How to Share the Truth with Others

Proverbs 22:17-21
(17)  Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
(18)  For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
(19)  That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
(20)  Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
(21)  That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Five Steps to Knowing the Certainty of the Words of Truth:

1)    Submission – Bow down (2 Tim. 3:16) 

2)    Reception – Hear (Rom. 10:17; 1 Thess. 2:13)

3)    Application – Apply thine heart (2 Tim. 2:15)

4)    Meditation – Keep them within thee (1 Tim. 4:15)

5)    Confession – Fitted in thy lips (2 Cor. 4:13)

Twofold Purpose for Gaining this Knowledge:

1)    That we might trust in the Lord (v.19) – How can we trust a God we don't know? Knowing the Bible is about knowing God!

2)    That we might be able to answer others (v.21b) - Every believer should be able to communicate what the Bible says to those that ask (Ps. 119:42; Prov. 15:28; Col. 4:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:15). You aren’t rooted and grounded in the truth if you can’t teach it to others. 

Guidelines for Personal Work:

1. God’s word in our heart (Col. 3:16)

2. Care for others (Phil. 2:4-5)

3. Testimony that doesn’t hinder the message (Phil. 1:27)

4. Speak up (Eph. 6:19-20; Col. 4:3-4)

5. Depend on God (2 Cor. 4:7)

6. Deal with people where they are (contrast Jn. 3 and 4)

7. Experience is a great teacher!  

8. Patience (2 Tim. 2:24-26)

9. Pray for and follow-up on those we talk to (Acts 15:36)