The Art Of Persuasion (Lesson 3) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

3. The Art of Persuasion

Remarks.

1. This is lesson three, in the sermon-series: "The Art of Preaching." This lesson reviews the need for the church of Christ, to identify sound; capable, and faithful men, to be taught the "art of preaching" of the word of God. This lesson establishes that preaching is an art, that this skill can be taught, learned, developed and perfected. Paul wrote: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child...that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

2. We will investigate the "art of persuasion" in the man of God's preaching and teaching, of the word of God. The sermon begins with the reading of the text. It continues with the minister following good presentation skills. He starts with the aim or proposition of the sermon. He states clearly the points of the lesson; moving systematically through the sermon from one point to the other.

3. The preacher establishes how each point harmonizes with the others; validating the aim of the lesson. Finally, he moves into the conclusion of the lesson; with an invitation from Christ, then, with words of motivation and persuasion, unto the believers. He encourages believers to act on the word of God: in obedience to the gospel of Christ. With this introduction, let's consider the last lesson, in this sermon-series: "The Art of Persuasion."

BODY OF LESSON

III THE ART OF PERSUASION

A. The art of persuasion. The goal of preaching is to instill faith and to encourage and persuade the believer to accept and obey the gospel of Christ. Observe--

1. The word "persuade" in Gr., is peitho or pa'-tho, which means to convince (by argument, true or false); to pacify or conciliate, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty) on:—agree, assure, belief, have confidence, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, and yield.

2. It refers to the persuasive power of preaching: "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with Excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God."

a. His message: "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him (being) crucified."

b. His presence: "And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and much trembling."

c. His presentation: "And my speech and my preaching weren't (delivered) with enticing (peithos or persuasive) words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

d. His reason: "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God," 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

3. "Peithos" means to persuade, "through the preaching of the gospel, by the work of the Holy Spirit and power of God, contained in the gospel message. That the believer's faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God," Romans 1:14-16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:21.

4. Paul's preaching and persuasion:

a. First, in Corinth: "And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks," Acts 18:4.

b. Further, in Ephesus: "And he went into the synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God," Acts 19:8.

c. Finally, in Caesarea: "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian," Acts 26:26-28.

d. Conclusion: The minister's message is not done after the delivery of the lesson. He concludes the message with an invitation to the hearers, to incite faith, and obedience to the gospel through repentance, confession of faith and baptism. The younger ministers must be instructed and guided how to present the invitation; and, how to persuade the believers, unto gospel obedience. This without a doubt; is the most important part, of the minister's overture, of the invitation of Christ.

B. Peter's sermon. On Pentecost, Peter concluded his lesson with a powerful and persuasive invitation. Observe--

1. The conclusion: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men, and brethren, what shall we do?" Acts 2:36-37.

2. The invitation: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38.