3 Ways to Prepare Ourselves to Share with Other People

The New Testament Book of Acts includes a story from the life of Philip that can give us guidance today as we seek to reach unbelievers with the gospel.

Philip had been ministering in Samaria when an angel appeared to him with a different assignment. He should leave Samaria, and travel south to a road connecting Jerusalem with Gaza. Luke comments that it was called “the desert road” (Acts 8:26). On this road, he came upon a political official returning home to Ethiopia.

Philip’s attention was taken as the man was sitting in his chariot reading audibly from Isaiah’s writings. The narrative tells us the official—a eunuch in Queen Candace’s court—had been to Jerusalem to worship. Doubtless, he had heard from the passage but did not have understanding of it.

The man’s lack of understanding was the bridge Philip walked over to start a gospel conversation. You can check out the entire story in Acts 8:26-40.

As we saw a few weeks back, people today still go to the Bible when they have problems. Among those surveyed, 42% had turned to the Bible within the past year to help them deal with pressure. One-quarter of Americans had done so within the last month.

It is more than reasonable to assume many of these people did not know a specific truth they were seeking, except some kind of help in a time of need. This is where we, like Philip, should be prepared to step in. Here are three ways we can prepare ourselves to share with others:

First, we need to know the Bible.

Philip was well enough versed in the available Scripture (the Old Testament) to explain Isaiah 53 to the eunuch. As disciples, we also need to know the Bible well, and be able to help others make application.

Second, we should expect to come across people who are reading the Bible, but lack understanding.

The eunuch’s situation is not unusual. In fact, it occurs today. Just because people are looking to God’s Word does not mean they understand it. When they don’t understand, that is the open door for us to express the truth.

Third, we should take the time needed to bring clarity to the Scriptures.

He didn’t just say, “Yeah, just read around in that general area and it will all make sense.” He “proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture” (v. 35).

We have so many awesome tools, like Bible Studies for Life, to help us in the discipleship process. Whether we are interacting at home, in a small-group Bible study or with an unbeliever at work, let us be like Philip: prepared to help others where the Bible meets life.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd