Scripture Reading: Acts 18:4

Introduction:

I. Acts 26 records the defense that Paul makes before King Agrippa.

A. King Agrippa realizes that Paul is persuading him to become a Christian.

II. Persuade means to move by argument or entreaty, to a belief, position, or course of action.

III. We are confronted with persuasion every day and from many directions.

A. The most common way would be from advertisements.

IV. Our concern here is with the use of persuasion in presenting the gospel.

Discussion:

I. Gospel Persuasion is authorized by scripture.

A. Preaching is God’s chosen method to save man. (1 Corinthians 1:21)

1. Preaching means to urge acceptance or abandonment of an idea or course of action.

2. Gospel persuasion is an attempt to get people to change their life. (Acts 26)

B. Gospel persuasion is directed to believers in God. (Acts 18:4; 17:2-4; Acts 28)

C. Gospel persuasion is directed toward unbelievers (Acts 17:16-31)

II. Gospel Persuasion is not manipulation.

A. Manipulation is to influence unfairly or deceitfully.

1. The difference between gospel persuasion and manipulation is intent.

2. Manipulation by false teachers has caused much damage to Christianity. (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Acts 20:29-30)

B. Those who manipulate and deceive people with a false gospel will give an account for their actions (Galatians 1:8-9).

III. Gospel persuasion is motivated by love.

A. Paul’s love for the church explains a great deal of his motivation to persuade.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:11, “Knowing, therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…”

2. Philippians 1: 8, “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

3. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

B. When I know you have my best interest, I’m more likely to be persuaded.

Conclusion:

2 Corinthians 6:2 “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.