In this final article on Scripture memorisation, I want to give you some practical examples of how to answer people with God’s Word. When we use Scripture to answer people’s questions, or to present the good news, we are using the best evangelistic tool we have – the Bible.
Evangelism often involves spontaneous conversations. People will sometimes ask difficult questions or raise objections we were not expecting. A memorised Bible verse can redirect those questions and objections back to the truth and proclaim God’s authority on the matter.
1) Using Scripture to Explain the Gospel
It is good to have a biblical outline in your mind on how to share the gospel. As I mentioned in a previous article, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 provides a simple and very clear outline. But, as with all outlines, we can flesh them out and build upon them.
Here are a few key verses you may wish to use in explaining the good news.
God’s Holiness – Habakkuk 1:13, “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness.”
Human Sinfulness – Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
God’s Justice – Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
Christ’s Sacrifice – Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Christ’s Resurrection – Romans 4:25, “Who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”
Response – Mark 1:15, “…Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Don’t simply quote the verses, but take time to explain them. We want people to understand the message. In Nehemiah 8:7-8, we are told that after Ezra read from the Law to the people, there were key men who then sought to explain what was said. We need to do likewise: we quote the Scripture (which we have memorised), and then we explain the sense of it. We want people to understand God’s message.
2) Use Scripture to Answer Objections
It is no surprise that people object to the Christian message, so the best way to answer is with God’s Word. Here are a few verses to help you answer common objections.
“I’m a Good Person!”
Romans 3:10-12, As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”
Mark 10:18, So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.”
…the goal of sharing these Scriptures with a non-believer is not to win an argument, but rather to present them with biblical truth…
“Aren’t All Religions True?”
John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Acts 4:12, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
“Why Should I Trust the Bible?”
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
“I don’t believe in God!”
Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
Psalm 14:1, “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, there is none who does good.”
Remember, the goal of sharing these Scriptures with a non-believer is not to win an argument, but rather to present them with biblical truth, which will hopefully make them wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15).
Conclusion
Scripture memory is vital to being an effective witness. The Bible is the very tool the Holy Spirit will use to bring the truth to the lost. The greatest tool we have in evangelism is not a tract, an open-air board, or an argument – it is the living and active Word of God (Hebrews 4:12).
Hide Scripture in your heart and mind, so you may be better equipped to share the good news.