APOLOGETICS

I. Introduction
A. What Is Apologetics
The Greek word apologia means a verbal defense (Acts 22:1;
25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 1;7,17; 2
Timothy 4:16, 1 Peter 3:15)
Christian apologetics deals with answering any and all critics who
oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible.
Apologetics can both be defensive (Phil. 1:7) and offensive (2 Cor.
10:5).
B. Why Study Apologetics
1. The Word of God commands us to be ready to defend the faith (1 Peter
3:15).
2. Studying apologetics helps us to know our faith .
3. Apologetics is an attempt to keep people out of hell.
4. We need to be able to counter the bad image that Christianity has
received in the media and in our culture.
5. Apologetics helps us in dealing with the constant threat of apostasy in the
visible Christian church.
6. There are many false teachings out there that try to influence the minds
of believers and non-believers all over the world.
7. The rise of immorality all over the world is a threat not only to society but
also to Christianity.
8. Schools (especially in North America and Europe) are not friendly to
Christianity.
C. Guidelines for Doing Apologetics
1. Be prayerful.
2. Be knowledgable of Scriptures.
3. Be informed about cult material, secular material, and other sources of
information.
4. Listen to what is being said to you and respond to it.
5. Ask questions that require the others to explain what they believe.
6. Dont interrupt.
7. Avoid attacking or ridiculing the person.
8. Dont be afraid to make mistakes .
9. Study what you discover you dont know.

10. Dont be afraid to take a chance in defending your faith .

11. Rehearse and practice in your mind.
Part of the material presented here is taken from Sunday School Notes, A Brief Course on Apologetics, Oct.
2002-May 2003