Lesson 4—Starting a Conversation—Humility
LESSON 4
Principle: “With humility consider others superior to you.”—
(Philippians 2.3: Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you,)
What Paul Did
1. Watch the VIDEO, Or Read Then consider the following questions:
(Acts 26.2, 3: “Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself happy that it is before you I am to make my defense this day, especially because you are an expert on all the customs as well as the controversies among the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to hear me patiently.)
a. How did Paul show humility in the way he spoke to King Agrippa?
b. How did Paul draw attention to Jehovah and the Scriptures rather than to himself?—See
(Acts 26.22: However, because I have experienced the help that is from God, I continue to this day bearing witness to both small and great, saying nothing except what the Prophets as well as Moses stated was going to take place—)
What Do We Learn From Paul?
2. Our message is more appealing when we present it humbly and respectfully.
Imitate Paul
3. Do not be condescending. Avoid giving the impression that you know everything and that the other person knows nothing. Speak with him in a respectful way.
4. Make clear that the Bible is the source of the truths you share. God’s Word contains thoughts that touch people’s hearts. When we use it, we are building their faith on the right foundation.
5. Remain mild. Do not insist on making a point. We do not want to argue. Show humility by staying calm and knowing when to leave.
(Proverbs 17.14: Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave.)
(Titus 3.2: to speak injuriously of no one, not to be quarrelsome, but to be reasonable, displaying all mildness toward all men.)
A mild response may leave the door open for a productive conversation in the future.
STARTING A CONVERSATION
SEE ALSO
(Romans 12.16-18: Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes. Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.)
(1 Corinthians 8.1: Now concerning food offered to idols: We know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.)
(2 Corinthians 3.5: Not that we of ourselves are adequately qualified to consider that anything comes from us, but our being adequately qualified comes from God,)