Making Your Case
1 Peter 3:15-17; Acts 21:40-22:10
From the time children begin to speak, one of the most common words they utter is “Why?” That word may eventually grow frustrating to young parents, but it’s a good thing children learn to ask why, because much of what they learn about the world, about life, and about faith come from that simple, one-word question: Why?
Even after we are grown, “why?” is still a valuable question to ask. In fact, in our text from 1 Peter 3:15-17, the apostle points out that it is important that we know why we believe – and that we are prepared to share those insights with others.
In Christian theology, we use the word “apologetics” to refer to making the case for Christianity, and for responding to attacks against the faith. It comes from the Greek term apologia, which meant “to argue on behalf of a particular position.” It was originally a legal term – after the prosecutor makes a charge, the defense makes an apologia, an answer to the charge. In the New Testament, Paul uses the term in Acts 26 as he makes his “defense” before Festus and Agrippa. In our Acts 21 text, we see an example of Paul making the case for Christ to a hostile crowd at the Temple in Jerusalem.
Peter uses a form of the word as we are encouraged to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (v. 15, NIV).
Why does it matter that we know what and why we believe? It’s important for several reasons, but here is the most vital: It helps us more effectively share our faith in Christ as we witness to others. It’s not that you must be a theologian to share your faith. Rather, it simply means that we can more effectively and graciously share what Christ has done when we have a solid grasp of biblical truth ourselves. It’s important to study God’s truth so we can lovingly introduce that truth to others, and be able to respond to their questions and objections.
Michael Duduit– Lessons by Michael Duduit, Dean of the College of Christian Studies and Professor of Christian Ministry at Anderson University in Anderson (www.auministry.com). He also serves as executive editor of Preaching magazine.