Defending and Contending

People have visited our site and have talked to me or written us to ask what apologetics really is. As you probably know, the term apologetics doesn’t appear in the Bible…verbatim. It’s concept and the word it’s derived from IS there. It’s like the word rapture. Rapture doesn’t appear as “r-a-p-t-u-r-e”, but it does appear in context. The Greek word “harpazo” means “to catch away” or “to catch up” — synonomous with the term rapture. Hence, it’s really there.

The term “apologetics” comes from the word translated “give an answer” (apologia), found in 1 Peter 3:15. It says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear….” Apologia also means “clearing of self” and “defense” (hence, the phrase “defending the faith”). Therefore, a proper and sound definition of “apologetics” (keeping in mind that we’re just defining the term) refers simply to being ready to give an answer — thoroughly, accurately and peaceably.

Over the years, the term “apologetics” has become “exclusively” related to Christian theology (even though its basic definition) does not suggest this limitation. The act of being apologetic can apply to anything that can rightfully be defended. Is apologetics a valid aspect of Christianity? The answer to that question is a resounding YES. In dealing with apologetics, there is an inherent danger that we should all be aware of. If not understood properly, it can do much more harm than good. What’s important to note about apologetics (the gist of today’s message) is that DEFENSE IS NOT ITS ONLY ELEMENT.

Thorough examination of the scriptures lets us know that one cannot simply sit back and defend or give answers regarding what we believe and why. That’s not enough. Our actions in God are NEVER one-dimensional. There are always at least two dimensions that we should be involved in. The second dimension in this matter is…CONTENTION (or contending for the faith). We must CONTEND for the faith once delivered to the saints BEFORE we can ever hope to properly DEFEND and give an answer for what we believe in. Those who do not CONTEND are subject to fall into error at almost any given time. They never take the time to assure themselves regarding what they believe — just taking what they’ve learned at face value, satisfied by one or two scriptures.

Earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, as stated in Jude 3, challenges every person claiming to belong to Christ to make sure that what they believe is in direct and exact harmony with doctrines that were originally taught by the apostles. Doctrine has been subject to countless attacks and attempts to corrupt and adulterate (many of which were successful). Many in Christendom embrace these false doctrines. Many who embrace the false doctrines (earnestly contending for the faith that WAS NOT delivered to the saints) and add insult to injury by DEFENDING these misnomers and approving themselves as authorities on the matter(s). We cannot rely on, embrace or trust in doctrines that were not supported — foundationally or directly — by the apostles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Interestingly, modern-day apologetics thrives on issues that are irrelevant for the Christian. Most of today’s well-known apologetics “specialists” (known as apologists) spend great amounts of time dealing with issues such as abortion, creation vs. evolution, what other religions believe, etc. This is fine and dandy…to a point. The problems here are: 1) abortion and creation vs. evolution aren’t issues for a genuine Christian; 2) these topics are usually directed at those who are not saved; 3) what other people believe doesn’t matter if you don’t deal properly with what you’re supposed to believe and 4) all of these elements are external to the kingdom of God and in no way reflect Jude 3 OR 1 Peter 3:15.

An individual who focuses on DEFENSE will miss the entire message of 1 Peter 3:15:

• BE READY: The word “ready” refers to “fitness” and “well adjusted”. It’s safe to say that it’s talking about being “in shape” in God. Being “in shape” deals more than with what you and I know, but also deals with the condition of our heart. This is why people who aren’t sincere about the Lord can’t defend the faith. They’re not contending on an individual basis. First Timothy 4:16 covers this.
  
  
• TO GIVE AN ANSWER: This part is clear. The term “answer” IS absolute, however. We can’t give any old answer, but an answer that’s pleasing to God. Keep in mind that an answer is the end discourse to a question. Unfortunately, some “Christians” answer questions with other questions, providing no closure to topics or issues. Only those who are “ready” can give sufficient answers. NOTE: This does not mean that we should answer EVERY QUESTION. Some questions are traps. We need to be wise and have sharp enough discernment to identify questions that should be answered.
  
  
• TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH A REASON OF THE HOPE WITHIN YOU: This is EXTREMELY important. It’s dealing with “inquiring minds” regarding the Lord Jesus and the things that concern Him. Note elements of evangelism and discipleship in the book of Acts. The book is replete with the element of curiosity. Many of those who were born again exhibited high levels of curiosity about what was happening in the lives of the disciples. When you get a chance, look at Acts 2, Acts 4, Acts 10, Acts 16, Acts 19, etc. In almost every instance, we see God using curiosity to draw people to Him. The unsaved person is the one doing the inquiring. In today’s apologetics, unfortunately, it’s the other way around most of the time. It’s also interesting to note that many of the disciples were either “minding their own business” or dealing with life in general when opportunities for discipleship were presented. Something worth noting.
  
  
• WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR: The greatest element of meekness is submission. The greatest elements of fear are carefulness, reverence and recognition of God’s majesty. Those operating in meekness and fear will operate wisely and in accordance with the mind of God, seeking to please Him and not man, being led of the Spirit — speaking as the oracles of God in every opportunity (1 Peter 4:11).

We must be determined in the Lord to earnestly CONTEND…not in general, but for the faith once delivered to the saints. We must also be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us…in accordance with the scriptures.

What faith was once delivered to the saints? We won’t deal with that today. That topic, as a whole, is not meant to be covered in this forum. EVERY CHRISTIAN, however, should keep 2 Corinthians 13:5 at the forefront of his/her mind. Self-examination is a must. Many of us are never encouraged to do this. Many of us don’t know how. Too many of us don’t care. In conjunction with this, we close with Luke 13:24-27:

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. {25} When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: {26} Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. {27} But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

Being in God’s proximity is not enough. We must strive to enter in at the strait gate. If we’re ready to meet that challenge, we must understand that the elements of CONTENDING and DEFENDING are part of that walk. Let’s strive to be successful in these matters. Don’t fall privy to the dangers of apologetics. Don’t be a victim of its’ marketing either.

Until next week, keep the word and be blessed!

Reprinted from Cry Aloud: Volume 4, Issue 1 — Defending and Contending
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