Answer The Question!!!
Have you noticed that during many interviews with politicians or executives, that the one asking questions has to use this phrase?
Why?

Introduction
There is a reason that many people will not answer the question:
For some, to answer the question might put them in a bad light (So they think).
For others, they are uncomfortable in dealing with the subject.
For others they might demonstrate ignorance.
For some, they are just going to be rebellious.

The problem that many have with answering questions is that they are afraid of the follow-up questions.
We see them divert the conversation into their agenda rather than deal with the problems at hand.
It could be that they caused the problem and do not want to admit such.
It could be that one of their buddies did something wrong and they know it, but will not admit it.
When one answers a question, it demonstrates that they are not totally ignorant.
At the same time, it also demonstrates that they have a responsibility and recognize such responsibility.
When a boss ask the worker why they did not do the task they were given to do.
The response will tell the boss everything they need to know about that employee.

We know that questions are important in our lives.
Some ask questions to learn facts.
Some ask questions to get others to think.
Some ask questions to make a point (rhetorical questions).
Some ask questions even if they know the answer.

When it comes to the spiritual realm, questions are really important because the answer is vital for the salvation of our soul.
“What must I do to be saved?” should be the most obvious question that anyone could ask.
Of course, this depends upon the willingness to hear the answer and submit to the requirements.
We have several examples in the Bible of people asking that question.

Some might ask the question: “What is the least I can do and still make it to heaven”.
This demonstrates an unwillingness to do what God wants them to do.
They are looking for the lazy way to heaven.
The truth is that there is no lazy way to heaven, and those asking this question are not going to go to heaven.
Jesus asked many questions during His ministry.
We also notice that the majority of His questions were rhetorical.
Since Jesus was Deity, He already knew the answer to the questions He asked.
Usually His point was to get the listeners to consider what was more important.

Matthew 21:23
“And when He had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave You this authority?
They asked what right Jesus had to speak as He was speaking?
This demonstrated that authority is important.
They pretended it was very important.

Matthew 21:24
“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘I will ask you one thing too, which if you tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things’.”
Jesus turned the question around in such a way that they had no choice but to respond.
Remember that there were many people there hearing Jesus speak.
And, this was a fair response.
Jesus knew that if He responded that God gave Him this authority that they would accuse Him of blasphemy.

Matthew 21:25
“The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men? And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, ‘If we say, from heaven, He will say to us, ‘Then why do you not believe him’?”
The moment Jesus asked the question, the leaders knew they were in a pickle.
That is why they began to reason among themselves to see if there was some way to get out and not lose face in the sight of the people.

Matthew 21:26
“But if we say from men, we fear the multitude; for they all hold John to be a prophet”.
They continued their reasoning, and this demonstrated their true colors.
They were more interested in their status than they were in obeying God.
This really became obvious to the people later on.

When it comes to spiritual matters, we often are asked questions.
Some truly want to learn about God and His word.
They have a sincere interest in their soul and they want to learn how to be saved and reach heaven.
We should welcome these kinds of questions, and be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15).
Other people ask questions in the same manner we read about in Matthew 21:23-27.

Many times they are sarcastic questions.
They usually accompany these questions with an air of superiority about them.
Once again we should be ready to give an answer with meekness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).
In the Old Testament we see where God asked many questions of different people.
Of course, since God is God, and all knowing, He did not ask questions seeking information?
He asked questions to get the listeners to examine themselves.
When God ask Job if he established the earth or put the stars in the heavens, it was obvious that Job knew he did not do such, but God did.

Many people will question things about God.
But not for the purpose of seeking the truth.
They are seeking a soloution where they do not have to be obedient to God.
For the person who is not interested in serving God will find any reason not to serve Him.
Or for them, any excuse will do.

Conclusion
There are many who do not obey God.
Yet still admit to having a personal relationship with God.
Remember that the Bible teaches that God will punish those who do not know Him and do not keep His commandments (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
Have you questioned your spiritual condition?

By Carey Scott

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