How to defend your faith

1 Peter 3:15-16

Matt 5:13-16

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, 2016, p. 1 Pe 3:15–16.

Icebreaker Question: We are a community of believers in Christ. Let’s take some time to rejoice together. Please share one good thing that has happened to you since our last Bible study.

Why this ice breaker is important to remember what God has done for you

Introduction

Christian apologetics means defending the Christian faith to those who disagree. It is an important part of being a Christian. Everyone should be ready to share the gospel and explain their beliefs when asked.

In Greek, the word for defense is "apologia." This is where we get the word apologetics," in systematic theology.

We are in a battle against an enemy who is determined to destroy both you and your faith in God.

Satans Goal

The Bible describes Satan as a roaring lion, always seeking those he can devour. He has been studying human behavior for centuries, gaining insight into our weaknesses to exploit them. 1 Peter 5:8

Satan seeks to bring you deep suffering and pain in hopes that you will turn your back on God and choose to live for yourself instead.

Satan wants you to forget that our struggle is not against human enemies but against powerful spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,

Ephesians 6:12. It's essential to remember this truth so you can equip yourself with the full armor of God, which protects you and enables you to remain steadfast in your faith during difficult times.

The Bible describes Satan as a roaring lion, always seeking those he can devour. He has been studying human behavior for centuries, gaining insight into our weaknesses to exploit them.

Matthew 4:1–11 ESV

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

Jesus defeaded the devil with the word of God, the torah

Shout out to Christia on finishing her semester on the torah

Jesus quotes Deut and Isaiah he rely on the word of God to be his sword

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, 2016, p. Mt 4:1–11. Tell the story on my time at Coca cola and how I was questioned about my faith

Explain the Context of Peter's Letter in 1 Peter

In this letter, the Apostle Peter addresses believers and churches facing severe persecution for their faith in Jesus. He encourages them to stay strong despite their hardships, reminding them of the eternal hope their faith provides and assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Peter challenges them, and despite all the trials you are facing, strive to live a holy life. Do not react negatively to the various challenges and persecutions, as the world does. Instead, remember that as people of God, we are set apart for His purpose.

Peter challenges the audience to embrace their identity as Christians and not to respond to negativity with the same attitude as the world. Paul urges us to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Why? Because our true identity is not defined by our circumstances or the trials we face. The Kingdom of God will take care of us, even in the darkest times of trial and persecution.

People are watching, accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord sets you apart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says in Matthew 5:13-16,When people are watching, the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are set apart. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:13-16,

Matthew 5:13–16““You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

When you become a Christian and accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, a profound transformation begins in your life. The Holy Spirit enters your heart and starts to work within you, shaping your thoughts, actions, and character to mirror those of Christ. This spiritual change is evident in the way you live, making you stand out in a world that often embraces contrasting values.

Christ is undeniably appealing, embodying love, compassion, and grace. However, His message and teachings can also be challenging and disruptive. Jesus calls us to a higher standard of living, referred to as holiness, which involves setting aside personal desires in favor of aligning our lives with God’s will.

As you share the truths of the Gospel, be prepared for potential discomfort or conflict. These messages may disturb those around you who are more invested in their own lives and pursuits than in seeking a relationship with God. Embracing this calling means navigating these challenges with grace and conviction, even when it leads to tension with others.

Luke 12:49–53““I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.””

Satan targets our identity because he knows it can severely damage our relationship with God. By distorting how we see ourselves, he creates a barrier that hinders our connection to the divine. It's crucial for us to stay grounded in our faith and understand our true selves to resist this attack.Satan declares war on our identity because he knows it is perhaps the surest way to wreck the relationship between us and God.Satan declares war on our identity because he knows it is perhaps the surest way to wreck the relationship between us and God.

The early Christians responded to persecution with a remarkable blend of faith, resilience, and perseverance. The New Testament provides insights into their responses through narratives and epistles. Here are some key ways they responded:

How do we defend our faith practically

1. Faithfulness and Witness:

"We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29, AMP). Their strong commitment to their beliefs often led them to speak out publicly, even knowing there could be serious consequences.

2. Prayer and Dependence on God:

The church used prayer for strength and guidance. When Peter was in prison, the church prayed hard for him, which resulted in his amazing release (Acts 12:5-17). Prayer was essential for them during tough times, helping them seek God’s protection and help.

3. Joy and Rejoicing:

- Explanation: Remarkably, early Christians found reason to rejoice even amidst suffering. After being flogged, the apostles left the Sanhedrin "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41, AMP). Their joy did not stem from the suffering itself but from their identity in Christ and the honor of sharing in His sufferings.

Jesus was real to the early church; they honored sharing in the sufferings Jesus endured.

4. Endurance and Steadfastness:

- Explanation: Persecution often led to dispersion but not to the abandonment of the faith. For example, when persecution scattered the believers from Jerusalem, they preached the word wherever they went (Acts 8:1, 4). This endurance furthered the spread of Christianity, demonstrating resilience and steadfastness in their mission

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5. Community Support and Encouragement:

The early church focused on supporting each other, especially during persecution. Believers shared their resources and helped one another, as shown in Acts 2:44-47. They encouraged each other to stay faithful, as seen in 1 Peter 4:12-13, which reminded believers not to be surprised by suffering but to rejoice in it.

6. Forgiveness and Love for Enemies:

Many early Christians followed Jesus' teachings by forgiving and loving their persecutors. Stephen, the first martyr, prayed for those who were stoning him, asking for their forgiveness, just like Christ did.