SS Outline 10.5.25

What Is Apologetics?

1. Opening
Read Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13–17

2. Teaching Segment
A. Definition and Scope
Apologetics = from the Greek apologia = “defense.”
Not about being combative but giving a reasoned testimony.
Rooted in worship: we sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts before we speak (1 Pet 3:15).
B. Why Apologetics Matters
Biblical Mandate: Paul in Acts 17, Jude 3 (contend for the faith).
Pastoral Use: Strengthens believers, guards against false teaching, equips for evangelism.
Personal Witness: Helps us answer neighbors, coworkers, and family with confidence.
C. The Reformed Distinctive
God is sovereign over hearts — apologetics does not save, the Spirit does.
We do not argue people into the kingdom, but we give reasons that remove stumbling blocks.
Apologetics serves evangelism, it never replaces it.
D. Guardrails
Don’t confuse apologetics with intellectual pride.
Don’t reduce apologetics to clever comebacks.
Goal: point to Christ, not to ourselves.

3. Real-Life Case Study
Scenario:
A co-worker at lunch asks:
“Why do you even believe in God? You can’t prove it. Isn’t faith just a crutch?”
Steps to Work Through:
Clarify the Question – Ask them why they think faith = blind.
Confess Your Grounding – “I believe because God has revealed Himself in Christ through Scripture.”
Give a Reason – Point to evidence of creation (Romans 1), the resurrection (1 Cor 15).
Pivot to Gospel – Faith is not a crutch but trust in the living God who raised Jesus from the dead.

4. Discussion & Application