1 Peter 3: But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” (Isaiah 8:12) 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Why Apologetics? Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is within you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Every believer has a hope There is a reason for this hope There will be questions about the reason for this hope The believer must be ready to defend the reason/hope The believer should use the best defense The believer must prepare in order to offer the best defense

Christian Apologetics Defined  It is not “apologizing” [discuss Greek word]  It is 1 Peter 3:15  Christian apologetics is the discipline that teaches Christians how to give a reason for their hope  It is the application of Scripture to unbelief 1.Apologetics as proof  Jesus and apostles often offered evidence (John 14:11; 20:24- 31; 1 Cor 15:1-11) 2.Apologetics as defense  Answers objections of unbelief (Phil 1:17 defending the gospel ) 3.Apologetics as offense  Attacking the foolishness (Ps 14:1; 1Cor1:18-2:16; 2 Cor10:5) Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Presuppositions 1.Set apart Jesus Christ as LORD!  What is neutrality?  What does neutrality imply? (see pg 6)  Be faithful to our Lord’s revelation.  To tell the unbeliever that we can reason with him on a neutral basis (even if this may initially attract his attention) is a lie. This does the opposite of setting apart Christ as Lord. Define presupposition. It is pre in 2 senses. Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Circular Argument?  What is meant by “argument”?  Circular: “The Bible is true; therefore, the Bible is true”  Not circular: “If Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearances are well attested, then the Resurrection is a fact. Since his post-Resurrection appearances are well attested; therefore, the Resurrection is a fact.”  Everyone presupposes some kind of authority, or basis, for what they say and think.  Rationalists – human reason is the ultimate authority  Empiricist – sense experience is ultimate  Does this end the conversation? No for 5 reasons… Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

5 reasons Dialogue is possible 1.God has revealed himself clearly to the unbeliever (Romans 1:19ff) “Let’s just keep using our respective presupposition and move along to some matters we haven’t discussed.” 2.Our witness never comes alone. God adds a supernatural element to that witness – the Holy Spirit, working in and with the word (Rom 15:18-19; 1 Cor 2:4-5; 12ff; 2 Cor 3:15-18; 1 Thess 1:5 [cf.2:13]; 2 Thess 2:13-14) If you have doubts in your own ability to communicate, there is something you ought not doubt … The ability of the Holy Spirit – our witness is HIS tool 3.We have dialogue with unbelievers about other things. “Oscar story” Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

5 reasons Dialogue is possible (cont) 4.Recall apologetics can take many forms. Too circular, use an “offensive” apologetic against unbeliever’s worldview or way of thinking.  Ask Socratic questions “How do you account for the universality of logical laws? How do you arrive at the judgment that human life is worth living?, etc.  Tell a parable like Nathan did with King David. E.g. Lk 12: Use “broadly circular” arguments “The Bible is the Word of God because of various evidences… Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

God’s responsibility and ours  Read, think about and BELIEVE what Scripture says. Do you need to understand how everything works? God’s thoughts are higher than yours. But you still know that what it says is true…  God is sovereign  This in no way contradicts our guiltiness and responsibility  What are God’s means of accomplishing his purposes?  Prayer  Preaching Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Sola Scriptura Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Sola Scriptura and General Revelation  Is General Revelation sufficient for understanding the world?  For salvation?  Was it before the Fall?  “spectacles of Scripture” [get quote and pic from Calvin ppt] Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Value/Importance of Apologetics  Benefits are similar to that of preaching  Leads to the conversion of the lost and the edification of the saints. Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Dangers - Warning  What are the characteristics of an apologist that Peter gives in 1 Peter 3:15-16?  List the most important qualifications for an apologist. Intelligent? Knowledgeable?  IndifferenceIndifference 2.IrrationalismIrrationalism 3.IgnoranceIgnorance 4.CowardiceCowardice 5.Arrogance and intellectual vanityArrogance and intellectual vanity 6.Superficial techniques or schlock apologeticsSuperficial techniques or schlock apologetics Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics

Apologetics to the Glory of God ch1 Basics