Matthew 10:25 | 1 Corinthians 1:21,25 | Acts 8:29,35
“Sometimes I think I should talk about God, but I don’t.”
Think about a time you missed the opportunity to say something good about God. Were you afraid to speak up? Did you worry about being embarrassed or mocked?
If so, be encouraged: God loves you no matter what. But you have nothing to fear, and nothing to be ashamed of. Jesus was mocked and called names, and he told his followers to expect the same.
Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!
Matthew 10:25 NLT
It may not sound very encouraging, but if you talk to people about God, you will be mocked and possibly embarrassed. Our advice? Embrace the embarrassment. If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s definitely good enough for you.
Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT
The Apostle Paul took this to the next level. He was not afraid to look foolish because he knew who the real fools were.
Paul also knew that human wisdom could never reveal who God is. That is the work of the Holy Spirit.
This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT
Think about that: it’s not your job to convince people that God is good, that He loves them, or anything like that. His plan is stronger than any string of wise words you could come up with.
Isn’t that great? If you have the opportunity to talk with someone about God, you don’t have to persuade them. You don’t have to argue with them. You just have to share his Word and what he has done in your life.
You don’t even have to preach. Look for an opportunity for a conversation, and when it arrives, be sure to listen and ask questions.
The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
Acts 8:29 NLT
Most of all, look for prompting from the Holy Spirit. And as Philip did, come alongside the person in their journey.
So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.
Acts 8:35 NLT
Questions for Group Discussion
- What role does humility play in having a successful God conversation?
- When was the last time you missed the opportunity to say something about God? Were you afraid of being embarrassed?
- Does it ever feel like a lot of pressure to say the right thing when talking with someone about God? Is that pressure from God? What does God want from you, really?
Challenge: Talk the Talk
Here’s where the rubber meets the road…
We hereby challenge you to talk with somebody about your faith in God. Here is some advice as you do.
- Look to the Holy Spirit for prompting. Don’t try to force a conversation. Let God do the work.
- Ask questions. It’s like turning on lights… How else can you see your way around a conversation? And it shows you care.
- Listen. So essential, yet so easy to forget.
- Come alongside. People who get in your face start confrontations. People who come alongside just want to help. Which do you want to be?
- Embrace embarrassment. It’s going to happen at some point. Accept that, and be free.
- Be a fool for Christ. God’s wisdom is foolishness to the world. Choose God.
- Let God be the perfect one. You don’t have to persuade anyone, argue with anyone, or have all the answers.
