Evangelistic Opposition - Part 1

..... Sharing the gospel is not always easy, and at times it’s easier than it seems. And at still other times, it’s hard to tell which is which! So what should be your attitude if someone becomes contentious? What if they argue and raise objections? Or what should you do if they start to ridicule your words?

.
.... Even though this may be difficult, Paul tells us that a servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance so they may know the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Even if they want to quarrel, there is a way to stay above it all, keep a servant’s heart (both to God and to man,) and perhaps to press on:

.... "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

(Isaiah 26:3)

.... Here’s a little background that is helpful to understand. Some people are really very interested in hearing the gospel because God has been preparing them for a long time. He’s finally brought them very close to believing and they feel it strongly, so now they’re starting to get scared. After all, the consequences are momentous. Or maybe they’re just shy, or perhaps they’ve gotten nervous because of their sins. Or maybe they still have an issue with pride. But in any case, deeper down, they know they're approaching the moment of truth of their entire life! And because of these factors they are in an emotional quandary. They do want to hear more about Jesus, but they’re afraid to talk about Him.

.
.... So in the midst of this quandary, if their interest has gained the upper hand, a curious paradox can emerge. As you share the gospel, they may answer with a series of objections and give you a bit of a hard time about it. But when this happens don’t be discouraged! Take a moment to step back from it all and consider the broader picture, and when you do the truth will emerge:

.
.... You’re still talking to them about the Lord, right? They still seem willing to discuss the gospel, and deep inside this is what they’ve intended. By putting you on the defensive, they’ve found a way to overcome their own defensive feelings. Therefore, under the auspice of your humble attitude, information is still being received and the gospel is still being preached to them:

.... "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice."

(Philippians 1:18)

.... When this seems to be the case, try talking about the Lord Himself, and how the gospel applies to people in general, without singling out the listener personally. They will already be doing that part anyway – and for that matter, so will the Lord in helping them apply your words; for He, too, desires with all His heart to see them saved (John 16:8; 1 Timothy 2:4).

To proceed to the next lesson, click here

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 10