture.
- Psalm 119:50 (NIV): “This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has preserved my life.”
- Psalm 119:105 (NIV): “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
3. Encourage and Edify the Listener
A testimony should always aim to encourage and build up the listener’s faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) reminds us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” When sharing your story, focus on how God has worked in your life in a way that inspires hope and strengthens others’ trust in Him. Be mindful to avoid discussing details that could lead others into temptation or negativity. Your stories can contain warnings, but should foster peace, joy, and the growth of the listener’s faith, as emphasized in Romans 14:17-19 (NIV). Your testimony should be a source of light and encouragement, pointing others to Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV): “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
- Romans 14:17-19 (NIV): “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
A Word of Caution:
Regardless of what we learn personally from our trials and tribulations, our testimony should always build the faith of the listener. We must be cautious to avoid certain dangers:
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- You should avoid describing details of immorality.
- You should avoid using language that stirs up lustful thoughts.
- You should avoid repeating vulgar expressions.
- You should avoid referring to others without their approval.
- You should avoid using specific names in regard to discussing ungodly behavior.
- You should never joke about sin.
- You should never embellish or enhance your story.
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4. Be Your Personal Experience in Christ
Your testimony is your personal experience—what YOU witnessed. Even if it involves others, your testimony should reflect your witness of God’s grace and mercy in your life. When sharing about a loved one’s healing, for example, focus on how God worked in your life and how you witnessed His goodness. Your testimony should be grounded in how Christ’s redeeming sacrifice has impacted your life, confirmed by Holy Scripture.
- 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG): “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.”
5. Be Confirmed by at Least One Other Person
Not all personal miracles will be witnessed by others, but having confirmation from others strengthens your testimony. When you give a public testimony, be prepared for testing. This process deepens the truth and richness of your story, forcing you to see more profound lessons and truths about it. Your testimony is not negated through this testing but rather solidified.
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (NIV): “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
6. Be Clear and Concise
Your testimony should be clear, concise, and focused on the core message of God’s work in your life. While it’s tempting to include every detail, remember that the power of your story is in its simplicity. Avoid going off on “rabbit trails” that can dilute the impact of your message or distract from the main point: how Christ has redeemed or restored your life in this circumstance.
- Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV): “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of staying focused and not veering off course. In the same way, when sharing your testimony, stay focused on the key aspects of God’s work in your life. - Matthew 5:37 (NIV): “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Jesus teaches us here about the importance of being straightforward and avoiding unnecessary elaboration. When sharing your testimony, clarity and brevity are vital to ensure your message is understood and impactful. - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV): “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Recognizing that there is a time to share the details of your story and a time to focus on the essentials helps ensure that your testimony is well-received and impactful. Avoid lengthy tangents that take away from the main purpose.
Stay focused on the transformation Christ has brought in your life, and ensure that every part of your testimony points to His glory. A concise, clear testimony is often the most powerful because it communicates the essential message without distraction.
Project Four:
Revisit your previously written testimony and make any necessary edits to align them with these Precepts. Memorize your testimony. You do not have to recite it exactly. We use the term ‘Recite,’ but this is about sharing your story, effectively, and naturally. Find someone to share your story, incorporating the additional insights from this lesson. Encourage one another in this effort.
A Word From the Author
As we conclude these four lessons on Remember, Record, and Recite, we’ve learned the essential steps to sharing our testimony in a way that honors God and impacts others. From remembering the powerful moments of God’s work in our lives, to recording them with clarity and purpose, to sharing them with conviction, we are called to be faithful witnesses of His goodness. Each step builds on the foundation of Scripture, emphasizing the need to glorify Jesus, confirm the truth of His Word, encourage others, and share our personal experiences with humility and integrity.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for you, the reader, and your dedication to this journey of sharing your testimony. Your willingness to reflect on God’s work in your life and to prepare yourself to share it with others is truly a blessing. On behalf of this ministry, we are grateful for your commitment to spreading the hope and love of Jesus Christ. May you continue to grow in faith, and may your testimony shine brightly as a beacon of encouragement to those around you. Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you in this important work of sharing God’s goodness. Remember, your testimony is not just your story, but a powerful tool to inspire others and lead them closer to Christ. May you continue to grow in the art of sharing your faith, always relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you in truth and love. Amen.
Series Home: Remember. Record. Recite
Start at the beginning. Discover the “Remember, Record, Recite” series—guiding you to craft a clear, concise personal testimony that honors God. Learn how to share your story with authenticity and clarity.
