The number one reason for Christians to learn apologetics.

Although the following reasons are good,

• To remove obstacles that hinder people from thinking that Christianity is a valid option.

• To help believers become more confident by bolstering the truths claims of Christianity.

• To win arguments at the family bbq.

The most important reason is that the Bible tells us to!

The Bible = Word of God says,” always being ready to make a defense..” By the way, defense is translated from the greek word apologia which is where the word apologetics comes from. 

(Defense = apologia = apologetics) This sounds like a simplistic answer, but there is more to this than you may think.

In 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 in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

To begin the journey of learning apologetics, start with these 5 biblical references to this unique greek word ‘apologia.’

Peter’s use of ‘apologia’:

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 in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Paul use of ’apologia’:

Acts 22:1 

 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

1 Corinthians 9:3 

 My defense to those who examine me is this:

Philippians 1:7 

 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.

Philippians 1:16 

 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

Exercise: Write down what is being defended in each of the above 5 verses.

According to the above verses, what is being defended?