By now, you may be wondering why you should care. You may be asking yourself what the point is behind learning apologetics. I get it. It is intimidating, especially in our world where everyone is preaching understanding and tolerance UNLESS you have a Christian view. With all the strain between believers and the world, why is it so important to learn apologetics?
- We are told to proclaim the Gospel– While the idea of proclaiming the Gospel is based on the Great Commission given to us in Matthew 28:19. But we are also told this in Mark 16:15, “and he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (ESV). Yes the Great Commission is specifically addressing evangelism, but how can you evangelize without practicing apologetics. (additional verses Psalm 96:3, Romans 10:13-14)
- Because you aren’t ashamed of your belief– If you truly aren’t ashamed of your faith, than why wouldn’t you learn to defend it? We should be shouting it from the rooftops! Ok maybe that is a little dramatic. But nevertheless, we shouldn’t be afraid to state what we believe and that line up with biblical teaching. In Romans 1:16, Paul declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” The Gospel is the reason for our hope and the key to obtaining salvation so we need not be ashamed by knowing how to share and defend it.
- To be set apart from the world– While we may be hesitant to really dive into the Bible and the Message itself because we don’t want to stand out or whatever your reasoning may be, we are told to be different than the world. While we are in the world, we are to be set apart from it. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (ESV). When we accept Christ and make the choice to follow Him, we are to no longer conform to the world. Sure we need to learn to function in it, but we are supposed to no longer follow the ways of the world. It can be hard to move forward in this direction, but we have to because we are new creations (John 15:19, Romans 13:14, Romans 12:1, 1 Peter 2:1-25)
- Gain wisdom and knowledge– This is a loaded reason. We are required as believers to search the Word for knowledge and understanding. We are to seek wisdom from God and through His word. We touched on the Bereans in an earlier post. They were people that listened attentively but searched the scripture actively for truth and to verify what was being said was true. We should all aim to be like them and seek knowledge and understanding of God’s word. With knowledge comes wisdom. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6- ESV). When you decide to follow Christ, you will more than likely hit a point where you will feel a yearning in your spirit to learn more. At some point, you will have a hunger to gain as much information as your brain can handle. As Proverbs 18:15 says, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (ESV), so seeking information isn’t a bad thing at all. Gaining knowledge and understanding furthers your personal walk as well. It helps you to gain a personal understanding into what Christ did, is doing, and will do. Studying the Word and learning about what God has left for us to discover, will deepen your relationship with Him. Why don’t we all aim to be that inquisitive child we once were? The one who always asks ‘why?’ and must have answers.
I’m sure these few items give you more reasons why. It can be scary, not knowing what to say, how to say it, when…but the important part is that you do. We can’t go around the world and not aim to learn and understand. You wouldn’t let someone talk bad about your parent, significant other, sibling, etc. would you? So why would you let them talk that way about your God and your faith? We can confront with a level of respect and understanding as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:15-16, in fact we are told to. God will guide you, He will help you know what to say, but you need to do your part and seek that wisdom (Luke 21:15, Proverbs 2:6). That is what apologetics is all about.
Proverbs 3:13-18 (NASB)
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
