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Another Cup of Coffee?

When we begin to use our intellects in the service of our Creator and Savior, we will naturally wish to do so with the best efforts and quality available. It is obvious in the pages of the New Testament that this was the case for the disciples, whether they were fishermen, tax-collectors, or studious teachers of the law. They put their minds to work - searching God's word for better understanding and reasoning with people to persuade them of its truth.

Yet they knew the difference between intellectual argument - the presentation of premises or reasons in support of an inference or conclusion, the offering of evidence to substantiate claims - and the interpersonal spirit of hostility or contention. Thus Peter, aware of different ways and argument can be conducted, specifically reminded his readers to offer their reasoned defense "with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). Paul wrote: "the Lord's bondservant must not quarrel, but gentle toward all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting those who oppose themselves" (2 Timothy 2:24).

This does not mean giving even an inch on the issues of truth over which we disagree with the unbeliever. But it does mean, as Dr. Van Til would always say, that we keep buying the next cup of coffee for our "opponent." By Greg Bahnsen, Excerpted from Penpoint (click here).

Posted by tim at August 14, 2004 11:41 PM

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