Leader packs · Answer Other Beliefs · The lesson itself
Teach: Understanding Islam
State your neighbour's faith fairly enough that he would nod, then hold the differences with the Bible open, and learn the way across.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 (BSB)
Teaching outline
- 1Their faith, fairlyRead the What Muslims Believe section together. Ask: would a Muslim friend say this is fair? That test governs the whole lesson.
- 2Where it differsWalk the four differences. Keep a Bible open at each set of verses, and let the texts, not the leader, draw the lines.
- 3Their questionsTake the four questions Muslims ask, one per volunteer, answered aloud in under a minute each. Coach for brevity and calm.
- 4The bridgeClose with the gospel bridge: agree where you can, ask the one question about Jesus, offer John's Gospel. Pray for Muslim neighbours by name.
Discussion questions
- Before this lesson, what did you think Muslims believed about Jesus? What surprised you?
- Why does the order matter: their beliefs first, in their own terms, before any differences?
- Read 1 John 2:22 and 23 together. How do you hold a line that firm with a tone that kind?
- Which of the four questions Muslims ask do you feel least ready for? Work it through as a group.
Pushback you will meet
“undefined”
The declaration Muslims make is that there is no god but God. Allah is the Arabic word for God, used by Arabic-speaking Christians in worship and in the Arabic Bible. The real difference is not the name but who God is: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, or not. Keep the argument on the true ground.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
Deuteronomy 6:4 (BSB)
“Isn't stating the differences this plainly going to offend people?”
Truth and tone are separate duties, and both are commanded. This lesson refuses caricature and refuses surrender, which is the combination Peter describes: a defence, given with gentleness and respect.
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15 (BSB)
In plain words
Set Christ apart in your heart as Lord. Then be ready: when someone asks the reason for your hope, have the answer prepared, and give it with gentleness and respect.
The original word · A defense: apologia
The word translated 'defense' is apologia, a formal answer or defence, the word used when a person answers charges before officials, as Paul does in Acts 22:1 and 25:16. Peter is not asking for an argument; he is asking for a reasoned answer, ready in advance.
Context · Gentle, while being slandered
Peter writes to Christians who were being insulted and slandered for Christ's sake (1 Peter 3:16). The command to answer gently is given to people with every reason to answer sharply, which is the point.
Before the session
Bibles open at John 1 and 1 John 2. Leaders: do not let the session become a debate about politics or the Middle East. The lesson is about a neighbour and a gospel.
Downloads
The full set of downloads (Kahoot .xlsx, CSV, printable quiz) is generated from the lesson page; the printable quiz is here.