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Controversy With Unbelievers

Question

Should we enter into controversy with disbelievers?

Quick Answer

Yes! Read more.

Bible Answer

Matthew 4:8 "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

Inspired Answer

"How many of us believe that? How may in their Christian experience, in their worship of God, make God first, the best, and all and in all? Here He says, “Get thee hence Satan.” [Verse 10.] He rebukes him right there, notwithstanding he presents before Him the whole kingdoms of the world, if He would serve him. Well, the whole kingdoms of the world were not his to give. But the Lord Jesus always takes the affirmative. The affirmative of righteousness, the affirmative of the power of reasoning. He takes the affirmative. If many of us would stop our getting into argument with infidels, and with those who do not live the righteousness of Christ, if we would follow the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, why then we would be on safe vantage ground and the enemy could not touch us. Will we think of this? Don’t, I beg of you get into controversy with Satan. Go right on and advance a higher truth. Go right on and proclaim a higher truth. {Ms115-1909.26} “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.] {Ms115-1909.27}
Do we know how much that comprehends? There are but very few that consider it. They can consider many things, but when it comes to the very points that they should consider, they let the enemy come in and lead them, and lead them into controversy. They have given themselves into his power. Don’t get into controversy with those who will only sap your strength, but make an advanced assertion, make an advanced appeal of the future life. If we could have just genuine common sense, when we do take up the subject that is of such intense interest to us, we should find churches everywhere that are strong and efficient and could be trusted in every respect, anywhere, to lead the people. What we want is leaders. We want leaders—those that will stand by the truth as firm as a rock and that will not be misled. {Ms115-1909.28}
“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.] {Ms115-1909.29}

Further Observations

It is easy to get embroiled in controversy with unbelievers.