Lesson 2—Starting a Conversation—Naturalness
LESSON 2
Principle: “A word spoken at the right time—how good it is!”—
(Proverbs 15.23: A man rejoices in giving the right answer, And a word spoken at the right time—how good it is!)
What Philip Did
1. Watch the VIDEO, Or Read Then consider the following questions:
(Acts 8.30, 31: Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” He said: “Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me?” So he urged Philip to get on and sit down with him.)
a. How did Philip start the conversation?
b. Why was this a natural way to start the conversation and share a new truth with the man?
What Do We Learn From Philip?
2. If we allow a conversation to develop naturally, it is more likely that the other person will feel at ease and be open to discussing our message.
Imitate Philip
3. Be observant. A person’s facial expressions and body language can reveal a lot. Does the person seem willing to speak with you? You might introduce a Bible truth by simply asking, “Did you know that...?” Avoid forcing a conversation with someone who does not want to talk.
4. Be patient. Do not feel that you must introduce a Bible truth immediately. Wait for the right opportunity so that you can bring it up naturally. Sometimes, this may mean waiting until the next conversation you have with the person.
5. Be adaptable. A conversation may go in an unexpected direction. So be willing to share something that is relevant to the person, even if that means discussing a different Bible truth than the one you had in mind.
STARTING A CONVERSATION
SEE ALSO
(Ecclesiastes 3.1: There is an appointed time for everything, A time for every activity under the heavens:)
(Ecclesiastes 3.7: A time to rip apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak;)
(1 Corinthians 9.22: To the weak I became weak, in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to people of all sorts, so that I might by all possible means save some.)
(2 Corinthians 2.17: We are, for we are not peddlers of the word of God as many men are, but we speak in all sincerity as sent from God, yes, in the sight of God and in company with Christ.)
(Colossians 4.6: Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.)