“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” Titus 3:9
When we go out soul winning, we are looking for people who are receptive to the gospel. Don’t let someone who is looking for an argument rob you of your time that you could be spending with another person who would be genuinely interested. On the other hand, if someone is receptive but just slow to understand, take some extra time to be even more thorough with that person to make sure they comprehend each point.
If somebody asks me a weird question, I might tell them we can get back to that, and then I’ll change the subject back to the gospel. I try not to take the bait but instead stay focused on getting through the presentation. Have I gotten into arguments out soul winning? Yes, I’m human, but most of the time I try to be patient with people since the goal is to either get them saved or to at least plant a seed.
At times our pride can get in the way and cause us to want to show off our Bible knowledge. Because of this, newer believers are sometimes better soul winners because they are less likely to get off on rabbit trails, trying to win an argument. It’s not beginners luck—it’s just that they don’t know enough Bible to debate about the more obscure subjects.
Those of us with more experience should still try to stay on topic rather than being baited into a fruitless argument. When I change the subject back to the gospel, I usually hope they forget about their original question, but depending on what the question is, I may answer it after the person gets saved. The point is to avoid foolish questions and use our time wisely. Encourage new converts to come to church where they will hear preaching on all manner of subjects, but our primary goal out soul winning is to win people to the Lord.
The type of questions we do want to answer are those pertaining to salvation. People may have been taught something different at their church and have a hang up that needs to be addressed. Answer relevant questions but maintain control of the conversation, so you don’t waste valuable time or veer too far off course.
If someone is combative about a key salvation point even after you have proven that doctrine with a couple of clear scriptures, it is time to walk away. Be polite when you leave, but don’t waste your time arguing with someone that clearly won’t be getting saved—at least not that day.
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;” Titus 3:10
Sometimes it will become evident that someone just doesn’t understand salvation. Some people will constantly change the subject throughout the presentation, showing that they are missing the point. We should try to get through to them, but there comes a time when you have to realize the person just isn’t going to get saved. Consider leaving them with additional materials and invite them to visit your church for more preaching on the subject. They may just need some time for the verses to sink in, and perhaps in the future, they will understand it better coming from someone else.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-11
Here is a sermon to go with this article.
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