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First Evangelists
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on Christ’s loveliness. Then they can present the gospel with divine
tact. And the spirit that is kept gentle when dealing with difficult
people or circumstances will speak more effectively in favor of truth
than any argument, no matter how strong.
We Must Meet Opposition
Continuing His instruction to His disciples, Jesus said, “Beware
of men.” They were not to put complete confidence in those who
did not know God and open their plans to them, for this would give
Satan’s agents an advantage. Human ideas often work against God’s
plans. God’s servants dishonor Him and betray the gospel when they
depend on the counsel of those who are not under the Holy Spirit’s
guidance.
“They will deliver you up to councils. ... You will be brought
before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and
to the Gentiles.” The servants of Christ will be brought before the
great men of the world who might never hear the gospel otherwise.
Having listened to false charges concerning the faith of Christ’s
disciples, often their only way to learn its real character is through
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the testimony of those who are brought to trial for their faith. “It
will be given to you,” said Jesus, “in that hour what you should
speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who
speaks in you.” Those who reject the truth will stand to accuse the
disciples. But the Lord’s children are to reveal the meekness of their
Divine Example. In this way, rulers and people will see the contrast
between Satan’s agents and Christ’s representatives.
The servants of Christ were not to prepare a set speech to present
when brought to trial. The Holy Spirit would bring to their remem-
brance the very truths that they would need. The knowledge they
had obtained by diligently searching the Scriptures would flash into
the memory. But if any had neglected to acquaint themselves with
the words of Christ, they could not expect the Holy Spirit to bring
His words to their remembrance.