GETTING READY FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, MAY 4
READING: 2 TIMOTHY 4:2-5 | 1 PETER 3:14-16
A Christian apologetic is one that would be done the way Jesus would do it! The word “apologetics” derives from the Greek word apologia. Originally an apologia was a speech of defense or an answer given in reply to someone’s question. (Bible.org article).
New Testament authors use the word apologia seventeen times throughout their letters. It is normally in the context of defending themselves against the situation they are in - imprisonment, trial, or “unlawful speech” (speaking about the Gospel). It was more about them answering for the way they were behaving or living — not primarily for the purpose of arguing a doctrine or belief system.
During the 1800s the meaning of this word shifted. Today an apologia is often approached with a bent toward arguing, defending, or persuading someone into knowing about Christian theology. Yet, that does not seem to have been the way Peter wrote about it in 1 Peter 3, “to be prepared to give an answer”, because he quickly continues with “but do this with gentleness and respect”.
Answering with gentleness and respect can be a powerful response as we calmly offer an honest answer about why we believe what we believe.
The current sermon series is built around the traditional understanding of apologia — equipping us to give an account for the way we live and why we practice our discipleship to Jesus in particular ways. We will consider some of the lies of the culture while placing them beside Biblical truths as we seek wisdom and understanding.
In this cultural moment, it is imperative that we know why we believe what we believe, and that we develop the skill to articulate how our actions and words are driven by God’s absolute truth. Our answers must be clear, and always in alignment with Scripture.
Jesus followers should be the best “reasoners” on the face of the earth because they have a helper who says, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). Jesus will help us think, and he will give us his Spirit to guide us to all truth! May we be surrendered to, and led by HIM — the ONE who will produce good fruit from our well-reasoned thinking.
New Testament authors use the word apologia seventeen times throughout their letters. It is normally in the context of defending themselves against the situation they are in - imprisonment, trial, or “unlawful speech” (speaking about the Gospel). It was more about them answering for the way they were behaving or living — not primarily for the purpose of arguing a doctrine or belief system.
During the 1800s the meaning of this word shifted. Today an apologia is often approached with a bent toward arguing, defending, or persuading someone into knowing about Christian theology. Yet, that does not seem to have been the way Peter wrote about it in 1 Peter 3, “to be prepared to give an answer”, because he quickly continues with “but do this with gentleness and respect”.
Answering with gentleness and respect can be a powerful response as we calmly offer an honest answer about why we believe what we believe.
The current sermon series is built around the traditional understanding of apologia — equipping us to give an account for the way we live and why we practice our discipleship to Jesus in particular ways. We will consider some of the lies of the culture while placing them beside Biblical truths as we seek wisdom and understanding.
In this cultural moment, it is imperative that we know why we believe what we believe, and that we develop the skill to articulate how our actions and words are driven by God’s absolute truth. Our answers must be clear, and always in alignment with Scripture.
Jesus followers should be the best “reasoners” on the face of the earth because they have a helper who says, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). Jesus will help us think, and he will give us his Spirit to guide us to all truth! May we be surrendered to, and led by HIM — the ONE who will produce good fruit from our well-reasoned thinking.
RESOURCES
The full Bible.org article series titled “Faith Has Its Reasons.” Most of today’s notes came from the articles “1. What is Apologetics?” and “2. A Brief History of Apologetics”