Bible Study: Apologetically Speaking

The word apologetics is an English derivative of the Greek word apologia which means “answer”. Apologetics has absolutely nothing to do with apologizing about anything. Apologetics, according to Grudem’s Systematic Theology is “providing a defense of the truthfulness of the Christian Faith for the purpose of convincing non-believers.” apologetics refers to the defense of the Christian faith against all intellectual attacks. Apologetics can include scientific, theological, and philosophical arguments in support of God, the Bible, and the Christian faith. However, for this particular post we will look at the defense or “answer” within Scripture.

1 Peter 3:15 (NASB95)

15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense (give an answer) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; {Translation in parenthesis is my own}

We, as Christians, are commanded to defend the Christian faith.

Jude wrote to those believers who needed to expose the false teachings of those who had attached themselves to the Christian faith.

Jude 3 (NASB95)

3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

The apostles, and particularly Paul, spent a great deal of time giving an answer or defending the faith.

Acts 4:33 (NASB95)

33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

Romans 1:20 (NASB95)

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

1 Corinthians 15:1–8 (NASB95)

1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,

2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;

7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;

8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

Paul was defending the faith! That is something that we should all be able to do. But how do we do that? We study the Bible to discover the truths contained within and then learn how to present those truths to others. We give our apologia or our answer regarding the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

There are some who say that apologetics do not work in our present culture. I say that they are misinformed. Answers to questions such as “Why am I here?”, “Does God really exist?”, and “Is the Bible really true?” are all answered in the Bible. Our apologia, or our answer, is contained within the Scriptures. Likewise, when apologetics is spread out to include science and philosophy the answer returns the same. Truth is truth. The truth is found in the Bible and is manifested throughout nature, science, and philosophy.

Bible Study is imperative if one wishes to defend the faith. Without Bible Study how can one know on what foundation that their faith exists? Careful reading and study will reveal the apologia the answer to defend the faith when questions arise during witnessing. A dedicated disciple who studies can provide these answers when needed.

Did I say witnessing? Discipleship? Just goes to show how closely related Bible study is to witnessing and discipleship.

Until next time, God Bless.

In His Grip,

Lonnie Richardson

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Bible Study: Apologetically Speaking

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