It is only by acting on God’s Word that a man can receive eternal life. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that the unsaved man come into contact with the living Word of God, and be made to realize his need of eternal life and how to receive it.
There is no way quite as effective as for him to hear the Word from the lips of someone who really believes it and has a loving interest in his personal salvation.
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life. (Philippians 2:15–16)
We are to hold forth the “word of life,” this vital living message from the heart of God. It is our privilege to offer a message to those who will embrace it. We are not to hold the Word, but we are to hold it forth in an inviting, cheerful manner.
It is not enough for us to have the Word in our own lives and be enjoying the realities of redemption. Jesus Christ would have us be channels through which He can send out a message of life and freedom already purchased and awaiting those in bondage.
A NEW LIFE
If we could only realize that in this day and age, people are interested in something that can cope with their economic and social problems rather than a religion. The world is full of religion.
Religion doesn’t offer a solution for the problems of today. If it did, there would be no need for writing this lesson.
We do not have a religion to offer the unsaved. We have eternal life, the nature of God. It will make them new creations, which will solve the problems of their lives.
C. H. Yatman has said that tact was common sense put to work. We believe it to be more than that. Tact is love dominating our lives so that as we approach the unsaved, we will have the very wisdom of Christ, which is born of love.
A TACTFUL APPROACH
The “how” to reach men, how to approach them, is perhaps the most difficult problem that confronts the worker. But the Holy Spirit is bound to show us the way of approach.
I have found that when I became burdened for a soul, God was dealing with that soul at the same time, which made the approach easy.
Romans 5:5 tells us, “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.” We know we have passed from death unto life because we love.
The personal worker must walk in the fullest fellowship with the Father. The person with whom he is dealing must have a consciousness of His love for him, of His desire to help him.
If a man sees that you love him and are really interested in him, he opens up to you. He makes it easy for you to speak to him.
If your heart has been burdened for a person, you can be sure that he is ready for your message.
Never tell him what he must give up. Take the other side of the issue. Tell him what he will gain, the joy and blessing it will bring to his home and life. All the while you are speaking, keep your heart open toward God so He can guide you as you present Jesus to the man.
A SAMPLE APPROACH
A man addressed an acquaintance of his in a warm, friendly manner with the following words:
“John, I am rather anxious about your salvation. I know it will mean so much to you and your family, and I want you to have the thing that has made such changes in my home. Let me give you one or two Scriptures that will help you.”
He immediately had his friend’s attention and was able to sow the seed that eventually led his friend into the family of God.
WIN THEM BY THE WORD
God’s Message is a living and active power, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing its way till it penetrates soul and spirit. (Hebrews 4:12 TCNT)
The Word of God alone can bring conviction and penetrate the spiritual darkness that the unsaved man is striving in.
It is not our words. It is God’s Word that grips the heart and convinces a man of his need of Christ.
You cannot always lead a man to Christ the first time you talk to him. Most likely, you will find it necessary to speak to him several times.
Now the secret of making your work effective is this: each time you contact your prospect, leave with him a Scripture to think about.
Human words and reasoning get no further than a man’s intellect, but the Word of God reaches down into his very heart and really gets hold of him.
The Word alone has the power of awakening a man from his spiritual stupor and causing him to turn resolutely to the Lord.
I have found this to be true, that one or two Scriptures read and explained to the man you are dealing with has much more effect than hours of reasoning and talking religion.
It is the living Word that brings life.
QUESTIONS
- What do we mean by “holding forth the word of life”?
- Describe the difference between religion and eternal life.
- How can you approach an unsaved man without offending him?
- Why is it necessary to use the Word of God?