Skill #2: Helping people of peace discover and understand what God is saying to them.
One way to develop this skill is to carefully listen to the questions that people ask.
The importance of listening to questions is demonstrated by Paul and Silas at the end of their stay in Philippi (Acts 16:16-34).
The jailer’s question
After discovering that his prisoners had not fled during the earthquake, the jailer asked a question that showed Paul and Silas that God was talking to him: “What must I do to be saved?”
The jailer had heard God speak, but he didn’t understand what God was telling him to do. So Paul and Silas explained that he and his household needed to believe in the Lord Jesus.
Paul and Silas helped the jailer discover and understand what God was saying to him.
Other questions people ask
How did you do that? That is what the temple crowds wanted to know when Peter and John healed the lame beggar. Peter answered by explaining that God was calling them to repentance (Acts 3).
Who is the Bible about? This is the question the Ethiopian official asked Philip, who responded by showing that the Scriptures are the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:26-40).
What message do you have for us? This is what Cornelius asked Peter, who replied that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus (Acts 10).
Can you tell us more? That is what the members of the Areopagus wanted, so Paul explained that God was calling them to repent (Acts 17:16-34).
Your turn:
- What questions have people asked you that indicate God was speaking to them?
- How did you help them discover and understand what God was saying?
- In what ways were their questions influenced by watching you live a helpful, hopeful life?
Share your thoughts and make it a conversation!
See an overview of all five disciple making skills HERE.
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