Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The speaker says our honest conduct among unbelievers should lead them to “see who and how God our Father really is and glorify Him, not us”; what would have to change in the way you think about “witness” for that to be the goal rather than being admired, influential, or sought out for advice?
Another way to ask: If your goal in witnessing was for unbelievers to praise God (not you), how would your attitude or approach need to change so you’re not trying to be admired or seen as the “wise” person?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
You would have to shift from viewing “witness” as building your own reputation to viewing it as living so that outsiders “see God” and give Him glory. In the speaker’s framing, your life is meant to point away from you and toward God’s character.
- He rejects self-focused motives explicitly: “So that they might see that we're different… come running to us for advice…? I say none of the above.”
- The stated purpose is Godward: “so that they may see who and how God our Father really is and glorify Him, not us.”
- He describes the desired outcome as a testimony about God, not the Christian: “I saw God and His people, and I wanted to be a part of whatever it meant to be a child of God.”
- This is tied to “keep your conduct… honorable… [so] they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
- The wider context is identity: Christians are “sojourners and exiles” and a “royal priesthood,” so their public life represents God.