1. This morning we emphasized the importance of learning God's statutes and commandments. 2. In addition to learning God's statutes and commandments ourselves, the Lord wants His people to help others learn them. 3. In helping others learn God's statutes and commandments, we must be able to answer questions that may be asked. 4. Our lesson is based on the principle touched on in Colossians 4:6b -- "knowing how to answer everyone." 5. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. SOME QUESTIONS ARE TO BE AVOIDED
A. This principle is taught in 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9. B. Foolish and ignorant questions are to be avoided because they result in strife. C. Arguing over foolish matters is unprofitable. D. However, when people ask honest questions with the right motives, . . . II. WE ARE TO GIVE CORRECT SCRIPTURAL ANSWERS
A. See Titus 2:1. B. To answer questions with "sound doctrine," we must have a good knowledge of the Scriptures, and this requires diligent study. C. We need to be able to "show" people what the Bible teaches. D. If someone asks a question that you cannot answer, say "I don't know, but I will study it and get back with you." E. People respect honesty, and they will appreciate the effort you put forth to look up the answer for them. F. In addition to answering questions with correct answers, . . . III. WE ARE TO GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE WAY WE ANSWER QUESTIONS
A. Let us examine some instructions that were given to 2 evangelists. 1. (Titus 2:7-8) Not only are we to answer questions with "sound doctrine," but we are to also answer with "sound speech" that cannot be used against us. 2. (2 Timothy 2:24-26) Notice that gentleness, patience, and meekness are to be demonstrated as we endeavor to teach people (1 Peter 3:15 -- we are to answer "with meekness and fear"). B. Since the way we answer questions is so important, let us examine some instructions that relate to our speech, in general. 1. (Ephesians 4:29) We are to avoid using "corrupt communication." a. "Corrupt communication" includes any kind of language that is not wholesome. b. We must use good judgment concerning the things that we say, and we must avoid bad habits concerning our speech. c. Rather than use "corrupt communication," we are to use language that edifies and ministers grace unto those who hear us. 2. (Colossians 4:6a) When we answer questions we are to do so with grace and good taste. Conclusion:
1. The Bible teaches us to know how to answer everyone. 2. We have examined several important principles that will help us to do this. a. Some questions are to be avoided. b. We are to give correct answers from the Bible to questions we are asked. c. We are to give careful attention to the way we answer questions, demonstrating meekness and using proper speech.
