What practical steps can we take to defend our faith against false claims? Setting the Scene “Many of them said, ‘He is demon-possessed and insane; why would you listen to Him?’” (John 10:20) From the outset, Jesus faced blatant accusations meant to discredit His identity and message. The same tactic marks the enemy’s strategy against believers today. Understanding how Jesus responded equips us to do the same. Recognizing the Pattern of False Claims • False claims focus on character assassination rather than honest inquiry. • They appeal to emotion (“insane”) or fear (“demon-possessed”) instead of evidence. • They attempt to silence by discouraging listeners: “why would you listen to Him?” Seeing this pattern helps us identify similar attacks against the gospel in our own conversations. Practical Steps to Defend Our Faith 1. Know the Shepherd’s Voice • John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Daily Scripture reading tunes our hearts to recognize truth and spot counterfeits. 2. Hold Fast to the Written Word • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — God-breathed Scripture thoroughly equips us. • Acts 17:11 — The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to verify teaching. • Keep a journal of key passages addressing common objections; review them often. 3. Cultivate Sound Doctrine • Titus 1:9 — “Hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.” • Ephesians 4:14-15 — Sound teaching prevents us from being “tossed by the waves.” • Attend Bible-centered studies; read trustworthy commentaries; memorize core verses. 4. Walk in Visible Integrity • 1 Peter 3:15-16 — A gentle, respectful defense is strengthened by a clear conscience. • Matthew 5:16 — Good works silence slander by displaying the Father’s glory. • Consistency between belief and behavior undercuts accusations of hypocrisy. 5. Engage with Gentle Courage • 2 Timothy 2:24-25 — The Lord’s servant “must not be quarrelsome” but teach patiently. • Colossians 4:6 — Speech seasoned with grace answers each person appropriately. • Ask clarifying statements, share testimony, and leave the door open for dialogue. 6. Stay Connected to the Flock • Hebrews 10:24-25 — Encourage one another, especially when facing opposition. • Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpens iron.” • Regular Christian fellowship provides accountability, wisdom, and prayer support. 7. Depend on the Spirit’s Power • John 15:26 — The Advocate “will testify about Me.” • Jude 1:20 — Build yourselves up “praying in the Holy Spirit.” • Ask the Spirit to give clarity, recall Scripture, and soften hearts. Drawing Strength from Jesus’ Example • He did not take every accusation personally; He stayed on mission (John 10:25-26). • He pointed listeners back to His works as evidence (John 10:37-38). • He trusted the Father’s timetable and protection (John 10:39-40). Following His lead, we answer claims with truth, point to transformed lives, and rest in God’s sovereign care. Living It Out Together • Schedule weekly time to read and discuss contested passages with a friend. • Keep a running list of questions you encounter; look up answers in Scripture first. • Celebrate small victories—each respectful conversation plants seeds for the gospel. |
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