Introduction
The art of setting the argument is another way of saying, “Put your opponent on the defense rather than immediately defining your own position.” Far to often Christians live on the defensive in the sense that in their cultural context they see themselves as being the losers, hence operate from a position of fear.
Let’s observe how Jesus and Paul set the argument.
Jesus: Opportunity Captured
One of the most outstanding examples of Jesus settling an argument is when his opponents attempted to put Him on the defensive by asking the question regarding John the Baptist’sauthority (Matthew 21:23–27, Mark 11:27–33, and Luke 20:1–8).
While Jesus was teaching in the temple, his religious opponents attempted to trap him. Operating from their position of perceived authority, they demanded he cite His authority to be teaching, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”
They were confident that they had set Him up. If he responded that His authority was directly from God, they could charge him on several counts, even blasphemy. On the other hand, if He said, on his own authority or some human linkage, the crowds would lose interest in His message.
Rather than answer their question, he posed a question the generated a dilemma for them. If they said that John’s authority came from heaven, then the obvious question that had to answer was, “Then why don’t you believe his testimony about me?” If they answered that John’s authority rested only on his human claim to preach repentance, they would be at odds with the very people they needed to sustain their power.
On another occasion, he did the same thing when the Pharisees and Herodians team up to trap him asking, a political football, “Is it right to pay imperial tax to Ceasar?” For Jesus, it was a double whammy. If he said yes, they could brand him a traitor to the Jewish nation which would turn all the anti-Rome Jewish population against him. If he said no, they could report him to Roman authorities for inciting rebellion.
But, again, Jesus turns the tables by setting the argument. Looking at a coin with Ceasar’s image, he asked, whose image is this. When the replied properly, he responded, “Well, then, the problem is solved. Give Ceasar his due and give God His due.”
Paul: Master of the Process
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after a riot and was brought before the high priest, Ananias, and the full Jewish council to explain his actions. Looking out at the assembly, Paul realized that he was facing a hostile, unified front that was ready to condemn him to death regardless of his defense.
However, Paul is very aware of Jewish religious politics including and understanding of the doctrinal tensions between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
Rather than mount a logical defense for himself, he Instead, Paul chooses a strategic statement that instantly divides the opposition. Listen to him.
“Brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead!”
With that one simple statement, he put the entire Sadducee political faction completely on the defensive. Why, because the Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection angels, or spirit. However, the Pharisees tenaciously believed in all of them. By framing his trial to be about a theological debate over the resurrection, rather than as his crime against Rome or the Temple, Paul pitted his accusers against each other.
Hence, the angst between the two opposing parties became so violent and chaotic that the Roman commander, fearing Paul would be torn to pieces by his own judges, had to send soldiers down to rescue Paul from the courtroom.
You or I at a Community Event
Lets suppose you are at a zoning meeting representing your church board to win a variance to sponsor a youth recreation center after the high school and basketball games. A fellow from the neighborhood watch stands and addresses you directly, “And just how do you propose to keep that gang of teenagers from pillaging your neighbors.”
Your immediate response wants to be, “Thank you for the opportunity to explain the good work we are hoping to do….” Well, don’t. A better response would be, “Neighbor, can you help me understand your evidence that the youth we attack fit your descriptive nomenclature of “gang of teenagers?”
Now, you have made your point of providing evidence that you will be assisting the community by providing a wholesome gathering place and you have put on your opponent the obligation to demonstrate otherwise.
Conclusion
There is nothing manipulative about this process. It is simply and efficiently put the weight of responsibility on the opposition. And, as in Jesus’ time, it is important that those who represent truth (and the Lord Jesus, who is Truth) learn to effectively unveil error.
Implementation
After you next group Bible study or supper club dinner, orchestra some roleplay practice so perfect this technique. Develop the skill so it becomes as if it were second nature.
