Truth by the Spirit
I have recently realised how we cannot convince others of what we believe by arguing a point to them and think that they will supernaturally take it to heart. It is only God who can take the veil from people's eyes so that they see the truth:
2 Timothy 2:23-26
"23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
"4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
When it is God who speaks through us, the Holy Spirit will convict that person of what you are saying and they receive what you say with joy. It will not be an argument or frustration of trying to convince someone.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
" 13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe."
Today I read this verse and I am amazed at how it just confirms what I have been reading before:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
"1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
So often we try and impress people with our words and knowledge in order that we might convince them of our point, but actually it's the simplicity of the Gospel, "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" that we need to share, only. And the most vital part is to trust God for "a demonstration of the Spirit's power". We cannot convince people of Jesus and what He did for them, but the Holy Spirit can.
Another favourite quote: Preach Christ. If necessary, use words.
Our faith is definitely not to be kept to ourselves. Testimonies of God's provision and greatness are to be shared. But I'm not always sure if debating "religions" is all that productive.
2 Timothy 2:23-26
"23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
"4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
When it is God who speaks through us, the Holy Spirit will convict that person of what you are saying and they receive what you say with joy. It will not be an argument or frustration of trying to convince someone.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
" 13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe."
Today I read this verse and I am amazed at how it just confirms what I have been reading before:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
"1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
So often we try and impress people with our words and knowledge in order that we might convince them of our point, but actually it's the simplicity of the Gospel, "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" that we need to share, only. And the most vital part is to trust God for "a demonstration of the Spirit's power". We cannot convince people of Jesus and what He did for them, but the Holy Spirit can.
Another favourite quote: Preach Christ. If necessary, use words.
Our faith is definitely not to be kept to ourselves. Testimonies of God's provision and greatness are to be shared. But I'm not always sure if debating "religions" is all that productive.
Comments