3. The Reading
1 Corinthians 3:5-8

6. Hello brother Eric,
I have been trying to talk to other people about the gospel.
I know we have the responsibility to preach to others, but my problem is not that I don’t know what the Gospel is all about. My problem is:
I don’t know how to start, I don’t know what to say when I am ready to study with others.
I go “blank” you can say, when others ask me about my faith.
Can you give me some outlines on how to set up a Bible study with others please?
Thank you brother.

7. Discussing Religion with Others

8. In our society religion is greatly debated.
While some have no interest in religion, others will discuss every point of faith
Discussing our faith can lead to opportunities for further study.

9. We ought to prepare for such opportunities – 1 Pet. 3:15, Matt
BUT, we must do so with proper attitudes and conduct! (Col. 4:6, Matt. 10:16)
Matthew 10:16
“ Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Matthew 10:32-33
“ Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven
1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

10. Discussing Religion with Others

11. Live it! Our faith starts with our example Matthew 5:13-16
Hypocrisy, and half-hearted service will hinder our opportunities
Are you the one your friends will turn to for answers?
Matthew 5:13-16
“ You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “ You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven

12. Select the right time and place
Sometimes, discussions need to be arranged!
Sometimes, it is not proper to discuss religion
Sometimes, one is not ready for a particular subject

13. Start with something you agree on
Common ground determines where a discussion needs to begin
For example: Why discuss same-sex marriage with one who does not understand Bible authority
Acts 8:30-40 – Philip began with the passage the Eunuch was reading

14. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Prov. 18:13
Prejudice is wrong
James 1:19
Ask questions to clarify what one is saying
Prov. 15:28
James 1:19
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

15. Don’t get caught up in foolish arguments.
Consider the following verses:
1 Tim. 1:3-4,
1 Tim. 4:7,
1 Tim. 6:3-5,
2 Tim. 2:14-16,
2 Tim
2 Timothy 2:14-16
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness
1 Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient
1 Tim 1:3-4
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith
1 Timothy 4:7
But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

16. Don't force your faith on others
You CANNOT force someone to accept the truth
You can plant and water, but God will deal with the increase. 1 Cor. 3:5-8
That does not mean we don’t invite others to hear the truth
1 Corinthians 3:5-8
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor

17. Know what you are teaching
2 Tim. 2:24
1 Peter 3:15
2 Tim. 2:15
In this age of information, people can search and verify what you say!
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:24
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient
1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

18. Be gentle and loving Philippians 4:5 Proverbs 15:1
2 Tim. 2:24, “a servant of the Lord must …be gentle to all…” Phil. 4:5
Eph. 4:15, “speaking the truth in love.”
We need to care and it must be reflected in our demeanor
Colossians 4:6
Gal. 6:1,
Prov. 15:1
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

19. Be patient 2 Tim. 2:24, “a servant of the Lord must …be patient…”
Important changes typically don’t happen quickly.
Even we should be slow to change (Eph. 4:14, Heb. 13:9)
Eph. 3:17, rooted and grounded in love

20. When we stand before God we will give an account for ourselves
With others all we can do is plant and water the seed.
Even a gardener knows that there are rules to follow to harvest a good crop.

21. Are we willing to share our faith with others?