Part 2.1 - STUDY XXVII. to XXVIII.

STUDY XXVII.

MEETING OBJECTIONS.

Memory Verse: "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."-(Luke 21:15) Scripture for Meditation:John 9:1-41. The zealous personal worker will be met by objections; but it must be remembered that these objections are often given for the sake of argument, and often for the sake of something to say. They should be squarely met, however, and answered; and the best way to answer such is by Scripture. There is not an objection advanced by the unconverted that can not be met and overcome by some passage of Scripture. Just as Jesus in the wilderness met the tempter’s arguments with "It is written," so we may meet every argument of the objector with the Word. A faithful study of Christ’s conversations with seeking souls, such as Nicodemus and the rich young man, will also be helpful.

Below are some of the objections usually given, with the Scripture references that may be used to meet them. This arrangement of texts is taken from "Personal Work," by S.M. Sayford, by consent of the publishers:

"I am good enough." (Genesis 6:5; Psalms 51:1-7; Luke 18:19) "I am as good as most Christians." (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11; Revelation 12:15) "I have never done anything really bad." (Luke 16:15; James 2:10) "I can not give up my pleasures." (Ecclesiastes 2:1; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Psalms 16:11) "I know I shall fail." (John 6:37; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:18) "I can not now, but will some time." (Luke 14:17; Acts 24:25; James 4:13-14; Luke 12:19-20) "I am too great a sinner." (Luke 5:32; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15) "My day of grace has past." (Exodus 34:5-7; 2 Chronicles 30:9) "I do not feel concerned." (Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14; Hebrews 2:3) "I can not know that these things are true." (Acts 17:11; John 5:39; John 7:17) "It will cost me my living." (Matthew 6:33; Psalms 84:11; Romans 14:8) "It will prevent my becoming rich." (1 Timothy 6:9-10; Mark 8:36-37; Revelation 3:17-18) "I can not hold my friends." (Matthew 10:37; Matthew 22:37; Php 3:8)

"How may I know that Christ is the Son of God?" (John 20:30-31; John 10:23-25; 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20; Mark 4:11) "How may I know that the Bible is true?" (John 7:17) "Will not God save me if I do my best?" (Ephesians 2:9; Titus 3:5-8)

"Why must a man believe in Christ to be saved?" (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:23, Romans 3:26) "How may I know I am forgiven?" (Psalms 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:7-9)

STUDY XXVIII. NO EFFORT IN VAIN.

Memory Verse: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."-(Isaiah 55:11) Scripture for Meditation:John 4:36;1 Corinthians 15:58.

"Some day I hope you will preach the gospel," said an aged minister to a little boy in England. That boy became Charles H. Spurgeon. That great soul-winner, Mark Guy Pearse, says that when he was a boy his father took him to see a saintly old lady, who laid her hand upon his head, saying, "God bless the boy, and make him a minister." Mr. Pearse says that, through this aged woman, God called him to the ministry. In a college chapel in Pennsylvania a Christian layman sat down beside a boy and talked to him about Christ. That boy became Alfred Cookman, whose name will be held in everlasting remembrance. An eminent lawyer of Minneapolis, converted a short time since, declares that the earnest question, "Have you found Jesus?" spoken by a young lady to his friend who sat by his side in a revival-meeting, and her startled look, when she was answered roughly, followed him for fifteen years until he was finally converted. No sincere effort for Christ can fail. To human eyes there may be little encouragement, but his Word shall prevail. Every invitation and entreaty shall in the end be, to those who reject it, the "savor of death unto death," but to those who accept it, "the savor of life unto life." We may go forth now, weeping, bearing precious seed; but some blessed day we shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us.

Perhaps we are too anxious to see results now. We do like to number the converts, and add to the Church roll. Far better do our best for Christ and souls, then leave the results to God. He will see that the seed, faithfully planted, is watered, and that no effort is in vain.