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Help Others to Accept the Kingdom MessageThe Watchtower—2003 | November 15
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Therefore if you persuade a person to accept a Bible teaching, you have won over his trust, so that he puts faith in the truthfulness of that teaching. Obviously, it is not enough to tell a person what the Bible says in order for him to believe it and act upon it. Your listener must be convinced that what you say is true, whether that individual is a child, a neighbor, a work associate, a schoolmate, or a relative.—2 Timothy 3:14, 15.
8. What is involved in convincing a person of a Scriptural truth?
8 How can you convince a person that what you proclaim from God’s Word is the truth? By means of logical reasoning, sound argument, and earnest entreaty, Paul endeavored to bring about a change of mind in individuals to whom he spoke.a Rather than merely declaring that something is true, therefore, you need to supply satisfying evidence to support your statement. How may this be done? Be sure that your statement is based squarely on God’s Word and not on personal opinion. Also, use corroborative evidence to back up your heartfelt Scriptural statements. (Proverbs 16:23) If you point out that obedient mankind will enjoy life in a paradise earth, for instance, back that statement up with a Scriptural reference, such as Luke 23:43 or Isaiah 65:21-25. How can you corroborate your Scriptural point? You may use examples from your listener’s experience. You might remind him of the simple and cost-free pleasures derived from the beauty of a sunset, the sweet smell of a flower, the savory taste of a fruit, or the joy of watching a mother bird feed her young. Help him to see that such pleasures are evidence that the Creator wants us to enjoy life on earth.—Ecclesiastes 3:11, 12.
9. How can we show reasonableness in our preaching work?
9 When trying to persuade a person to accept a certain Bible teaching, be careful that your enthusiasm does not cause you to sound unreasonable, thus closing your listener’s mind and heart. The Ministry School book gives this word of caution: “A blunt statement of truth that exposes as false a cherished belief of another person, even when buttressed with the recitation of a long list of Scripture texts, is generally not well received. For example, if popular celebrations are simply denounced as being of pagan origin, this may not change how other people feel about them. A reasoning approach is usually more successful.” Why make a concerted effort to be reasonable? The textbook says: “A reasoning manner encourages discussion, gives people something to think about later, and leaves the way open for future conversations. It can be powerfully persuasive.”—Colossians 4:6.
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Help Others to Accept the Kingdom MessageThe Watchtower—2003 | November 15
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Use God’s Word Skillfully
13. How can you, like Paul, motivate your listeners?
13 Paul desired to motivate his listeners to act upon the good news. (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7) To that end, he appealed to their figurative heart, the seat of motivation. Returning to Paul’s defense before Agrippa, notice how Paul ‘handled God’s word aright’ by referring to things stated by Moses and the prophets.—2 Timothy 2:15.
14. Explain how Paul used persuasion when before Agrippa.
14 Paul knew that Agrippa was nominally a Jew. Appealing to Agrippa’s knowledge of Judaism, Paul reasoned that his preaching really involved “saying nothing except things the Prophets as well as Moses stated were going to take place” regarding the Messiah’s death and resurrection. (Acts 26:22, 23) Addressing Agrippa directly, Paul asked: “Do you, King Agrippa, believe the Prophets?” Agrippa faced a dilemma. If he said that he rejected the prophets, his reputation as a Jewish believer would be ruined. But if he concurred with Paul’s reasoning, he would be taking a position of public agreement with the apostle and would risk being called a Christian. Paul wisely answered his own question, saying: “I know you believe.” How did Agrippa’s heart move him to answer? He responded: “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:27, 28) Although Agrippa did not become a Christian, Paul evidently affected his heart to some extent with his message.—Hebrews 4:12.
15. How was Paul able to start a congregation in Thessalonica?
15 Have you noticed that Paul’s presentation of the good news consisted of both proclamation and persuasion? Because Paul used that approach as he ‘handled the word of God aright,’ some who heard him turned from being mere listeners to becoming believers. This was the case in Thessalonica, where Paul sought out Jews and God-fearing Gentiles at the synagogue. The account at Acts 17:2-4 says: “According to Paul’s custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead . . . As a result some of them became believers.” Paul was persuasive. He reasoned, explained, and proved by means of the Scriptures that Jesus was the long-promised Messiah. The result? A congregation of believers was established.
16. How can you find greater enjoyment in proclaiming the Kingdom?
16 Can you become more adept in the art of persuasion when explaining God’s Word? If so, you will find more personal fulfillment and enjoyment in your work of preaching and teaching people about God’s Kingdom. This has been the experience of publishers of the good news who have applied suggestions to use the Bible more in the preaching work.
17. To show how using the Bible in our ministry is beneficial, relate a personal experience or give the essence of the one in this paragraph.
17 For example, a traveling overseer of Jehovah’s Witnesses wrote: “Quite a number of brothers and sisters are now carrying a Bible in their hand when they witness from door to door. This has helped the publishers to read a scripture to many of the people with whom they come in contact. It has helped both the householder and the publisher to associate the Bible, not just magazines and books, with our ministry.” Of course, whether we have the Bible visible when we engage in the preaching activity depends on various factors, including local customs. Nevertheless, we should want to have a reputation for skillful use of God’s Word to persuade others to accept the Kingdom message.
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