When Evangelism Includes Apologetics

Outline of Lesson One: When Evangelism Includes Apologetics

• 1 Peter 3:15: “Make a Defense“
  • In 1 Peter 3:15, is the directive to “make a defense” a suggestion, a command or a commission?
  • Read the context of this verse, that is, 1 Peter 3:8-17.
    • How would you describe the overall context of 1 Peter 3:15?
    • What should be our attitude and motivation as we prepare ourselves to make a defense?
  • In the original Greek manuscripts, the Greek word translated into English as “make a defense” is apologia [G627], from which we get the English term “apologetics.”
    • Apologia is used eight times in the New Testament: Acts 22:1; Acts 25:16; 1 Cor. 9:3; 2 Cor. 7:11; Phil. 1:7; Phil 1:16; 2 Tim. 4:16; and 1 Pet. 3:15.
    • Apologia is translated into English at 1 Peter 3:15 as:
      • “make a defense” [ESV, NASB, RSV, NIV, NET], and
      • “give an answer” [KJV, NKJV, HCSB].
  • Compare and contrast the expressions “give an account,” “make a defense,” and give an answer.” In particular, consider the extent to which the English expression “make a defense” might lead to a level of contentiousness not anticipated by the Greek word apologia.
• 1 Peter 3:15: “The Hope That Is in You“
  • What is the hope that is within you?
  • Is the explanation for the hope that is within you the same as the Gospel, or, is it something a bit different than the Gospel?
• 1 Peter 3:15: “Anyone Who Asks You for a Reason“
  • What categories or groups of people would most likely be asking you for a reason for the hope that is in you?
    • Why would they ask? What would prompt such a question?
    • Should followers of Christ expect to be asked such a question from time to time? Why?
    • How should followers of Christ conduct themselves so as to prompt such a question, and create space and opportunity for such a question?
  • What circumstances most typically precede the asking of this question?
• What motivates us to learn about apologetics?
  • Obedience: 1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3.
  • Love for nonbelievers and those whose faith is under attack or is being undermined: 1 Corinthian 13; Jude 22; 1 John 4:19.
    
  • Discipleship: 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 1:7.
• Some observations about apologetics:
  • Apologetics is often thought of as “conversational evangelism.” For example, a discussion of the reason for the hope that is in you, serves as an open opportunity to share your personal testimony.
  • Apologetics also has a role as “pre-evangelism,” by giving followers of Christ an opportunity to explain such concepts as God, sin, holiness, creation, fall, redemption, and life after death to a nonbeliever who is skeptical of, or unfamiliar with, these basic concepts.
  • Apologetics is also considered to be the branch of Christian theology which offers a rational defense of the Christian faith by offering answers and rebuttals to any and all critics who oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible.
  • Apologetics is similar to preaching because its goal is ultimately the defense and presentation of the validity and necessity of the Gospel.
• Levels of Apologetics
  • Level One: Giving one’s personal testimony, and sharing the Gospel, as an explanation or an account of the hope that is within the follower of Christ.
  • Level Two: Drawing from special revelation (i.e., the Bible) and general revelation (i.e., creation, see Romans 1:20) to explain what we can know about God, the Gospel, and redemption. This will be the primary emphasis of this series.
  • Level Three: “Digging deeper” so as to be able to humbly engage in rigorous and thoughtful discussions about such things as cosmology (e.g., why there is something instead of nothing), teleology (e.g., the fine tuning of the universe, the anthropic principle, and intelligent design), and morality (e.g., why enduring principles of right and wrong seem to permeate the human experience). We will touch lightly on these subject in this series.
• The Biggest Problems with Apologetics
  • Loss of Humility: As followers of Christ gain confidence and a greater understanding of what it means to make a defense of the faith, they need to prayerfully guard against pride and the pretense that they can “talk someone into the Kingdom.” 1 Corinthians 1:17, Galatians 6:14.
  • Loss of a High View of the Role of the Holy Spirit: At the end of the day, no one comes in repentance to a saving knowledge of, and relationship with, Jesus Christ without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
    
  • Confusion of Apologetics with Proclamation: At the end of the day, the Gospel must be proclaimed. Apologetics can “cultivate the soil,” but only the Gospel contains the seeds of salvation. Mark 1:14-15; Romans 10:14.
• Experiences with Apologetics: Think about those situations when you have had discussions with nonbelievers. Whether or not you thought of those situations as “apologetics,” did you:
  • Come to realize that you somehow were seen as “different” in the eyes of the nonbeliever?
  • Explore with the nonbeliever his or her “barriers” to the Gospel (e.g., evolution, bad experiences with Christians, certain political issues, “big bang” theory, etc.)?
  • Prayerfully commit your encounter(s) to the Lord?
  • Wonder if, with God’s help, you could offer a somewhat more informed defense of the Gospel?