We have learned from our last week's lesson the reason to witness and now, this week we'll be learning the truth about the power of personal testimony. These are the following to be considered: A. The Testimony of the Possessed Man, - An Unlikely Witness, B. The Testimony of Mary, - Boundless Joy, C. The Testimony of Peter and John, - Impossible Silence, D. The Testimony of Paul 1, - Daily Conversion, E. The Personal Testimony of Paul 2, - A Powerful Personal Testimony.

Memory Verse:

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

Prayer Thought:

• A consistent, substantial, lovable Christian is a powerful argument for the truth. We must say no words that will do ourselves harm, for this would be bad enough, but when we speak words, and when we do presumptuous things that imperil the cause of God, we are doing a cruel work, for we give Satan advantage. We are not to be rash and impetuous, but always learning of Jesus and how to act in His Spirit, presenting the truth as it is in Jesus. . . . {CTr 329.3}

A. The Testimony of the Possessed Man

"And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled." Mark 5:20

As Christ sent forth His disciples, so today He sends forth the members of His church. The same power that the apostles had is for them. If they will make God their strength, He will work with them, and they shall not labor in vain. Let them realize that the work in which they are engaged is one upon which the Lord has placed His signet. God said to Jeremiah, "Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee." Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched His servant's mouth, saying, "Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth." Jeremiah 1:7-9. And He bids us go forth to speak the words He gives us, feeling His holy touch upon our lips. {AA 599.2}

An attempt was made by seven brothers, the sons of one Sceva, a Jewish priest. Finding a man possessed with a demon, they addressed him, "We adjure thee by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth." But the evil spirit answered with scorn, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" and the one possessed sprang on them with frantic violence, and beat and bruised them, so that they fled out of the house, naked and wounded. {LP 136.2; 3SP 423.2}

-An unlikely witness

When Jesus arrived at Decapolis, only a violent possessed man welcomed Him. Jesus released him from the demons that were tormenting him.

• The man was restored physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He wanted to stay with Jesus. However, Jesus chose him to be the first missionary. His mission was a simple one, to tell others what Jesus had done for him.
• Thanks to his testimony, a great crowd gathered to listen to Jesus some months later (Mark 8:1-10).

B. The Testimony of Mary

"She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept." {Mark 16:10}

1. Opportunity for Him to Work a Work

As the guests assemble, many seem to be preoccupied with some topic of absorbing interest. A suppressed excitement pervades the company. Little groups converse together in eager but quiet tones, and wondering glances are turned upon the Son of Mary. As Mary had heard the disciples’ testimony in regard to Jesus, she had been gladdened with the assurance that her long cherished hopes were not in vain. Yet she would have been more than human if there had not mingled with this holy joy a trace of the fond mother’s natural pride. As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him prove to the company that He was really the Honored of God. She hoped there might be opportunity for Him to work a miracle before them. {CSA 10.7}

2. Strengthen the Faith of His Disciples

In saying to Mary that His hour had not yet come, Jesus was replying to her unspoken thought,—to the expectation she cherished in common with her people. . . . {CSA 11.2}

But though Mary had not a right conception of Christ’s mission, she trusted Him implicitly. To this faith Jesus responded. It was to honor Mary’s trust, and to strengthen the faith of His disciples, that the first miracle was performed. {CSA 11.3}

Boundless Joy

• Meeting Jesus on Resurrection Sunday filled Mary with excitement. She couldn’t help but run and tell everyone the good news.
• We should also run and share our experience after meeting Jesus. Because good news is worth sharing.
• However, no one believed her (Mark 16:11). Don’t expect everyone to believe our words immediately. They all believed eventually!

C. The Testimony of Peter and John

"For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." {Acts 4:20}

1. Teach in the Name of Jesus

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus" [verses 16, 17]. But the apostles Peter and John had a truth to present and they would not be stilled by these wicked counsellors. They "answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye" [verse 19]. {5MR 264.3}

2. Supreme Power

It is the duty of every one to follow Christ, without undue anxiety as to the duty assigned to others. In saying of John, "If I will that he tarry till I come," Jesus gave no assurance that this disciple should live until the second coming of Christ; he merely asserted his own supreme power, and that even if he should will this to be so, it would in no way affect the work of Peter. The future of both John and Peter was in the hands of their Lord, and obedience in following him was the duty required of each. {3SP 232.3}

3. Opportunity to Learn

John and Peter were not perfect men, but they improved every opportunity to learn. Peter did not learn to distrust himself, to be jealous of himself, until he was overcome by the temptations of the devil and denied his Lord. Judas had the same opportunity that these disciples had to learn the lessons taught by Christ, but he did not appreciate their value. He was a hearer only and not a doer. The result was seen in his betrayal of his Lord. {5T 557.1}

Impossible Silence

• The transformation of the apostles was impressive. Even their enemies could see that they had been with Jesus {Acts 4:13}.

— Peter: From self-sufficient to Christ-dependent

— John: From son of thunder to apostle of love

— Thomas: From skeptic to believer

• Each apostle had a different experience. They could share a personal and unique testimony.
• Jesus is transforming us too. We should share our personal experience even during hard times.