Two questions:
Did Jesus address vipers in the same manner that he addressed sheep?
What do I mean by "viper"?
I mean someone whose fundamental nature is to find something negative, in conversations, so that he can accuse the person. He is not looking to learn or understand.
What do I mean by "sheep"?
I mean someone who is seeking to learn or to understand.
The basic question, though, is whether Jesus expects the believer to address vipers in the same tone that he would address sheep.
If you think Jesus expects us to address the two in the same manner, can you find Scripture to support this?
If you don't think Jesus expects us to address the two in the same manner, can you find accounts that support this, from Jesus' life or the lives of the apostles or believers?
My personal opinion is that the answer is highly situational, and requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For example, when it comes to those who are attempting to discredit the gospel or Scriptural teachings, there is more to be considered than just personal humility.
Having been a member of a cultic organization, I realize that if I don't address their answers with firmness and confidence, they will assume that they are right in their teachings, and I cannot provide a good, evangelical response. Therefore, I would be obligated to respond to them in an aggressive manner.
Martin Luther was known for his strong polemics against Roman Catholics. I would not exactly take his approach, as he used distasteful language at times, but I do think it is appropriate to be very aggressive with those who are seeking to discredit sound doctrine.
Proverbs 26:4-5
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Did Jesus address vipers in the same manner that he addressed sheep?
What do I mean by "viper"?
I mean someone whose fundamental nature is to find something negative, in conversations, so that he can accuse the person. He is not looking to learn or understand.
What do I mean by "sheep"?
I mean someone who is seeking to learn or to understand.
The basic question, though, is whether Jesus expects the believer to address vipers in the same tone that he would address sheep.
If you think Jesus expects us to address the two in the same manner, can you find Scripture to support this?
If you don't think Jesus expects us to address the two in the same manner, can you find accounts that support this, from Jesus' life or the lives of the apostles or believers?
My personal opinion is that the answer is highly situational, and requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For example, when it comes to those who are attempting to discredit the gospel or Scriptural teachings, there is more to be considered than just personal humility.
Having been a member of a cultic organization, I realize that if I don't address their answers with firmness and confidence, they will assume that they are right in their teachings, and I cannot provide a good, evangelical response. Therefore, I would be obligated to respond to them in an aggressive manner.
Martin Luther was known for his strong polemics against Roman Catholics. I would not exactly take his approach, as he used distasteful language at times, but I do think it is appropriate to be very aggressive with those who are seeking to discredit sound doctrine.
Proverbs 26:4-5
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.