Winning An Opponent

Sunday Sermons

Mark Dunagan
09/02/07 - Sunday Evening

Winning an Opponent

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

The Holy Spirit informs us that we are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:11), and are up against a very shrewd and relentless enemy (1 Peter 5:8). In this lesson I want to talk about tactics that we can employ in this struggle so that we will not merely survive this battle, but “overwhelmingly conquer”.

The True Objective of War is Peace

At times even Christians are tempted to grow weary (Galatians 6:9). It is easy to become discouraged or become tried of what seems like one battle against sin, temptation or error after another. Yet we must never resent this constant struggle, for the true aim of this battle is not only our own salvation, but the salvation of others as well. In addition, on the other side of any spiritual battle is peace in one’s own life, contentment, gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. After almost thirty years of constant struggle against Satan, Paul could say, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11). But as long as we give into temptation, as long as we give the old former sinful self mercy, we will never have peace.

Know Your Enemy

When battling error and false religion it is wise to spend some time studying your opponent. Many religions now have websites and one can easily see the verses or points that error will attempt to use in order to make its case. Just like in a literal battle where knowledge of the enemy’s movements is critical to success, knowing the points that error will attempt to use beforehand will enable you to be prepared. “To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself” (The Art of War, Sun Tzu, p. 19). The point is, let your opponent talk and in the process he will provide you will the means of persuading him. Jesus did this. He allowed people to make their points and then He went back and exposed their assumptions (Matthew 22:29-30). Do not spend your time on discussing minor points or things that do not matter. “Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won” (p. 20). The idea here is not to engage an opponent unless you are thoroughly prepared and have a define strategy. Make victory certain before you engage.

Be Unexpected

“Appear at points that the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected” (p. 25). For example, when the Jehovah Witnesses arrive they are prepared to defend their error that Jesus is not God (John 1:1) or that hell is not eternal suffering (Matthew 25:46) (even though these are crucial issues), yet they may be completely unprepared to discuss their yearly observance of the Lord’s Supper or a complete lack of authority for their religious organization. Be perceptive enough to understand where your opponent has any reinforcements and where they have few.

Avoid Weak Arguments

There is enough truth in the Bible (John 17:17) that the Christian should never have to resort to a weak argument or even worse, misusing a verse. “You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked” ((p. 26). Therefore keep your arguments to a minimum, but make sure that they are all solid truth and can withstand any assault. When we give the opponent a weak or poorly thought-out argument we are only giving them a way of escape, an easy out, and ammunition against the truth.

Be Flexible

“Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions” (p. 29). When seeking to convert someone you may find that the discussion moves from disagreement with a verse, to a wrong perception about the world, to false expectations of God, and hundred points in between. As a soldier we must be flexible. The lesson plan that we had prepared may not help this person at all; there might be a more pressing issue than the topic we selected. Yet do not become frustrated. Bringing people out of darkness is never clean, orderly and easy. The battlefield you are on may seem very chaotic; yet keep the goal in mind—the salvation of the opponent (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Remember, we have the Scriptures that prepare us fully for all sorts of situations (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Strike Quickly

“Once war is declared, he will not waste precious time. The value of time—being a little ahead of your opponent has counted for more than numerical superiority” (p. 13). We need to be prepared to fully take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to us (1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 5:16;
Colossians 4:5-6). If someone asks us a question about the Bible or opens a discussion with a comment, good or bad, about a spiritual truth, we need to be quick in engaging this person (Acts 26:24ff). Therefore:

· I need to have my schedule with me so that I can arrange a Bible study on the spot, and be willing it alter it to make time for spiritual pursuits.

· I need to be diligent in my own studies so I can be prepared to answer.

· When I am not prepared to answer I need to spend my time probing the lines of the opponent, gathering information as he or she reveals with worldview.

· Remember, even a criticism or negative comment about God or some spiritual reality can be an open door.

Forage on the Enemy

“Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy. Thus the army will have food enough for its needs”(p. 13). Often we spend a lot of time defending the truth from attacks, which needs to be done (Philippians 1:16), yet equally important is going on the offensive and forcing the opponent of truth to fire his weapons and consume his own resources. Error needs to be allowed to speak; yet it also must be forced to defend itself as well. Anyone can attack the truth, but it is another thing to defend a worldview that claims to be superior to the view taught in Scripture. Most Christians already know what they believe, but often the opponent of the truth has never be forced to defend or even think about what they truly do believe at the end of the day.

Know Yourself

“Without harmony in the state, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed” (p. 30). Jesus gave a very similar principle when He noted, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). In order to successfully wage a battle against temptation:

· We need to be united as a local congregation.

· We need to be united in our marriages.

· We need to cultivate strong family ties.

· We need to be a close-knit group of people (Romans 12:10,15).

Find the High Ground

“All armies prefer high ground to low, and sunny places to dark. Low ground is not only damp and unhealthy, but is also disadvantageous for fighting. If you are careful of your men, and camp on hard ground, your army will be free from disease of every kind, and this will spell victory” (p. 43). For the Christian, choosing the high ground and sunny places means to never be underhanded, be honest and do not adopt the tactics of the world (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We have the truth; we do not need or want the weak strategies of men. Fairly represent the opponent, do not exaggerate his claims, give clear verses in their right context, remain calm, do not shift the conversation, stay focused (2 Corinthians 4:2). In addition, attempt to get your opponent away from the darkness and bring him or her into the light. Meet them at a neutral location, get them away from their associates, have a one-on-one study

Temptation and Fleeing

Even though we have the truth (1 John 2:14), at certain times the Bible commands even the strongest among God’s people to “flee” (2 Timothy 2:22). Joseph knew the truth (Genesis 39:9) and was firm in his convictions, but fled when he realized that temptation was not going to take no for an answer (Genesis 39:12). This reveals that resisting temptation does not mean or require that we remain where the temptation is or is strongest (Proverbs 6:25). There is a time to move out of range. When you are out-matched in the temptation department, do not try to stay and fight, run!

Break the Resistance without Fighting

For the Christian, this means that we can actually win an opponent by our example of goodness and kindness long before we even have a Bible study (Romans 12:19-21). I have often studied with unbelieving men who were married to Christian women and often found them very receptive to a study because they had been softened by the example of their wives and caring brethren.

Mark Dunagan/Beaverton Church of Christ/503-644-9017