Evangelistic Opposition - Part 2

.... In evangelism, we would all prefer the best case scenario in which our listener hears the gospel with an open mind and asks sincere questions eagerly. In the worst case scenario, if they outrightly oppose us and blaspheme God, we must shake off the dust of our feet as a testimony against them (Mark 6:11; Matthew 18:6). But there is also a third possibility:

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.... In our previous posting we introduced another group that is stuck in between those two. Those in this middle category really want to hear more about the gospel, but it makes them feel defensive. Their solution is to appear belligerent and put you on the defensive, in order to hide their own defensiveness. In other words they've adopted the approach that 'the best defense is a good offense' and they've started to give you a hard time about it -- but at least you’re still engaged in the discussion, and deeper down that's what they've intended!

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.... When you graciously accept this defensive role, you may actually go quite a long way with it, but you may also see them object more strenuously as they grow closer to believing. When this happens, you should understand the deeper conflict that is underway inside them. The Lord may be pulling so strongly on their heart that, in their own minds, they feel compelled to lean very hard in the opposite direction to ‘restore the balance’ and remain non-committal. They may quickly seem more distant than ever. But in fact, they are often within easy reach if you’ll just stay cool, not allow yourself to be ruffled, and answer them kindly:

.... "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

(Proverbs 15:1)

.... "Look, I’ve been where you’re at," you might say, "and I understand that it’s hard to hear some of the things I’m saying, but I do appreciate that you’re taking it seriously. And I think God sees that in your heart. So how about this? Tonight when you get a little time by yourself, why don’t you just talk to the Lord for a minute, and ask Him to come and introduce Himself to you? Because this should really be between you and Him anyway."

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.... When the tables begin to turn and your listener's facade begins to falter, and they start to feel defensive after all, you have to be very sensitive and know when it’s time to quit. Once you’ve reached that point, if you keep going anyway, they’re likely to pull back (see Hebrews 10:38). So remember that the Lord is your senior partner in evangelism, leave the next step to Him, and remember to pray for this person afterward. Also, if possible, try to give them some literature as a follow-up before you go.

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.... And here is one more element to keep in mind. When someone is contentious but you remain calm, the Lord begins working in each of you in a special way that you can always count on. In fact, the effect is so powerful that neither of you could possibly deny it. In such a case you will both know, from deeply within yourselves, that you, the evangelist, are saved, and that they, the listener, are not:

.... ". . . and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God."

(Philippians 1:28)

.... Just remain humble so the Lord can use this, instead of being prideful or having a chip on your shoulder, which could still ruin things.

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Daily Bible Reading: Luke 11