Defending Faith: The Art of Apologetics
Summary
In today's gathering at Frizzah Community Church, we explored the profound topic of apologetics, which is the art of defending our faith and sharing the hope we have in Jesus with others. As we navigate a world filled with shifting opinions and beliefs, it's crucial to have a sturdy foundation in our faith, much like a well-built stool that can support weight without collapsing. Our faith in Jesus should be robust, not just based on rote repetition, but on a deep understanding and conviction of His truth.
We began by acknowledging the importance of setting Christ as Lord in our hearts, as emphasized in 1 Peter 3:15-17. This passage encourages us to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have, but to do so with gentleness and respect. The essence of apologetics is not to win arguments but to share the truth of Jesus with love and humility. It's about removing barriers to faith and helping others see the light of Christ.
We discussed the foundation of apologetics, which is rooted in the absolute truth of God's Word. Truth is not relative; it is unchanging and eternal. Our understanding of truth begins with Jesus, who declared Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. By focusing on Jesus, we can navigate the complexities of other theological debates and cultural narratives.
Apologetics also strengthens our own faith. Like Doubting Thomas, who believed when he saw the resurrected Christ, we too can find assurance in the evidence and truth of Jesus' life and teachings. A strong faith is not blind but studied and informed. Engaging in apologetics helps us build confidence in our beliefs, enabling us to stand firm when faced with challenges.
Finally, we emphasized the right attitude in sharing our faith. It's not about being argumentative or defensive but about being kind, gentle, and respectful. Our goal is to reveal the truth with love, illuminating the path to Jesus for others. As we go out into the world, may we be equipped to share the good news with confidence and grace, trusting that God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.
Key Takeaways:
- Foundation of Faith: Our faith in Jesus should be like a well-built stool, sturdy and reliable. It begins with setting Christ as Lord in our hearts, ensuring that our belief is not just based on repetition but on a deep understanding of His truth. [19:30]
- Absolute Truth: Truth is not relative; it is absolute and unchanging. Our understanding of truth starts with Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. By focusing on Him, we can navigate other theological debates and cultural narratives. [48:36]
- Strengthening Faith: Apologetics strengthens our faith by providing evidence and assurance of Jesus' life and teachings. Like Doubting Thomas, we can find confidence in the truth of Christ, enabling us to stand firm in our beliefs. [53:25]
- Right Attitude: Sharing our faith requires a gentle and respectful approach. It's not about winning arguments but about revealing the truth with love, removing barriers to faith, and helping others see the light of Christ. [01:01:34]
- Evangelism through Apologetics: Apologetics is a form of evangelism, helping us confidently share the hope we have in Jesus. By understanding why we believe what we believe, we can effectively communicate the good news to a world in need of truth. [01:06:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Call to Worship and Prayer
- [03:30] - Opening Hymns
- [07:15] - Children's Message
- [19:30] - Introduction to Apologetics
- [25:43] - Announcements and Community Updates
- [35:00] - The Foundation of Apologetics
- [48:36] - The Nature of Truth
- [50:43] - The Role of Apologetics in Strengthening Faith
- [53:25] - Doubting Thomas and Evidence of Faith
- [56:55] - The Importance of Studied Faith
- [59:40] - Paul's Approach at Mars Hill
- [01:01:34] - The Right Attitude in Sharing Faith
- [01:03:45] - The Goal of Apologetics
- [01:06:54] - Evangelism and Apologetics
- [01:09:13] - Closing Prayer and Final Hymn
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Apologetics and Sharing Our Faith
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 3:15-17
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Peter 3:15, what is the first step in being prepared to give an answer for the hope we have? How does this relate to setting Christ as Lord in our hearts? [49:33]
2. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe the importance of having a sturdy foundation in our faith? How does this analogy help us understand the role of apologetics? [19:30]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the primary goal of apologetics, and how should it be approached according to 1 Peter 3:15-17? [01:01:34]
4. How does the story of Doubting Thomas illustrate the importance of evidence in strengthening faith? [53:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does setting Christ as Lord in our hearts influence our ability to share our faith with others? What might this look like in practical terms? [49:33]
2. The sermon emphasized that truth is absolute and unchanging. How does this understanding of truth impact the way we engage in apologetics and theological debates? [48:36]
3. What are some potential barriers to faith that apologetics can help remove, and how can we approach these barriers with gentleness and respect? [01:01:34]
4. How does the example of Doubting Thomas challenge the notion of blind faith, and what does it teach us about the role of evidence in belief? [53:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own faith. Is it more like a sturdy stool or a shaky one? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in Christ this week? [19:30]
2. Consider a time when you were asked about your faith. How did you respond, and how might you incorporate gentleness and respect in future conversations? [49:33]
3. Identify a cultural narrative or theological debate that challenges your faith. How can focusing on Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life help you navigate this challenge? [48:36]
4. Think of someone in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a conversation about Jesus, using apologetics to remove barriers and share the hope you have? [01:06:54]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of a studied faith. What resources or practices can you incorporate into your routine to deepen your understanding of God's Word? [56:55]
6. How can you ensure that your approach to sharing faith is not argumentative or defensive, but rather filled with love and humility? [01:01:34]
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt challenged in your beliefs. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently next time to stand firm in your faith? [53:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Building a Sturdy Foundation of Faith
Our faith in Jesus should be like a well-built stool, sturdy and reliable. This foundation begins with setting Christ as Lord in our hearts, ensuring that our belief is not just based on repetition but on a deep understanding of His truth. When we truly understand and internalize the teachings of Jesus, our faith becomes resilient, able to withstand the challenges and shifting opinions of the world. This kind of faith is not passive but active, requiring us to engage with the Word of God and seek a personal relationship with Christ. By doing so, we are better equipped to share our faith with others, providing a testimony that is both genuine and compelling. [19:30]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of Jesus' teachings and strengthen your faith foundation?
Day 2: Embracing Absolute Truth
Truth is not relative; it is absolute and unchanging. Our understanding of truth starts with Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. In a world where cultural narratives and theological debates can be confusing, focusing on Jesus provides clarity and direction. By anchoring ourselves in the absolute truth of God's Word, we can navigate these complexities with confidence. This truth is not just a set of doctrines but a living reality that transforms our lives and guides our actions. Embracing this truth allows us to stand firm in our beliefs and share the hope we have in Jesus with others. [48:36]
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you ensure that your understanding of truth is rooted in Jesus and not influenced by shifting cultural narratives?
Day 3: Strengthening Faith Through Evidence
Apologetics strengthens our faith by providing evidence and assurance of Jesus' life and teachings. Like Doubting Thomas, who found confidence in the truth of Christ, we too can find assurance in the evidence of Jesus' resurrection and His teachings. A strong faith is not blind but studied and informed, allowing us to stand firm in our beliefs when faced with challenges. Engaging in apologetics helps us build confidence in our faith, enabling us to share it with others effectively. By understanding the reasons for our beliefs, we can communicate the good news of Jesus with clarity and conviction. [53:25]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: What evidence of Jesus' life and teachings can you explore today to strengthen your faith and confidence in sharing it with others?
Day 4: Sharing Faith with the Right Attitude
Sharing our faith requires a gentle and respectful approach. It's not about winning arguments but about revealing the truth with love, removing barriers to faith, and helping others see the light of Christ. Our goal is to share the hope we have in Jesus with humility and grace, trusting that God can work through our efforts to reach others. By approaching conversations with kindness and respect, we create an environment where others feel safe to explore their questions and doubts. This attitude not only reflects the character of Christ but also opens doors for meaningful and transformative discussions about faith. [01:01:34]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach a conversation about faith today with gentleness and respect, focusing on love rather than winning an argument?
Day 5: Evangelism Through Apologetics
Apologetics is a form of evangelism, helping us confidently share the hope we have in Jesus. By understanding why we believe what we believe, we can effectively communicate the good news to a world in need of truth. This involves not only knowing the evidence and reasons for our faith but also being able to articulate them in a way that resonates with others. Apologetics equips us to engage with the questions and doubts of those around us, providing answers that point to the truth of Jesus. As we go out into the world, may we be equipped to share the good news with confidence and grace, trusting that God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. [01:06:54]
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: What specific aspect of your faith can you prepare to share with someone today, using apologetics as a tool for evangelism?
Quotes
"Lord, we ask that we can continue to have that faith that you give us through grace. Lord, we know that we live in a world that is often antagonistic against your word. And help us to be able to not only share our good news, but understand it ourselves. So it comes from a place not of just rote repetition, but a place of true belief, where we are changed from the inside out so others see that change as well. Lord, we thank you so much that we get to trust in you. It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen." [00:18:35] (35 seconds)
"So think about your faith in Jesus. Now, we can have saving faith in Jesus if we just believe. Maybe, but a faith that is much more sturdy is one that understands and is able to share the truth, correct? Yeah. So this is what we're talking about today is how do we grow in actually not just being shaky tables or stools, how do we grow to have really strong stools so people could do that?" [00:21:33] (32 seconds)
"Truth is not relative; it's absolute engaging. And truth is kind of subjective for most people. What's true for you is true for you, and what's true for me is true for me. But the reality is, truth is truth. Truth and falsehood is falsehood. But there's opinions galore about these things. Gravity will always happen. You will never be able to levitate sitting here. I will never be able to jump up and levitate." [00:41:43] (35 seconds)
"Because gravity is a constant and it does not change here on earth. There would have to be a massive shift in the earth's spin or something else to make that false. But there's all these laws that we have that are immutable. They're true. They will never change. And we treat God's truth, not us, but many treat God's truth as changeable truths that may be true-ism but not true." [00:47:48] (33 seconds)
"Thomas believed when there was proof. And people disagree with Christianity because they believe it's a blind faith. We can't prove much. But in reality, I know, I've studied that there is so much proof of why we believe what we believe. There are people that have arguments that are pro-Jesus, and they're good ones because they're based on fact." [00:55:22] (25 seconds)
"Paul is saying that there are philosophies all over the place in his time and in ours that sound really good, but they're hollow. They do not give you what is promised. It may be good for a moment or a season, but it will not stand true forever. Only God's word does that. And apologetics helps build our confidence in our faith." [00:51:44] (26 seconds)
"Apologetics, learning about this, helps us share Jesus effectively because our belief in him is stronger. When hard things come or people come with a hollow sounding argument, we can actually know how to rebuttal. Well, that brings us to the next place. That how do we do that?" [00:57:45] (26 seconds)
"Paul wasn't arguing to win. He was trying to remove some of the barriers that other people had to believing that Jesus was who he says he was. And in that, we need to have a right attitude. The right attitude of how we share Jesus. We're not defensive. We're just removing those barriers." [01:00:08] (24 seconds)
"How we share our faith is this. Don't be angry. Don't be defensive. But you can defend the truth. Defend the faith. And that goes to our outreach. But if we are going to defend it, we need to understand what we're defending and how to defend it. Why we believe what we believe." [01:01:22] (27 seconds)
"Outreach through apologetics must be done with humility and grace. Believe me, I can win an argument about Jesus. And I can do it in a mean way. But what I've learned along the way is that actually in outreach or apologetics is to help people know the saving faith that I know. That's the same for you, too." [01:03:18] (30 seconds)
"Apologetics isn't just about defending our faith, it's about bringing people to Jesus so that we can give away the truth and the life. It's about strengthening our own beliefs so that we can confidently share the hope that we have. So my challenge to us is, will we be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have?" [01:06:44] (24 seconds)
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