Asking questions is a good way for one to learn about the truths taught in the Bible. Even when the questioner is not seeking knowledge, but attempting to cast doubt or attack the Bible believer, questions can often provide an opportunity to teach others as the critic is answered.
The Bible contains several examples of good questions – some by those who were honestly seeking the truth, some by those who were trying to attack the truth. Examining these questions will help us to learn or be reminded of some important lessons that God has revealed to us in His word. So in this article, we will look at some of these good questions that we find in the Scriptures.
“What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) – This is the primary question that all people should be asking. The question was asked by the Philippian jailer. Earlier, the Jews at Pentecost and Saul (later known as Paul) asked the same thing (Acts 2:37; 22:10). Most of the denominational world believes that man is not required to do anything to be saved. Yet when Paul, Peter, and Jesus were asked this question, they most certainly indicated that man must do something in order to be saved. The divinely-given requirements include belief (Acts 16:31; Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3, 5), confession (Romans 10:9-10), and baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
“By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23) – Jesus was asked this question by the chief priests and elders. These were the enemies of Jesus and were questioning His authority. Though they were attacking Jesus, their question is a good one for us to ask when we consider any work we might attempt to do in service to God. We are obligated to do all things “in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17), which means by His authority. His word is the standard we are to follow (2 Timothy 1:13).
“What is truth?” (John 18:38) – When Jesus told Pilate that He came “to testify to the truth” (John 18:37), Pilate responded with this question. Pilate asked this of the one who was the embodiment of truth (John 14:6). The word of God is truth (John 17:17) and Jesus was the word in the flesh (John 1:1, 14). Today we look to the Scriptures to find the truth of God. The psalmist wrote, “The sum of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160).
“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18) – The one we commonly refer to as the rich young ruler asked Jesus this question. He was interested in eternal life. He understood that there was something that needed to be done to inherit it. So he asked Jesus what that would be. Since the Old Law had not yet been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14), Jesus told him to keep the commandments of the law (Luke 18:20). We live under a new law today. We must now recognize that Jesus is “to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). After doing what is necessary to be saved [see first point], we must continue to serve the Lord as He expects all of His disciples to do (Matthew 28:20). Those who are “faithful until death” will be rewarded with “the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
This list is certainly not exhaustive; but these examples remind us that when questions are asked, there is an opportunity for the truth to be taught. Let us learn from the answered questions in the Bible so that we might grow in our knowledge of the truth. Let us also be ready to answer questions that others may ask of us (1 Peter 3:15) so that we might help lead them to the truth.
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Questions can also be used by a teacher as a way to help lead his audience to the truth. In a future article, we will consider some Bible examples of teachers using this method to lead others to an understanding of God’s will.
Andy,
I liked this approach and example you have used about “Good Question.”
That is a very effective way to teach someone the truth. Simple and straight forward. We can even teach people by NOT answering their quesiton as Jesus did in Matthew 21:23-27.
Wayne, good point. Jesus didn’t directly answer their question, but He definitely made His point stick with the response He did give. I plan to cover that in a follow up article.