Lesson 63: How to Give Your Testimony Without Exalting Yourself
A Christian testimony is a personal account of what Jesus Christ has done in your life.
It may explain:
what you believed before;
how God brought the truth to you;
how you came to repent and trust Christ;
and how He has begun changing your life.
A testimony can open a meaningful conversation.
It can show that the gospel is not merely an idea you discuss.
It is truth upon which you have placed your own soul.
But a testimony can also be misused.
The speaker may become the main attraction.
Former sin may be described so dramatically that it becomes more memorable than Christ.
The story may be exaggerated.
Emotional experiences may replace biblical truth.
Or the testimony may end with:
“Look how much I changed,”
rather than:
“Look how merciful Jesus Christ has been.”
Scripture gives a better pattern.
Tell What the Lord Has Done
After Jesus delivered a man who had been possessed by devils, the man wanted to remain physically with Him.
Jesus told him:
“Go home to thy friends,
and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee,
and hath had compassion on thee.”
— Mark 5:19, KJV
The testimony was to focus upon two truths:
what the Lord had done;
and the compassion the Lord had shown.
The man obeyed:
“And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis
how great things Jesus had done for him:
and all men did marvel.”
— Mark 5:20, KJV
A proper testimony does not mainly announce:
“Look at me.”
It says:
“Look at what Jesus Christ has done.”
Your Testimony Is About Christ’s Mercy
The word testimony refers to giving witness concerning something you know or have experienced.
A Christian testimony should bear witness to:
the truth of the gospel;
the mercy of God;
the sufficiency of Christ;
and the reality of His work in a believer.
Your personality, history, struggles, and circumstances may be part of the account.
They are not the center.
Jesus Christ is the center.
Your Testimony Is Not the Gospel
A personal testimony and the gospel are related, but they are not identical.
The gospel is the objective message that:
Jesus Christ died for our sins;
was buried;
rose again;
and offers salvation by grace to those who repent and believe.
Your testimony explains how you personally came to receive that message and what God has done in your life.
The gospel is true whether or not you tell your story well.
Your experience does not establish Christian doctrine.
Scripture does.
A testimony should support and illustrate the gospel, not replace it.
Do Not Preach Yourself
Paul writes:
“For we preach not ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord;
and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:5, KJV
This verse provides a governing rule for every testimony:
“We preach not ourselves.”
You may need to speak about yourself because the testimony concerns what happened in your life.
But speaking about yourself is not the same as preaching yourself.
You preach yourself when the listener is mainly left impressed with:
your strength;
your courage;
your former reputation;
your unusual experiences;
or your present accomplishments.
You preach Christ when the listener is left thinking:
“Jesus Christ is merciful.”
“Jesus Christ saves sinners.”
“Jesus Christ changes lives.”
“I need to know Him.”
Paul’s Testimony Kept Returning to Christ
In Acts 26, Paul testified before King Agrippa.
He explained his former life.
He had opposed Jesus Christ and persecuted believers.
Then he described how Christ confronted him.
But Paul did not remain occupied with his past.
He moved toward:
Christ’s command;
Christ’s mission;
repentance;
the fulfilment of Scripture;
the suffering of Christ;
and His resurrection.
Paul said:
“Having therefore obtained help of God,
I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great,
saying none other things than those
which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
That Christ should suffer,
and that he should be the first
that should rise from the dead…”
— Acts 26:22–23, KJV
Paul’s story led to the gospel.
A Christian testimony should do the same.
Three Basic Parts of a Testimony
A clear testimony may be organized around three questions.
1. What Was My Spiritual Condition Before I Trusted Christ?
This does not require a complete history of every sin.
Explain enough to show why you needed salvation.
2. How Did I Come to Understand and Trust the Gospel?
Explain the truth God used to bring conviction, repentance, and faith.
3. What Has Christ Done and What Is He Continuing to Do?
Describe genuine change while making clear that you still depend upon His grace.
This structure helps keep the testimony focused.
Speak Truthfully About Your Life Before Christ
You should not pretend you were better than you were.
Neither should you make the past sound worse than it was.
Some people exaggerate their former life because they believe dramatic sin creates a more powerful testimony.
That is dishonest.
God does not need an exaggerated past to make His grace appear glorious.
Tell the truth.
You may say:
“I was religious but trusted my own goodness.”
“I believed in God but did not know the gospel.”
“I lived for myself.”
“I defended my sin.”
“I was controlled by anger, lust, pride, fear, or bitterness.”
“I had no assurance of salvation.”
Use language that is accurate.
Do Not Glorify Former Sin
A testimony can unintentionally advertise sin.
The speaker may describe former immorality, violence, addiction, wealth, or rebellion with excitement.
The sinful life begins sounding adventurous.
The conversion appears only at the end.
That reverses the proper emphasis.
Paul openly admitted his past:
“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious…”
— 1 Timothy 1:13, KJV
But he did not celebrate it.
He used it to magnify mercy:
“But I obtained mercy…”
Describe former sin soberly.
Do not entertain people with the darkness from which Christ delivered you.
Do Not Provide Unnecessary Graphic Details
Some details may harm rather than help.
Graphic descriptions may:
tempt listeners;
embarrass family members;
expose victims;
or make the testimony inappropriate for children and mixed audiences.
You can speak honestly without describing every act.
For example, you may say:
“I was involved in sexual immorality,”
without providing unnecessary details.
You may say:
“My life was controlled by addiction,”
without retelling every incident.
The purpose is to reveal the need for Christ, not satisfy curiosity.
Protect Other People’s Privacy
Your testimony is your account.
It does not give you unrestricted permission to tell another person’s private history.
A testimony may involve:
parents;
a spouse;
former partners;
church leaders;
friends;
or people who harmed you.
Tell enough truth to explain what happened without exposing unnecessary personal information.
Do not publicly accuse someone of serious wrongdoing without a responsible reason, accurate facts, and appropriate accountability.
Ask:
“Does this detail belong to my testimony?”
“Could I explain this without identifying the other person?”
“Am I pursuing truth and spiritual good, or public revenge?”
Do Not Blame Everyone Else
Your past may include real wounds and injustice.
Those matters should not be denied.
But your testimony must still acknowledge your own need before God.
Do not make the entire account:
what other people did;
how churches failed;
how your family hurt you;
or how society mistreated you.
Those facts may be relevant.
But salvation is not merely being rescued from bad people.
It is being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Explain How God Brought the Truth to You
What did God use to awaken you?
Perhaps someone:
shared Scripture;
explained the gospel;
invited you to church;
gave you a Bible;
answered a question;
or lived faithfully before you.
Perhaps you heard preaching.
Read the Gospel of John.
Faced the reality of death.
Recognized the emptiness of sin.
Or became convicted while reading Scripture privately.
Describe the means honestly.
Then make clear that God was working through those means.
The person who witnessed to you should not become the saviour in the story.
Jesus Christ saved you.
Explain What You Came to Understand
A testimony should include more than:
“I began going to church.”
“I felt peace.”
“I became happier.”
“I decided to change.”
Those things may occur without conversion.
Explain what became clear:
“I understood that I had sinned against God.”
“I saw that my religion and good works could not save me.”
“I understood that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again.”
“I knew I needed to repent and trust Him.”
This connects the personal story to biblical truth.
Explain Your Response Carefully
You may remember a particular day when you repented and trusted Christ.
Another believer may remember a season during which the gospel gradually became clear before he consciously rested his faith in Christ.
Do not create details you cannot remember.
You may say:
“I do not remember the exact date, but I know that I stopped trusting myself and placed my faith in Jesus Christ.”
The important issue is not whether you can produce a dramatic date.
It is whether you presently understand and trust the true gospel.
Do Not Make a Religious Experience the Foundation
Some testimonies focus almost entirely upon:
a dream;
a vision;
a voice;
a physical sensation;
or an unusual coincidence.
God may use circumstances to gain attention.
But personal experiences are not the foundation of salvation.
The foundation is Jesus Christ and His gospel as revealed in Scripture.
Do not say:
“I know I am saved because I felt warmth.”
Say:
“My hope rests upon Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and rose again.”
Feelings may accompany faith.
They cannot replace Christ.
Do Not Make Your Experience the Standard for Everyone
God does not bring every person to Himself through identical circumstances.
One person may experience intense emotion.
Another may respond quietly.
One may come from open rebellion.
Another may have been raised around Scripture but later recognized the difference between religion and saving faith.
Do not imply:
“If your conversion was not like mine, it was not real.”
The biblical standard is repentance toward God and faith toward Jesus Christ—not duplication of another person’s experience.
A Quiet Testimony Is Still a Real Testimony
Some believers feel that their testimony is weak because they were saved young or were not delivered from a publicly destructive life.
But being preserved from years of outward ruin is also mercy.
You may testify:
“I grew up hearing Scripture, but I still needed personal repentance and faith.”
“I did not have a dramatic criminal or addictive past, but I was still a sinner unable to save myself.”
“God graciously drew me to Christ before many destructive patterns became part of my life.”
The greatness of a testimony is measured by the greatness of the Saviour, not the shocking nature of the past.
Describe Change Honestly
Scripture says:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature:
old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV
Salvation produces new life.
Describe real changes.
Perhaps Christ gave you:
a new love for Scripture;
conviction over sin;
desire to pray;
love for God’s people;
freedom from a controlling pattern;
or a new purpose for living.
Be specific where possible.
But remain honest.
Do not claim that every struggle disappeared immediately.
Do Not Claim Sinless Perfection
A testimony should not create a false picture of the Christian life.
You may say:
“Christ delivered me from the control of this sin,”
without claiming you have never faced temptation again.
You may say:
“My anger no longer rules me as it once did,”
while acknowledging that you continue learning patience.
The Christian life is real transformation.
It is also continuing growth.
Paul said:
“He which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
— Philippians 1:6, KJV
Christ began the work.
Christ continues the work.
Do Not Make Yourself the Cause of the Change
You may have made difficult choices after conversion.
You may have left sinful relationships, sought help, made restitution, established boundaries, or developed disciplined habits.
Those acts of obedience matter.
But grace remains the source.
Paul said:
“But by the grace of God I am what I am…”
— 1 Corinthians 15:10, KJV
Do not describe the Christian life as though you rescued yourself through exceptional determination.
Give God the glory for conviction, strength, truth, mercy, and every step of growth.
Testimony Should Produce Glory to God
Paul described what believers heard about him:
“He which persecuted us in times past
now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.”
— Galatians 1:23, KJV
Then he says:
“And they glorified God in me.”
— Galatians 1:24, KJV
They did not glorify Paul’s personality.
They glorified God because of the grace displayed in Paul’s life.
This is the desired result of testimony.
Ask:
“Will this story make people admire me?”
“Or will it help them see the mercy and power of God?”
Keep Boasting in the Lord
Scripture says:
“That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:29, KJV
It continues:
“He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:31, KJV
Your testimony should not present your intelligence, willpower, suffering, or ministry as the reason you are saved.
Boast in:
Christ’s cross;
Christ’s mercy;
Christ’s resurrection;
Christ’s patience;
and Christ’s saving power.
The proper testimony agrees with the psalmist:
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
but unto thy name give glory,
for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
— Psalm 115:1, KJV
Simple Honesty Can Be Powerful
The man whom Jesus healed from blindness faced hostile questions.
He did not pretend to know everything.
He said:
“Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not:
one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind,
now I see.”
— John 9:25, KJV
He spoke honestly about what he knew.
You do not need to answer every theological, historical, or scientific question before telling someone what Christ has done.
You may say:
“I do not know the answer to that question.”
Then answer what you do know.
Lesson 64 will teach how to address objections more fully.
A Testimony Can Open the Door to Christ’s Words
The Samaritan woman told people:
“Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did:
is not this the Christ?”
— John 4:29, KJV
Many came because of her testimony.
But the account did not end with her words.
After hearing Jesus themselves, they said:
“Now we believe, not because of thy saying:
for we have heard him ourselves,
and know that this is indeed the Christ,
the Saviour of the world.”
— John 4:42, KJV
A testimony should lead people toward Christ and His Word.
You are not asking them to build faith upon your personality.
You are inviting them to hear and believe the truth about Jesus.
Do Not Exaggerate Results
Do not claim:
“Everyone who heard me was changed.”
“I never struggled again.”
“God immediately fixed every problem.”
“My family became perfect.”
Exaggeration may sound impressive for a moment, but it weakens credibility.
Truth honors God.
A modest, accurate testimony is more valuable than a dramatic story containing claims that cannot be supported.
Do Not Use Your Testimony to Sell Yourself
A testimony can become part of a personal brand.
A speaker may repeat the most dramatic parts because they gain attention, followers, invitations, or money.
The story gradually becomes polished for effect.
Pain becomes merchandise.
Sin becomes entertainment.
Christ becomes a small conclusion after a long presentation about the speaker.
Guard your heart.
It is not necessarily wrong to share a testimony publicly or receive appropriate support for ministry.
But never use God’s mercy mainly to enlarge yourself.
Do Not Compete With Other Testimonies
Testimony meetings can become unspoken competitions.
One person describes a dramatic deliverance.
The next feels pressure to tell something more shocking.
That is fleshly.
Each believer’s testimony displays grace in a different setting.
The person saved from visible destruction should glorify Christ.
The person preserved from much visible destruction should also glorify Christ.
There is no need to compete.
Adapt the Length Without Changing the Truth
You may need several versions of your testimony.
A Thirty-Second Testimony
Useful for a brief conversation:
“I once trusted my own goodness and religion, but Scripture showed me that I was a sinner who could not save myself. I came to trust Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and rose again. He has given me a new purpose and is continuing to change my life.”
A Three-Minute Testimony
Briefly describes life before Christ, conversion, and continuing change.
A Longer Testimony
May provide more context for a church meeting, video, written article, or extended conversation.
The length changes.
The truth does not.
Know Your Audience
A testimony shared with a close friend may include details unsuitable for a public video.
A testimony for children should avoid adult details.
A written online testimony may remain publicly searchable for years.
Think carefully before identifying:
family members;
former partners;
medical information;
criminal matters;
or traumatic events.
Wisdom does not weaken testimony.
It protects truth and people.
Speak Naturally
You do not need to sound like a preacher.
Use words you understand.
Avoid unnecessary religious expressions that the listener may not recognize.
Instead of saying only:
“I got under the blood and got right,”
explain:
“I understood that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that I needed to repent and trust Him.”
Natural speech often communicates more clearly than borrowed phrases.
Prepare Without Becoming Artificial
Preparation is wise.
Write the testimony.
Remove unnecessary details.
Check the gospel.
Practice the length.
Preparation helps prevent wandering and self-exaltation.
But do not memorize every word so rigidly that the testimony sounds mechanical.
Know the main truths.
Then speak honestly and conversationally.
End With Jesus Christ
Do not end with yourself.
End with:
who Christ is;
what He accomplished;
why you trust Him;
and how the listener can know Him.
You might say:
“What Jesus Christ did for me is available through the same gospel I have explained to you. My story is not proof that I was unusually worthy. It is proof that Christ is merciful.”
Then, when appropriate, ask:
“Have you ever personally trusted Jesus Christ?”
A Clear Testimony Pattern
1. Begin With One Honest Description
What defined your spiritual condition before Christ?
2. Explain the Need You Recognized
What did Scripture show you about sin, guilt, religion, or self-reliance?
3. Present Jesus Christ
Who is He, and what did He accomplish?
4. Explain Your Response
How did you come to repent and trust Him?
5. Describe Real Change
What has Christ changed, and what is He continuing to teach you?
6. Give God the Credit
Do not make determination, emotion, or personality the saviour.
7. Connect the Story to the Gospel
Make clear that the listener also needs Christ.
8. Invite Conversation
Ask what the person believes or whether he has questions.
A Testimony Examination
Does my testimony clearly mention Jesus Christ?
Does it explain why I needed salvation?
Does it include Christ’s death and resurrection?
Does it explain repentance and faith rather than only church attendance or emotion?
Have I exaggerated anything?
Have I included unnecessary details about sin?
Have I exposed someone else’s private history?
Do I describe genuine change without claiming perfection?
Does God receive the glory?
Does the testimony lead naturally toward the gospel?
Discipleship Questions
- What is the difference between sharing a personal testimony and preaching the gospel?
- Why should a believer avoid exaggerating, glamorizing, or describing former sin in unnecessary detail?
- How can someone with a quiet or less dramatic conversion still give a meaningful testimony?
- What does it mean to describe real change without claiming sinless perfection?
- After hearing your testimony, what would a listener remember most—your past, your personality, or Jesus Christ?
Closing Exhortation
Tell what the Lord has done for you.
Tell the truth.
Do not exaggerate your sin.
Do not exaggerate your change.
Do not make yourself the hero.
Do not expose other people unnecessarily.
Do not replace the gospel with emotion or unusual experiences.
Do not make your conversion the required pattern for everyone.
Speak honestly about your need.
Explain how the gospel became clear.
Testify that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again.
Describe the mercy and change He has brought.
Acknowledge the work He is still doing.
Then direct the listener toward Christ.
Let the result be:
“They glorified God in me.”
A Prayer for a Christ-Centered Testimony
Father,
Thank You for the mercy You have shown me through Jesus Christ.
Thank You for every person, Scripture, circumstance, and act of grace You used to bring the gospel to me.
Teach me to tell what You have done truthfully and humbly.
Forgive me for pride, exaggeration, self-promotion, and the desire to impress people.
Keep me from glorifying my former sin or using painful events for attention.
Give me wisdom concerning what details should be shared and what should remain private.
Help me protect other people while still speaking truthfully.
Let my testimony explain my need for Christ, His death for my sins, His resurrection, and the repentance and faith to which You called me.
Help me describe genuine change without pretending that I have reached perfection.
Remind me that every good change is the result of Your grace.
Do not let people leave mainly impressed with me.
Let them see the mercy, truth, patience, and power of Jesus Christ.
Use my testimony to open conversations, encourage believers, and point lost people toward the gospel.
Let all glory belong to You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next Step
Prepare your testimony under these three headings:
Before I Trusted Christ
What was my true spiritual condition?
What was I trusting instead of Christ?
How I Came to Trust Christ
What truth did God use to awaken me?
What did I understand about Jesus Christ?
How did I respond through repentance and faith?
What Christ Has Done and Is Continuing to Do
What genuine changes have occurred?
What is Christ still teaching or changing in me?
How can I connect my story clearly to the gospel?
Now reduce the testimony to approximately three minutes.
Remove:
unnecessary details;
self-praise;
exaggeration;
and anything that draws attention away from Christ.
End by explaining who Jesus Christ is and why the listener also needs Him.
Previous Lesson: Lesson 62 — How to Share the Gospel Clearly
Next Lesson: Lesson 64 — How to Answer Basic Objections to the Bible