Many times you can use a combination of witnessing techniques.

Here’s an example of how you can combine taking the wind out of their sails with Student Role Teaching to turn the tables when discussing the biblical relationship of faith and works.

The usual interaction between Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses regarding faith and works follows a completely predictable and fruitless pattern.

The Christian cites verses from Paul which teach that salvation is by grace through faith apart from works.

The Witnesses immediately counter with James 2:26: “…faith without works is dead…” That verse is almost a mantra to them.

Back and forth the discussion goes, and the Christian doesn’t get through to them.

Here’s a better way.

Step #1: Take the wind out of their sails.

Bring up James 2:26 first yourself.

Acknowledge up front the importance of good works, obedience, and godly behavior in the Christian life.

Decry the false Christianity that says godliness is unimportant.

By starting this way, you will correct many of the Witnesses’ false views of what justification by faith is all about.

Begin by saying something like this: “I’d like to talk with you about the role of faith and works in the Christian life. I want to start by saying that I believe what James 2:26 says, that faith without works is dead. So if a person says, ‘I’m saved! I’m saved!’ but then he runs off and gets drunk and cheats on his wife, that isn’t biblical Christianity. When I read about preachers who talk about Jesus one day and hire prostitutes the next, I’m just as appalled at that as you are. When someone tells me, ‘I’m saved!’ but then he sits back in his easy chair and lives a self-absorbed life and never shows any concern for his neighbors, that’s not biblical Christianity.”

Step #2: Use Student Role Teaching to Turn the Tables.

Instead of you trying to explain Paul’s doctrines to them, be their student and ask them to explain Paul’s doctrines to you.

I recommend this sort of transition: “So I do believe that works are an important part of the Christian life. But, you know, Paul says some things in Romans about the relationship of faith and works that I find hard to reconcile with what James says. I wonder if we could look at some of those verses together. I’d really like to get your take on them.”

Here’s how such a conversation might go.

Christian: The first passage I’d like to ask you about is Romans 4:1-8. I’d like to ask you read that aloud from your Bible and I’ll want to ask questions as we go along because I really want to hear your understanding of Paul’s teaching point-by-point.

Could you please start by reading verses 1 and 2?

Jehovah’s Witness: That being so, what will we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For instance, if Abraham was declared righteous as a result of works, he would have reason to boast, but not with God.”

Christian: Now according to that, did God declare Abraham righteous as a result of his works?

Jehovah’s Witness:  Well, Paul emphasizes the importance of faith but James 2:21 says that Abraham was declared righteous by works when he offered Isaac on the altar.

Christian: That’s a great point and I do want to discuss that with you a little later, but right now I’d like to concentrate on what Paul says to make sure I understand what Paul is trying to get across. Then I’ll be happy to look at what James says because I know God’s Word doesn’t contradict itself. Can we go on to verse 3?

Jehovah’s Witness: Romans 4:3: “For what does the scripture say? “Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Christian: When did that happen and what exactly did Abraham have faith in?

Jehovah’s Witness: I have a chain reference in my Bible that says it’s referring to Genesis 15, where Abraham first believed Jehovah’s promise that he would have a son.

Christian: So how is being declared righteous because of faith different from being declared righteous as a result of works then?

Jehovah’s Witness: Well, I guess one of them is being declared righteous for trusting Jehovah’s promise, and the other is being declared righteous as a result of your behavior

Christian: I would agree with that… Now let’s go on to verses 4 and 5.

Jehovah’s Witness: Now to the man who works, his pay is not counted as an undeserved kindness but as something owed to him. On the other hand, to the man who does not work but puts faith in the One who declares the ungodly one righteous, his faith is counted as righteousness.”

Christian: What point is Paul making about the difference between the man who works (verse 4) and the man who does not work (verse 5)?

Jehovah’s Witness: Well, he says a man who obtains something by his works isn’t receiving a gift. He is entitled to what he receives; they are wages he has earned.

Christian: Right. Now… in verse 5 there, is God declaring this man who doesn’t work righteous or unrighteous?

Jehovah’s Witness: Righteous.

Christian: So he’s declared righteous despite the fact that he does not work? Am I understanding that right?

Jehovah’s Witness: That’s what it says.

Christian: Why would Jehovah declare an ungodly man—a man who doesn’t work—righteous?”

Jehovah’s Witness: Paul says it’s because of his faith.

Christian: So this man doesn’t work and he’s ungodly, but nevertheless Jehovah declares him righteous because of his faith?

Jehovah’s Witness: That’s what it says.

Christian: Well, if Jehovah has declared him righteous, is he righteous or is he unrighteous?

Jehovah’s Witness: Righteous.

Christian: So it seems that Paul is saying such a man is righteous even though he hasn’t yet produced any good works. Is that how you view what Paul is saying?

Jehovah’s Witness: I guess so…

Do you see how you’ve turned the tables?

Instead of you citing Paul and getting in an argument with the Witnesses, they are the ones reading out Paul’s words and defending and explaining them to you.

Whenever the Witnesses try to steer the discussion toward the importance of works, instead of arguing with them, you can agree that God calls Christians to abandon immorality and to do good works.

Then steer the conversation back to Paul’s statements which say that these works—though important—have nothing whatever to do with saving us.

They are the products of salvation, not the prerequisites to salvation.

For a more detailed discussion of this method, see Chapter 8, “The Faith and Works Approach,” of my book, Getting Through to Jehovah’s Witnesses: Approaching Bible Discussions in Unexpected Ways.